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Post by Moonlight on Jan 25, 2013 12:00:55 GMT
www.sarahraven.com/shop/pictorial-meadows-classic-annual-mix.htmlPretty Meadow mix seeds, The seeds included are "The mix has been carefully balanced for colour and succession of display. Major components include: Shirley Poppy, Californian Poppy, Cornflower, Fairy Toadflax, Red Flax, Bishop’s Flower, Tickseed and Corn Marigold, Black-eyed Susan, Red Orache and Larkspur." I just fancy the in your face colourful randomness of it all with the benefits of good for wildlife.
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Post by sweetpea on Jan 25, 2013 12:17:20 GMT
Thought I might try Wild Oats as it's been a long time since I last sowed them
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Post by Geranium on Jan 25, 2013 12:29:26 GMT
Oh SP! ;D
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Post by Lou78W on Jan 25, 2013 20:24:40 GMT
Isn't he a little tinker... ....lol I've been through all my packets of seeds (have a lot for the swap ;D).....I'm not buying any flower seeds this year..I have loads to sow...particularly perennials....am going to grow more of these in pots, so I don't have to re-plant every year.....I just don't have the time these days This weekend I will be drawing up a list of veg seeds I need for this year...and sticking to it......I think
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Post by grindle on Jan 26, 2013 6:13:03 GMT
You can't have it all Grindle and you probably have too many seeds anyway. ;D
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Post by Tel on Jan 26, 2013 7:40:20 GMT
The only seeds i need for this year is sprout seeds.
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Post by Cherry on Jan 26, 2013 9:28:51 GMT
Looking through this thread, it would appear that people are cutting back when it comes to buying seeds.
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bists
Full Member
Posts: 108
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Post by bists on Jan 27, 2013 11:18:01 GMT
Looking through this thread, it would appear that people are cutting back when it comes to buying seeds. I'm a very lucky bunny - as I've been able to spend more on seeds this year ( my argument being that seeds are cheaper then plants..... ;D ) - might buy more plants as well though
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Post by ladybird on Jan 27, 2013 12:59:11 GMT
Looking through this thread, it would appear that people are cutting back when it comes to buying seeds. I bought a lot of seeds at the end of last summer for this year sowing cherry . Also over the past two years I have tried to grow different plants and being disappointed either with few or no germination, and that covers all the big companies. Things like lobelia cardinalis, tiarella, esutoma. thalictrum, trollius. lopezia, catharanthus,meadowrue, calcealaria, amsonia, chelone, veronica the perennial nasturtium and that only some. Mr F and T&M have always been very good in replacing seeds I have complained about in the past and on many occasions the second set have germinated OK , so I wonder about the viability of seeds we buy as I`m sure most people do not complain about failures. Having said all that, T&M have sent me a code for free postage and I am expecting the usual yearly voucher from mr F anytime now .....every little bit helps
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Post by sweetpea on Jan 27, 2013 13:44:26 GMT
generally speaking it is the smaller seeds which have the shortest shelf life while larger ones can stay viable for years. the storage conditions have a lot to do with viability or lack thereof. eg never leave your seeds in the g'house where it can get too hot. I have found that germination reduces obviously the longer you keep them but many will germinate after several years of lying about in the kitchen cupboard. As long as you don't expect 100% germination after ten years you won't be disappointed
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Post by ladybird on Jan 27, 2013 18:33:15 GMT
I suppose the sowing medium has an effect too SP . how do you get "fresh " seed compost in December of January if places have to sell whats left of last years first. I bought some seed comp from B&q, soaking wet. it didn`t smell that fresh when opened and two days on the propagater the dreaded white fur is growing all over it.
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Post by markb on Jan 27, 2013 20:09:53 GMT
I suppose the sowing medium has an effect too SP . how do you get "fresh " seed compost in December of January if places have to sell whats left of last years first. I bought some seed comp from B&q, soaking wet. it didn`t smell that fresh when opened and two days on the propagater the dreaded white fur is growing all over it. If you have a Tesco Extra nearby you could try there. My local one had Westland Seed and Cutting compost on sale which should be fresh as it is not stocked year round.
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Post by sweetpea on Jan 27, 2013 22:38:56 GMT
I suppose the sowing medium has an effect too SP . how do you get "fresh " seed compost in December of January if places have to sell whats left of last years first. I bought some seed comp from B&q, soaking wet. it didn`t smell that fresh when opened and two days on the propagater the dreaded white fur is growing all over it. You can always make your own, some peat and sand with a dose of phostrogen works fine for me
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Post by Geranium on Jan 30, 2013 8:12:37 GMT
I usually buy and sow Antirrhinums at this time of year - and I bought one packet of 'Madame Butterfly' yesterday - I was shocked at the very small number of seeds in the packet. I should have bought two - I won't get nearly enough plants. I had a packet of Antirrhinums 'Cheerio' from last year, so I sowed them too. There were more in that packet. Is it a sign that the seed companies are cutting down the numbers of seeds in a packet?
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Post by ladybird on Jan 30, 2013 12:35:36 GMT
They are lovely though geranium, I`m growing them also this year. what surprises me more the is Hugh difference in price and number of seeds between companies for example the madame butterfly antirrhinum wallis seeds £2.00 for 100 seeds D T brown £2.49 for 100 seeds plants of distinction £2.95 for 100 seeds Mr Fothergills £3.19 for 100 seeds Sutton's £3.55 for 90 seeds T&M £3.69 for 60 seeds Unwins £3.99 for 75 seeds
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