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I've had mixed success with germination of my seeds this year, some things have shot up within a couple of days of being sown, whereas others just haven't germinated at all. I sowed another batch of seeds yesterday so we'll see how they do. Most of the seeds are new so I can't put it down to using old seed. Perhaps I'll use the excuse I often use these days and blame the weather.
It's the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week and it's celebrating it's centenary. I'm not lucky enough to have tickets to go, but I'll be glued to the tv watching. I've heard many people who have been to the show say that it's so crowded that you can't get very good views of the gardens, so perhaps the best place to see it is from the comfort of the sofa.
I've had mixed success with seeds this year too, I genuinely think it is the weather, too cold for them so mine have rotted before they managed to get going.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Chelsea twice, it was crowded but, with patience it was possible to see everything. I'm going to enjoy it on the TV too and am seriously considering going again next year.
It's interesting to hear of others having mixed success with seeds, I think it can only be down to the weather. Chelsea in so popular that so many people want to go, I suppose crowds are to be expected.
DeleteMy wife Jane is going to Chelsea on Thursday with a friend, using tickets won in a competition. One of the joys of being such a dedicated Comper!
ReplyDeleteJane is so lucky with the prizes she wins, I hope she has a wonderful time. I'm surprised you're not going to Chelsea with her though.
DeleteI too have had mixed success with seeds this year - usually get nearly 100% germination with runners, climbing and dwarf french beans sown in greenhouse, but only handful of climbing and runners up and no dwarf at all! Even courgettes only 50% germinated. Its got to be the weather when you do the same each year!
ReplyDeleteHave been several times to Chelsea and it's crowded around the gardens, but can usually get to the front eventually! Probably get a better view from the tv but its special being there too.
Gill xx
My beans are exactly the same, a few runners and climbers are through but no dwarf as yet. There's still time though. I should imagine the atmosphere at Chelsea is something else, you wouldn't get that sat on the sofa.
DeleteI'm also viewing Chelsea from the comfort of the sofa, although I vow to actually go there one year.
ReplyDeleteSome of my seedlings haven't done well this year, although mainly of the flower variety. Like you, I'm blaming the weather ;-) Your onions and shallots look really good though.
I'd like to go just to experience it if nothing else. I'm just hoping that the onions don't suffer the effects of living in their pots too long, I was rather remiss in getting them planted out.
DeleteI still have some onions and shallots to plant out!
ReplyDeleteI didn't quite get all the red onions in so I've still got a few still hanging around too. I'll get them in this week.
DeleteLike everyone else I am having mixed success with my seeds this year too. The council have not turned on the water on the allotments and that is making it very hard to get anything done. I have made 3 phone calls and still can't get a answer as to why it is so late been turned on.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Chelsea twice and the trick is get there very early so you can see most of the gardens before it gets busy.
There's no water on our allotment so we have to make sure that we collect what we can. It isn't too bad when you know that's what you have to do and can prepare accordingly. I've enjoyed the Chelsea highlights on tv so far. Medals day today so I'm looking forward to that.
DeleteYep, I am also having mixed success, my beans took an age to germinate but the squashes are all doing really well. I have been to Chelsea. It was so busy that getting to see the gardens was almost impossible, but I did love the people watching aspect of it xxx
ReplyDeleteI've had mixed success with the squash, two kinds are doing ok but I've had to resow the patty pans, I hope they germinate this time. I can imagine that Chelsea is a great venue for people watching.
DeleteLike you and everyone else I've had very mixed results with seed germination and growing this year. I'm sure that the main factor is the lack of warm sunny days.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Chelsea a couple of times and found it a bit too crowded. Flighty xx
I think you're right, a bit more sun would work wonders. Chelsea always looks crowded on tv, I'm not sure I'd like all the hustle and bustle.
DeleteI think we can all agree on the germination this year, I tend to go to Hampton Court instead of Chelsea and really enjoy it
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about Hampton Court, it sounds like it's a good alternative to Chelsea. I think w'ere all having problems with germination this year.
DeleteIt is definitely the weather. My first lot of beans (runner and French) all came up a treat. Since then, disaster, virtually nothing and yet all from the same packet. The only thing I can think of is that the first lot coincided with the warm spell end April/early May.
ReplyDeleteThat would certainly explain things. If only the sun would put in a bit of an appearance whilst everything got going.
DeleteI've had mixed results from seeds but some of my seed is old so I thought this might be part the reason. I'm looking forward to chelsea watching from the sofa as well, maybe with chocolate biscuit(s) and a cuppa.
ReplyDeleteI often use old seed and never have any problems, but this year I'm using new seed and having mixed results. I'm having a cheeky glass of wine whilst watching Chelsea, but I shouldn't be as I'm supposed to be off alcohol at the moment.
DeleteJo, how I wish Chelsea was on the TV here in the US. I have never been. I know it is really crowded, but I'd still like to go. I didn't start many seeds this year as my potting shed was not functional while we insulated and I painted it. It seems every year I am behind with my sowing and planting. I haven't been blogging or reading blogs much lately, so just enjoyed reading some of yours that I missed. P.x
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame that you don't get Chelsea on the tv there, especially as it attracts visitors from around the world, I would imagine that there'd be many people interested. I'm usually behind with sowing every year too, if it's not one thing conspiring against me, it's another.
DeleteI recognise that shot of plants bursting out of pots. The cold is causing me all sorts of problems. I've heard Chelsea is so busy too. I was so lucky to get to go on Monday when it's much quieter and I can imagine how difficult it would be to see the gardens and stands. Even when you go on press day you still get a better view of the gardens from the tv coverage, unless you're one of the presenters that is. ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't think anything's been planted out on time this year, the weather just hasn't cooperated at all. It must be wonderful for the presenters at Chelsea getting up close and personal with all the gardens. I don't think you can really get a feel for a garden unless you're able to wander around it.
DeleteI've had similar problems with seeds not germinating, my morning glory and several of the expensive wild flower seeds have done nothing!
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see how your onion seeds get on, I'm doing the same, growing onions from sets and also seed this year.
Ahhhhh....yes...the flower show! Fab isn't it!xxxx
I had only one morning glory seed germinate, the weather just isn't helping at all. I tried growing onions from seed last year, but I'm giving them another chance this year as last year really wasn't the year for experimenting. I'm not sure that this year is either actually. I'm enjoying watching Chelsea on tv, it's just hard finding the time to watch all the programmes though.
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