In Lifestyle

Read at : Gardening Newsletter (bbc.co.uk)

Marching towards spring

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_growingtomatoes2.shtml

Sowing

Try sowing your own tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and chillies.
Start them off on a window sill or in a greenhouse and you’ll be enjoying the tastiest salads when summer arrives,but sowing doesn’t have to be all about edibles get cracking and sow ornamental annuals too.

Growing aubergines, chillies and peppers

What to do

• Fill a 7.5cm pot with seed compost, level and tap to settle. Lightly firm.
• Scatter a few seeds across the surface – use what you need, most will germinate.
• Cover with a thin layer of vermiculite, water and label.
• Put a clear plastic bag over the top and secure with a rubber band. Place in a warm spot or on a windowsill.
• Remove bag when seeds have germinated.
• When seedlings are 2cm tall give each their own 7.5cm pot.
• Pot into a 12cm pot when roots show through drainage holes.
• When plants are 20cm tall, stake with a cane.
• When plants are 30cm tall, pinch the tops to make new branches.
• Give high potash feed when first flowers show.
• In May, pot into 5-litre pots, stake and put outside.

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	Growing brassicas Growing tomatoes Companion planting Effective watering

Also in gardening
*    Find out how to get involved in community gardening projects in your area.
*    Sign up to our Gardeners’ calendar for seasonal reminders and expert advice.
*    Give your lawn the first of the season.
*    Try growing something new: choose a new vegetable.

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