Have I sold 16 people a pig in a poke?

[PiggyPokkyFool]

Name changed as this is very outing.
The facts: Saw YouTube video about growing tomatoes from a slice of tomato, had some v tasty cherry ones from supermarket so planted 3 slices with low expectations. 3 weeks later, 54 seedlings, transferred to larger pots expecting to lose half, 52 survived - nearly all grew looking super healthy - had 49 tomato plants. Couldn't possibly use all so planted some, gave away some and had 28 tomato plants left. Got the bright idea of selling them on our local group for 50p each - sold all bar 3 which I offered some to my much older, much wiser chum and he said " Oh, no thanks as they are probably F1s so won't produce anything". Have I sold 16 people a pig in a poke? Never mind friends who think I am a great grower

This weather is ridiculous

Tomatoes and chillis have germinated in a propagator in the porch, and broad beans in the greenhouse.

Gosh - I better find some good tomatoes in the fridge and get started! I'm behind the game.

Pic. Note wispy blades of grass on left . I have done the hugely organised and unlike-me thing of actually labelling the things I’m planting this year, so I don’t get surprised when the “tomatoes” I’ve planted start sprouting cucumbers. I’ve also bought covers for my raised beds for when I put the young plants out. But will I manage to carry on with brisk efficiency? Unlikely .

Well thank you @BobTheDuvet - it wouldn't be the same without you.
@EssentialHummus - sorry but your grass made me smile - well done on the labelling - I often think I know and then find myself waiting until leaf three appears and the shape starts to change to work it out confirm.
Here is over wintered Cuca in repurposed halloween cauldron hanging basket. It is nothing spectacular but it's a start.

In my kitchen, hidden behind the recycling bag
I also left one out in a hanging basket with some strawberries to see how it goes - no sign of life there yet.
Quite honestly, I have barely braved the outside of my home for any longer than strictly necessary for the last 4 weeks. Inclement weather is an understatement which is very unusual. This time last year we had a slight heatwave and barbequed though had to eat inside as it colled in the evening. Two days ago it snowed!

I grew very nice baby Tom's last year exactly the same way and will do again this year. I currently have spring onions growing from the ends of supermarket ones I cut the white bit from, as well as carrot seedings from the tops of carrots which had sprouted.

But will I manage to carry on with brisk efficiency? Unlikely I find it all goes wrong in May. Up to then, everything goes smoothly, I keep up to date with sowing, transplanting, potting on, planting out, and think "maybe this will be the year...". Then at the end of May everything really bursts into growth, and I lose control.

which was a recommendation from someone on here From me I think

looking for solutions for the harmless but annoying tiny black flies which have multiplied in the compost. They're not harmless, I'm afraid. They have little colourless grubs which eat humus but also roots, particularly plump fleshy roots. They're more of a problem in peat-free compost than in ordinary soil based compost. Pick out the grubs and squash them, and deter the females from egg laying by scattering a thick layer of grit on top of all the pots, or at least on any pots which are likely to be in use for more than a few weeks - I don't bother with my seedling pots.

In extremis, ordinary household fly killer will blat the adults - target it well and spray early morning when the flies are still torpid and there are no bees or hoverflies around.

as well as carrot seedings from the tops of carrots which had sprouted. I'm growing some Jerusalem artichokes from the ends of some I bought. Haven't yet worked out where I'm going to plant them - space, particularly sunny space, is in short supply.

"Fungus gnats" or "sciarid flies". No, wood chips would be the worst thing - they'd interpret it as indicative of humus rich soil and make a beeline for it. You need to convince them that the pots are a sandy or gritty humus-less desert.

Unwanted type bugs in compost? Non toxic solution- diamotaceous earth.
I had a beautifully created little compost heap (... just me, then ) which was taken over by ants (urgh!). In desperation, I threw a load of DE on it. Problem solved.
They eat the DE and it doesn't end well for them. But it is not death by poison.

Hi Piggies! I was here at the beginning of the thread (under a different name) and then forgot all about it. I was so excited to see it still going/growing!

This year for food we are doing chillies, sweet pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, physalis, yet more wild strawberries, nasturtium, calamondin (from seeds, so no fruit for a few years) Some from bought seeds and some harvested, proper piggy style. Happy to report that proper piggy style harvesting seems to result in better germination rates here!
Started at Christmas and all happy little plants now.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone grows this year

Happy to report that proper piggy style harvesting seems to result in better germination rates here!

Same here!

Welcome back all.
Reference the better germination rates - see my OP:
3 slices ->54 seedlings -> 49 tomato plants -- much to my surprise.
Must get started!

I remember your amazing bounty Piggy .
Next time I eat physalis, I'll plant one and see if it's quicker than dry seeds (for science). The dry seeds took so long I dug them up a few times and almost threw them out.

May I join!? I lurked on this thread with such joy watching your wonderful produce growing and ripening. I used to have an allotment but had to give it up and had only a tiny terrace but we moved house last autumn and I have plenty of room for growing!

Great to see you @BumblebeePlantMum and yes please @Snausage - I have very little space - hence lots of hanging baskets, halloween cauldrons, beans growing through hibiscus bushes and raspberry canes, strawberries in pots, tomatoes in repurposed toy boxes, cucamelons climbing up the drain pipe!
Come one, come all and lovely pics please