Sowing times

[jo9919]

Hello everyone..........more questions I'm afraid.

I have Pea, Parsnip, and Radish packets which all say that seed can be sowed outdoors from February. I am having a go at growing these in containers.

Having read the thread on Parsnips, you all seem to be of the opinion that they shouldn't be sown until the soil has warmed up. As I say, I shall be sowing in containers, will this make any difference, or shall I still sow the Parsnip in April? What about the Pea and Radish?

Is it best to sow direct where they are going to grow, or should I sow them in a heated propagator and transplant into the containers once established?

Also, should I keep the containers in the cold greenhouse when they're sown, or outside?

I know this is the edible forum, but I also have some Lillies which say plant from February. Any ideas on these?

Thanks everyone, and sorry for all the questions,
Jo.

[jo9919]

[john-the-window]

Pea is ok to go in now
radish wait for Easter
Parsnips  PASS on this one

[cornykev]

While we wait for the soil to warm up, you container growers should be OK to get started on some plants, peas no problem, radishes I would put in a seed tray they grow so quick you wonder where they have come from and by the time you've harvested them you will be ready for outside growing. Never grown parsnips in containers, but I would put damp compost in the containers in the greenhouse and cover leave until you can feel some warmth in the compost then sow them, thats my opinion others will differ but it would be boring if we all thought the same.  ;D ;D ;D

[Barnowl]

Haven't yet tried it myself, but saw a good suugestion for peas:

Sow them in a length of guttering, cut to a suitable size for your plot;  then all you  have to do once they've sprouted is slide them into the bed.

[kt.]

Haven't yet tried it myself, but saw a good suugestion for peas:

Sow them in a length of guttering, cut to a suitable size for your plot;  then all you  have to do once they've sprouted is slide them into the bed.

Ensure the lengths of drainage are not too long or it does not work so well. (It will come apart as you are trying to force it)

[Gillysdad]

Haven't yet tried it myself, but saw a good suugestion for peas:

Sow them in a length of guttering, cut to a suitable size for your plot;  then all you  have to do once they've sprouted is slide them into the bed.

Such a simple idea, but very effective, as long as you take care. ;)

[jo9919]

Thanks for your advice.

The guttering suggestion is n/a to me, however, as I will be growing in containers. Should help someone though  ;D

Jo.

[saddad]

The rectangular section guttering is best if you can get some... doesn't fall over easliy!
;D

[Marymary]

Last year I grew an early crop of peas in a large container in a cold greenhouse.  I planted the seeds around the edge & built a wigwam of canes in the pot.  They cropped quite well.  Not enough to freeze but enough for several risottos.

[philcooper]

The rectangular section guttering is best if you can get some... doesn't fall over easliy!
;D

and line it with newspaper to help the contents slide out more easily into a trench the size of the guttering - and watch out for b****y mice!

Phil

[jo9919]

Thanks for the info Marymary. It's encouraging to know when someone has had success growing particular crops in containers.

Jo.