Trying to grow herbs etc

phoebe_cat


Joined: 06/01/2009
Posts: 146

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 00:32

After making a right mess of it last year, (too many seeds in a pot, under watering, not having a clue what I'm doing....) I've had another go this year!

All of my herbs etc. are in planters or window boxes, as in an apartment.

Don't seem to be having any problems with Mint, Basil, Parsley, Chives, Oregano and Chillies. All seem to be going great, loads of growth and really healthy.

However...... I just can't seem to grow the 2 that I use the most! Coriander and Rocket! My Rocket grows from seed fine, really quickly, but the leaves only get to about and inch long and half inch wide, they go quite thick and purple. No where near the lush tender green leaves on bought Rocket....

Coriander.... Well, I've now planted groups of 5 seeds 4 times since March and not a shoot in sight!

Where am I going wrong folks?!

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 07:45

Hi Lisa,it's my second growing season,and have had good success this year.I make a mixture:1/3 soil from the garden,1/3 compost 1/3 sheet manure.I have some spare basil,and parsley if you want.Also

planted some coriander a week ago and coming through already.

Maybe check where your pots are,don't gve them full sun all day.

Mike

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 07:46

Hi Lisa,it's my second growing season,and have had good success this year.I make a mixture:1/3 soil from the garden,1/3 compost 1/3 sheet manure.I have some spare basil,and parsley if you want.Also

planted some coriander a week ago and coming through already.

Maybe check where your pots are,don't gve them full sun all day.

Mike

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 08:28

Lisa,not sure how I posted twice.Just looked at my patio area,amongst the flowers in pots,I have a cucumber,had 2 fruits from it,and 2 more to be picked.Also there are a few tomato plants,fruit about 50mm,ready in about 2 weeks.Basil everywhere to keep those mozzies away!!!Touch wood,no bites as yet.

I too am in Lapta,if you want to call

Mike

phoebe_cat


Joined: 06/01/2009
Posts: 146

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 17:48

Mmmm, starting to think I may have dodgy coriander seeds then. Will give another packet a go if you reckon they should be visible within a week!



Anyone got any gems of wisdom on Rocket?

spanna


Joined: 12/01/2009
Posts: 544

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 17:51

Ooooh... herbs... I'm wanting to start growing my own this year.... To grow basil - my absolute favourite... where should it be put and how often should it be watered... Any advice!?

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
03/06/2010 19:25

Look,

This is based on very little experience, and practically NO knowledge at all, but : -

Sometimes seeds won't germinate if they don't 'think' that they've been through Winter - so sometimes you can fool 'em by sticking the seeds in the fridge for a week, then plant them in egg cartons filled with moist compost, and keep 'em somewhere cool and dark - the pool-room, say, or the bottom of a wardrobe on the non-sunny side of the house.

Once you see signs of life, you can allow them a bit of daylight, though I personally would avoid direct sunlight until they are really established, and thriving.

Let me know how you get on!

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
04/06/2010 08:50

There's a salad mixture seeds in Mr.Pound.Salad leafs inc.rocket ready in 2 weeks.Have bough and been succesful this year and last.

Mike

phoebe_cat


Joined: 06/01/2009
Posts: 146

Message Posted:
04/06/2010 19:44

Msg 7- Remaining coriander seeds are in the fridge as we type!



Msg 8 - Yeah, that's actually where I got these seeds from (the spring onions are looking good!) Not havin a problem with the rocked germinating, it's just so small n tough tho, could kinda use it as a herb, but def not a salad leaf, far far too small..... God, I am crap at this gardening malarkey, lol!