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Old 10-03-2008, 02:03 PM posted to rec.gardens,uk.rec.gardening
Rebecca[_2_] Rebecca[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Apr 2007
Posts: 10
Default Virgin gardener needs container veg help!

Hi all,

Ok, so after abandoning the garden last year I am determined to
impress my husband with my, as yet, unknown gardening skills! I live
in the south of uk and the containers will be quite sheltered. I
understand the more sun the better, and to use potting compost (John
Innes no. 3) instead of soil.

Ive looked in loads of books but none seem to answer my questions
specifically - I need a step by step idiots guide!

I have bought the following seeds/ bulbs and now have a million
questions...apart from the generic " what do I do with them and when?!
(which is really what I need to know).

Ive bought seeds - carrots, dwarf/bush bean and peas (these seeds all
say to sow from late March, apart from carrots being May)
bulbs etc - garlic and onions (just say plant in early
Spring)

1. For best results do I need to start these off inside, in little
individual tiny pots, prior to planting out; or can I plant out
straight away?

2. When would you ideally do this? I had thought of starting onions
and garlic but DIY store man told me to wait awhile till weather much
better (!?who knows when that is)

2. Sounds daft, but am I right in assuming I dont need very deep
containers/ troughs for the peas and dwarf beans? Also, do I need
stakes in whilst seedlings or do I just add as they get bigger?

3. Can I plant garlic and onions in same container?

4. Dont laugh, but apart from planting in potting compost container,
do I add any soil?

5. I have liquid tomato food...would this be ok to use on all the
above?

6. Also, I read somewhere to keep extra unused seeds for next year in
the fridge. Sounds bizarre....or is it true?

7. Any tips or general advice to help would be much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance!
Rebecca