Ask Gerry

I sowed seeds of purple sprouting broccoli direct into the soil in the spring and transplanted them on 8th April to a sunny spot in a cage well spaced and fed with comfrey tea. They should be harvested at the end of winter but they seem to be maturing now but they seem to be going to seed. Some of the heads are the size of a sink stopper but most are tiny.

I have just found a biscuit tin of packets of Burpee Seeds from the US -- swiss chard seed tape, carnations, heliotrope, geraniums, lettuces, basil etc. -- about 30-35 packets dated from 1997! Is it worth my time to try to germinate them or shall I just dump them? It breaks my heart to do so but if it's a useless exercise, I won't bother. The tin was in the back of an upper shelf in a kitchen cupboard, completely forgotten about!

What veg can I sew now (Sept)?

Can I grow coriander in a pot in a greenhouse I was told I could not get it here but is it available?

which vegetables can I sow in June?

I planted carrot seeds and onion seeds about 3 weeks ago when should I see results as there is nothing yet.

I am planning ahead re growing veg. and have come across idea of using 'seeds on carpet'. Do you have any advice re same...good or bad...advantages or diadvantage..

purple sprouting brocolli ,how to grow

what veg can i sow/plant fom july forward(as i have just prepared a small patch now

I have an allotment and have started to harvest cabbage and other things and was just wondering what i could be planting now to continue the growing season as long as possible.

You just answered my question about potato drills and spraying for weeds.I also have other drills with carrots, onions, lettuce, radishes, cabbage etc. These also have not yet surfaced and have weeds. Can these drills also be sprayed with Weedol? Thanks.

Are there any veg i can sow now(jan) outdoors?

I have been told that it is possible to overwinter Sprouting Broccoli as you would Spring Cabbage. I haven't been able to find an overwintering variety in the shops.The best I came across was one for sowing in February.This is not bad but it is not what I am looking for.229Do you know of an overwintering variety.I was thinking of trying one of the Spring varieties anyway to see what happens. Much obliged for any help

I planted carrot seed in rows in a rasied bed 3 weeks ago. I put put clear polythene over them with about 6 inches from the top of the soil. Only 2 rows germinated and a small few in the other rows. why was germination so low?