GARDEN VIRGIN NEEDS HELP! I want to grow some seeds with the DC, to chuck in a hanging basket and a couple of pots. Haven't got a clue where to start....!

[MamaG]

1. Which seeds are best (i.e. least likely to die from DS's over enthusiasm!)

1. Will plastic cups be ok to grow them in?

1. What sort of soil should I get - grow bag?

Thanks

.

We have just (garden virgins also) planted in seed trays on our window sills:

sunflowers
basil
mustard and cress
pumpkin

All germinated beautifully and within two days

We will be planting them outside shortly: sunflowers and pumpkins in the flower beds, basil in pots

We have also been to garden centre and bought a few ready grown tumbler tomatoes ready to pot up and some cut and come again lettuce.

We also have some broad beans but think we need to plant immediately...

That should start you off!

bag of compost

plastic cups OK - 2/3 seeds in each or more if they're small

choose a few flowers also - things like marigolds or busy lizzies easy

Get some nasturtiuns seeds. They grow in anything,the like poor soil, like to be poorly treated and grow like wildfire. Good for hanging baskets as trail with yellow and red flowers.

The seeds are big too so will be easy for your boy to handle.

HTH.

Thanks thats great

"nasturtiums" I meant...think thats how you spell it anyway..

Mesembrianthemums are lovely first flowers for children to grow from seed. They withstand overwatering and also they close their petals at night and open them when it's sunny. Also they provide a (tastelessly tasteful) riot of colour which is very satisfying for children.

And how about growing something edible? Herbs (parsely is prob best avoided as it is often v slow to germinate), chives, salad leaves, courgettes are remarkably easy.

I would buy a bag of good quality potting compost from a supermarket (a big bag for about £3) and fill any old small plastic containers (plastic cups fine) with the compost and plant seeds as per instructions on the packet.

This is great, I'm making notes

Sweetpeas grow like mad too, are easy to grow and are very pretty with lots of colour.

right we are all set to plant tonight! Got:-

1. Plastic pots
2. potting compost
3. nasturtiums
4. mesebrianthingies
5. sweet peas
6. marigolds

Thanks all

The DC are DELIGHTED that there a teeny green shoots appearing