Sowing for Summer, warmth loving vegetables and flowers

[@agriicane4247]

I don’t usually do this, sir, but you are, what I believe to be, an “angel” of a human. I wish more people would not let themselves get distracted and mesmerized by technology and high tech tools and methods. As you have said many times, it’s not too complicated. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel! I’m 26, and I just started my 1st garden/farm project. I have been following you since the 1st time I had the idea of gardening 3 years ago, and now, after all your beautiful videos and thoughts, I feel like I cannot fail, even if sometimes I will.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How lovely to read this Christos. I feel blessed to connect with and help people like yourself, and wish you well.

[@geraldcroft9020]

Newbie, you are learning from the best....I have watched hundreds of other "gardeners" videos and Mr. Dowding is untouchable

[@mikerafferty7085]

W

[@Uncommon5en5e]

Agreed!

[@BigMikeLoses]

Watching Charles water seedlings is far more fulfilling and nourishing to my soul than any self help book or Hallmark movie.

[@melissasullivan1658]

It is, right? So weird. But so awesome.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing!! Shall ponder that while watering 😀

[@BigMikeLoses]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig peace and love, Charles.

[@M1NDCR4WL3R]

I feel the same, I love his videos.

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

We need Charles Dowding fan tee shirts !!!

[@alexgleason5773]

Lesson learnt from this video is that I've planted everything too soon!

[@WaddedBliss]

Same here!

[@phsconcerto]

same here 2

[@luannschomel2642]

me too...😫

[@cew9837]

Yep..I've managed to hold off on all the frost tender.. even though 2 old boys put out pumpkin seeds under pots out on the lottie this week!! I won't sow them for another 6 days here in s London looking at forecast and sweetcorn and melon probably Monday. As we're 3 weeks behind it's really 1st week of April and our autumns seem to go on for longer nowadays....

[@ale189251]

Yeah when i got snow on my potatos I realise this too

[@jammydogger1]

I love spending a Friday evening with a man who is in tune with nature, is patient, is generous and full in their heart. Thank you Charles. (I won’t tell my husband 😉)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cute 😀

[@prosperousinspain]

I absolutely love the constant evolution and improvement of these videos both in production and content. I can’t tell you enough how much I’ve learned over the years and how amazing it feels to be able to pull off this kind of magic now. 😍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear!

[@area50a29]

Completely agree, great stuff!

[@killer408cid]

Charles, you couldn't be more right about the whole "feel like you're missing the boat by sowing late" thing. I have a gardening friend who seems like her point in life is to tell me I need to hurry up. This year, we got a late frost, and my "tardiness" actually saved me from disaster. Now I've got you to back me up too. Now, if you don't mind...I'll go sow my leeks too. hahaha

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Well done Arnie!

[@mkar3194]

I relate to this a little too much 🤣. Thanks

[@robcodsall]

Like thousands of others, I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos over the years and learned so much. I have to say I watch them (as I suspect many people do) in part because your relaxed approach and gentle demeanour helps me de-stress and focus more on what matters in life. This is KZbin at its very best. Thank you very much, Rob.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is kind of you. Cheers Rob.

[@dannyhughes4889]

19 minutes of sanity in a 'going crazier every day' World.

[@federay]

Want to say (apart from the photography, the wisdom, generosity and inspiration) I really appreciate that you have proper subtitles. I don't know when they changed but a while back I could not recommend your channel to Deaf friends... and now I can!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

We buy them, and it's quite an investment but feels worthwhile, so it's lovely to have feedback like this!

[@c3mac55]

CD's voice is the YT version of a splendid cup of chamomile tea. Thank you Charles!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@pamschill7879]

He needs to get crackin' with book narations!

[@lemonielala3080]

Very well said! 👏👏👏☕

[@ulaw2711]

This year I sow everything with your calendar 🙂 So far so good, didn't kill single plant. Didn't start toms and cucumbers in January 🙂🙂/like other people smarter than gardener with huge experience/ Thank you,Charles for another great video 🙂🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Bravo Ula 🍅

[@amandar7719]

Bought compost anomalies are maddening, so you sharing your own experience eases our frustration. Well, mine at least. I love reading the comments here too. A lot can be learned from those who share their experience, and your kind replies to those who seek advice.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Amanda, best of luck!!

[@Bellavanacoffee]

Thank you Charles again you have a way with these videos that is informative but also so laid back and encouraging. I have solved the mystery: Professor green thumb did it! In the conservatory, with the garden trowel. 😂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Clued!! 😀 was dibber though

[@jfrank1882]

His videos are as lovely as the weather 😌🎉

[@fplyerbs5251]

I've been looking forward to a summer sowings video! As I'm in Barcelona I'm about 2 months ahead climate wise so I've already planted out my tomatoes, courgettes, etc and taken out my broad beans that were incredible! Had my first harvest of 1st early potatoes too!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great!

[@estrellamalleum623]

Think i planted my Toms too soon lol, have a terraced house in the uk, small garden done with the no dig method, after the last year and working in a hospital (Domestic) and the wifes breast cancer, watching Charles and his garden is good therapy, thanks Charles and Co

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am so happy to help, in your challenging situation. I hope that somehow your tomato plants will pull through, and if they do it will be a little bit miraculous because of the crazily cold weather.

[@MyAussieGardenKitchen]

G'day Charles. Everything is explained so well and easy to understand. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thanks very much for another excellent video. Regards, Daz.

[@beatajesionkiewicz140]

Greetings from Poland:) It's been the first warm day today so my 86 tiny tomatoes have spent their day in the polytunnel but they had to come back home for the night two hours ago. Thank you so much for all videos. I wish you a fantastic and successful season. Lots of people in Poland DO love you!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! Nice to hear, hope your tomatoes grow well

[@micksoden7064]

Elegant,understated,and knowledgeable as always.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Much appreciated Mick

[@shihtzusrule9115]

I've got 3 cherry tomato plants coming up voluntary. I had planted some brassicas, radishes, peas, and beets, carrots, and bunching onions in that bed the end of March direct sowed to see how they would do but actually they did just fine. They are far enough apart, I'll probably leave them or I guess I could put them in pots so I can put them where I want them. I got my seeds from MIgardener and Dollar Tree. I had to cover with plastic 2 nights as we got snow and frost warnings April 21 and 22.

[@archkod]

Use my airing cupboard for germination - watch multi hours a day and as soon as they sprout - the sun! Thanks again for a great vid.

[@livkatrinzimny]

I presoak sweet corn seeds for 24 hrs, then leave them in a sprouting glass for a couple days and sow the sprouting seed. It worked wonders last year. They grew incredibly fast and well. :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great tip!

[@ferdinandpe4528]

Wow 😲! Must planting vegetables...

[@joesimmonds2849]

Thanks Charles. Your knowledge is invaluable and it’s inspiring to see someone so skilled sharing so freely. We’re half a year behind in New Zealand. It give me six months to let your ideas sink in before it’s time to put it into practice.

[@Antagonistic]

Planted my brassica seedlings a few weeks ago out on the understanding they were hardy - however, I think they were scorched by the sun rather than frost. I don't think I hardened them off sufficiently?. I subsequently moved all seedlings outside the other day (was sunny but blowy) to harden them off only for the cold wind to whip and scorch them. I have resown emergency seeds and surprised at how fast they have germinated compared to earlier in the year. You live and learn. Always good to watch Charles - a voice of calm in a mad world!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you and I'm sorry to hear this but as you say, one learns all the time. I think the problem you had was frosts with fleece touching leaves. I had never seen that happen myself so badly, but have found that my plants recovered and look alright now, just smaller than I had hoped!

[@Antagonistic]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig How kind of you to reply Charles! Yes, they were under fleece with leaves touching - that could be it. As you mentioned in your video - I'm starting to run out of space in the conservatory!

[@MM-fr9yh]

I had to laugh when you said people worry about watering from above. Its funny how us beginners are so out of touch with how nature works. Thank you for freeing us from that bit of worry. LOL.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful, and there are many people who try to confuse things so be careful what you could believe and question everything 🌱

[@tmyersf4]

I left my spring onions in the bed over winter (in polytunnel) and now I have tons of flowering heads / seeds. I sowed a few straight off the plant and to my amazement the have sprouted.

[@susanc.2096]

True about compost quality. I used multipurpose B&Q verve for at least 3 years and it was really good. But this year I have been hearing in Facebook that it's no good. Yeah, last week I went shopping for woodchips and saw from a from a split bag what that people were talking about. I bought a different brand and it was somehow cheaper 🤷‍♀️ and it was of decent quality 👍 I'm waiting for my hotbin to start making my own compost. Great video 👍 Take care 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing Susan

[@susanc.2096]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I think compost is a bit of a problem this year. Not sure what's going on. If you are struggling to grow healthy seedlings that is definitely saying something.

[@rafag4397]

Great tips. Thank you for the Polish subtitles

[@iteerrex8166]

The magical show begins with the seeds.

[@laurazunigatorres4979]

Ya me enamore Charles...admiro a los hombres constructores y los productores de alimentos como tu...con todo respeto a la señora Dowding 😊🥰

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🥬!

[@carolmunro2602]

(almost) happy to hear that even Charles has his hits and misses with bought comoost!

[@bluennbregaint7214]

"You can be afraid to be miss the boat" YES that is very much the feeling!! I made that mistake by sewing too early, putting out every day my seedlings and bringing them back in every evening... they were growing well and lookin beautiful until... I forgot them outside one night. Lost around 70 young plants. I was so angry at myself and sad too, and I was persuaded it was to late now but thanks to you I'll give it another go straight away! Thank you, love your videos and the calm atmosphere you've got there, bye from France.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Merci et je te souhaite le succes, deuxieme fois

[@SR-um7kd]

Your voice is so soothing. I can hear your talk all day long !! ❤️

[@carolynhoff7668]

I’m a retired teacher living in Colorado, USA, and I know a smart person, Charles, when I see one. I enjoy your videos so much because even though I’ve been a gardener for many years, I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Fantastic!! 🌷

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome Carolyn!

[@theborderer1302]

Don't sow too early! Wise advice. I was given a Christmas present of a propogator with grow lights. Naturally, I couldn't wait to sow, so now I have cucumbers flowering in April!!! Back to the drawing board.

[@gardentours]

Yes, the timing is so important. 🌱🍅This year I was a little bit more patient to sow the pumpkins.

[@Dashboard193]

I am addicted to sowing but have held off from sowing really early . However my toms and peppers are now planted out in my poly and Ive got away with it......so far! The garden where I volunteer has really over done it I think, toms, peppers curcubits sown way to early and now vastly overcrowding the heated propagator. I have other stuff to sow which will go in later this month...I love it! Rock on Charles. Paul

[@rufia75]

I am growing leeks for the first time this year thanks to Charles! Never even tasted them before, but Charles always seems to enjoy them. I didn't realize how hardy they are with transplanting.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good luck!

[@patmillar961]

Thank u Charles....always great advice and wonderful to watch the master at work!

[@charliehoos9773]

Thank you 😊 I sowed leeks, kale and spinach yesterday. They didn’t like starting in my house, but the weather is lovely to try again outside 🙏🏻

[@onerainywish9759]

Almost half a million subscribers Charles, there is inspiration in that!! Learning so much from you. Thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge and calm and authenticity so freely.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks a million!!

[@marich91]

I have definitely sown way too soon! :-) But here in Belgium I feel that Autumn somehow arrives sooner than in GB, like July and August are literally canicular but then September gets rain and cold mornings so the tomatoes and cucurbitaceae get sick very easily... So I try to give them a headstart so I can make the most of the dry season... We'll see what the results will be! :-)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fingers crossed!

[@jsmith3980]

Thank you Charles, I didn't know that seeds don't need light to germinate!

[@lemonielala3080]

Well most don't. There are actually a few, rare exceptions but generally they just need warmth and some moisture. 👍

[@olefosshaug5565]

All my seeds have sprouted but one, the celery! Now I know the reason, they need light and I covered them with too much soil. Thanks for another great video, you are an excellent teacher 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool thanks!

[@NashvilleMonkey1000]

A dilemma with peppers and the forecast is it's going to be a little cold, mid to low 40's at night for a few days, putting it a week late when the day temps are going to be in the high 70's for an extended time. The peppers are going to need some time for hardening off with light levels before the hot days arrive, but cold temps are extremely bad for them. The winds will be moderate and a little high, up to 20mph, which can strip the plants dry or shred them against supports. There's also intermittent rain forecast that shouldn't be torrential. At least the areas for the peppers are already set up, so we can spend our efforts on building windbreaks and sun shields for them.

[@noranature]

because of your video I have just sown chard for us. It's the first time that I try growing chard and I'm excited to see how it will work. thanks for the great tips and all the best for you and your family.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome!

[@jennyreeves8191]

Brilliant video as always, thank you! My first year I planted French marigolds with tomatoes but last was my second year and I planted basil with tomatoes last year and they seemed to enjoy each others company 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely options Jenny!

[@estelasantillan787]

Que emoción poder ver y aprender de usted señor ✍️es una maravilla 🌱🌱🌱 felicidades me encantó 👏👏 abrazo grande desde 🇦🇷 bendiciónes 🙌🙌

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Muchas gracias Estela

[@foggypatchfarm6048]

His sowing videos are always some of my favorite!

[@dyamellecastilleja3103]

exactly how I feel, left behind when I see people in different climates sowing. can't wait for warmer weather.

[@eadjh98]

Another very informative video from you Charles, I’m sure we all learn something from them and use them to our advantage ! They help our growing improve to great standards! For bumper harvests! 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome David

[@digil4509]

Thank you Charles for sharing your experiences growing. I so appreciate listening and watching you work. Have been a backyard gardener (California) for many years; but this was my first year growing some plants from seed. Have had a few failures, but the successes make me forget the failures. I'm not afraid of growing from seed now. I will just carry on, as I've heard the British say in the movies that I love. Thank you again!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing, great to hear 😀

[@j.r9888]

Now I know why I struggle with basil...I'll remember to keep em on the dry side in future. Thanks Mr.D

[@sallyannlaw3860]

Another great informative video Charles. Thank you so much. I started to sow some seeds too early and regret it. The dining room table in the bay window is now full with seed trays. Hope none of my family want feeding for the next few weeks.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@schwam6]

wonderful video as usual Charles, but i cant help but think you should do one just on tomatoes? maybe you have and the search didnt bring it up but like a growing guide to tomatoes like you have on some other veggies would be great because i think 80%+ of gardeners always grow tomatoes, sow times, planting out times all that good stuff i think would be a great video to add to your arsenal. thanks again though thoroughly enjoyed this one. 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Jon. I have done it, in my online course, lesson 30 but it's not free. May do a You Tube one.

[@MissMary1012]

I think its so wonderful to see such thick stems on the tomatoes🤯💪

[@gipsasl]

I'm about 2 weeks ahead of you.My tomatoe, cucumber and pepper plants are about 10-12cm tall but i'm making a green house and the plants will go inside next week.It's a made up green house with wooden frame and polythene but it will de double walled ,so an airgap will be left to help with isolation.It should keep good temperature and hopefully my plants will do very well this year. Great Video and very good explanation.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good to hear Filip, early harvests I hope

[@BillyCosmosis]

Aside from the excellent presentation and info, the photography & video production is superb

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks a lot and Edward is your man

[@j.r9888]

A good tip I see is growers using 2 lt water bottles with the cap pierced with a hot needle (use a pliers to hold it when heating and piercing the bottle cap) to water newly sown seed for trays and pots, then I use a water can when roots have established enough. It's also free 👍🌻

[@ireneprescott8330]

Thank you Charles for another video.It has been interesting to learn how compost varies so much. You also explain everything so well .I haven't yet been confident enough to sow seed into my home made compost.I will have to try this now .

[@ibusinessconsultants]

Thank you @Charles for the lovely video . always a pleasure to watch and learn from you.

[@willrussell1322]

Thanks for a great video, I had one light bulb moment from one small comment you made; "celeriac need light to germinate", that explains this years failure so far, thanks again.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Will and allow 10-12 days too

[@joyflor3630]

Hi Charles. Last year here in Squamish, BC, Canada - we had a colder April. But this year, 2nd week of April - I already transplanted my lettuces, kale, beets, swiss chards, onions, leeks, spring onions, peas, spinach and basil. Its risky for frost but its a good risk because i have been enjoying baby leafs of lettuces, swiss chard, kale and beets...

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing Joy and well done

[@apedemak23]

As a very novice gardener i''m so happy to have come across your channel 2 days ago! Many thanks for your videos and looking forward to the next.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Welcome Eric

[@annekolasinski860]

You've changed my garden with this sowing method, and I love that 💚🌱💚 thanks a lot 🙏🐞

[@TheEnglishladyskitchengarden]

Charles you are another of my favourite gardeners. It's so good of you to share your knowledge. This year I planted most things a lot later than my previous years and everything is looking really healthy.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cherie 💚

[@jenniferbritton9610]

Beautifully done! Great info and really well produced. Whenever I see a notification for one of your videos I resist the urge to just watch it on the fly, instead I wait for a quiet moment, make a cup of tea and take it all in 🌱 ☕️☺️

[@karenmcgillicuddy7206]

Thank you Charles, I had gotten so worried that I was too late seeing my tomatoes at the end of April. But after watching you I feel far not relaxed about it! Time to get the cucumber and courgette going

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad I could help!

[@Artzenflowers]

Thank you @CharlesDowding I’m going to start sowing again on Saturday and I’m happy to know it’s a good time to start leeks. I’ve got onions in but I would love to grow leeks. I need to review your calendar for May! We’re almost there. 🌻

[@Starlight22215]

I buy whatever compost is on offer. Most seeds that don’t germinate are due to my over, or under watering. Having said that I have pretty good results. I don’t fuss too much and water like you in the greenhouse with a good old watering can.

[@furrystep]

Thank you Mr Charlie. I think most of all for reminding me of the content luxuriousness involved in lovingly handling compost.

[@wobblybobengland]

I plant my tomato in the first week of April for six weeks growth before the 15th of May which is the last of the Eisheiligen or 'Ice Saints' in this area of Germany. This year I have Sungold, Ailsa Craig, Sweet Million, Crimson Crush and for the first time Crimson Cocktail. Some of my self seeded Ailsa Craig are now rampant, already twelve inches high whereas others, notably the Crimson Cocktail are barely an inch high, both planted in the same potting mix, in the same six inch pots and left on the same sunny window sill in an unheated room (I don't see the sense in planting Tomato on, two in a six inch pot and choose the strongest of the two, if there are two weak plants in the pot then you can replace them with a stronger plant from another pot). The variance this year is something I have never witnessed in twenty years of growing tomato, to be honest I don't know if I have a freak batch of weak plants from some cultivars, something tells me it's going to be an interesting season this year!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This is interesting feedback Bob!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Hi Charles, I was just thinking about you and hope you are enjoying your Spring. 🌿💚🌿 Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b We are already putting on the AC and harvesting lettuce and tender greens for a few months. Happy Gardening 🌿👩‍🌾🌿

[@darkartsleather5586]

Hello, Charles. I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and I've often referred new gardeners to your videos. Not only do you give REALLY good tips and advice, but your climate is very similar to our own. Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you, thanks :)

[@myrahaws5148]

Held to your advise about not sowing to early. Last year I sowed way too early although it feels like I'm being lazy and late I have kept to the schedule using my last frost date. So wanting to get more going but it's not time yet. Thanks again for the encouragement.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing!

[@petermueller7407]

Thank you very much, I'm very grateful you showed the status of your celeriac seedlings!

[@littlegardendiary8513]

Thanks Charles, beautiful as ever watching and learning. All the best, Andy & Karen 👍

[@rianderous8761]

amazing to see how fast the plants grow in his plugs.

[@lynnrushton7458]

Wish I had known this last month 🙈 considering our freaky Scottish weather, my seeds aren’t doing too bad....but wouldn’t sow too early again. Thanks Charles 🙏🌱

[@robertlequesne]

Thank you Charles. This is my first year of seed sowing, inspired mainly by your videos. Your guidance is invaluable.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome Robert

[@dukeman8481]

Two years in a row I am too eager to transplant my tomatoes and peppers too early. This year particularly, it was snowing 2 inches after the last frost date. Next year I will give myself less work and more success just simply not starting them so early. Probably not ideal for your case, but in my garden, I'm seeing lettuce and cilantro do a good job self sowing themselves, as well as chives and parsley. So I'll give myself less work by simply letting more of them go to flower and not pull them.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice work. You are right that self seeding is not my ideal because although it sounds easy, you end up with seeds popping up all over the place even where you don't want them sometimes! Then you need to spend time separating them out et cetera. It works but it's not necessarily less work!

[@rominaadimari8723]

Muchas gracias Charles!!!! Genial la mención con respecto a mojar o no las hojas durante el riego, yo vivo en Buenos Aires Argentina y el clima es muy húmedo aquí ( sé que por aquellas latitudes también lo es!)y siempre está la duda, muchas gracias!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@MiltonTheTortoise]

Hi Charles. This has been such a helpful video! Being able to watch the step-by-step approach helps with the education. Even as a gardener (albeut beginner level 1 junior apprentice), I'm learning how to take my time, relax and let nature take its course, which the video reinforces that process, especially when there is a temptation to rush-rush, hurry-hurry. Thanks a million! PS, the radicchio/chicory mix seedlings are poking through after 4-days on the east and south facing windowsills :-)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀 Great to hear Phil!

[@emilyribnicky9410]

I have learned so much from you since December when I found your channel! This is my first year with a big garden and so far it’s going well! I’m following your instructions to a T. Thanks for your great teaching!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great job! Thanks Emily

[@richstone2627]

I learn something from every video. Thank you.

[@farmerjones5479]

This was a very good and informative video. We appreciate you Charles Dowding. 🙏🏽

[@yinqin5432]

Charles, you are absolutely right, they changed the components of compost regularly, almost like a gamble even it’s same brand. sometimes it’s heavy with too much sand, sometimes it’s fibrous, sometimes it’s peat based. It’s hardly ever the same.

[@ohio_gardener]

My tomato and pepper seedlings have just sprouted and starting to grow, and will be ready to transplant after our last frost date in mid-May. The instructions always say to start the seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, but they grow much too fast for that long a growing period before transplanting. I always plant the seeds in trays 4 weeks before the last frost date, and they are strong an ready to transplant by the last frost date.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Excellent!

[@balancedflow9659]

Thanks for another very informative video! “Last frost date” is a highly subjective day in many locations. I think using climatological probability and current weather forecasts can easily move the season over two weeks depending on your risk tolerance.

[@berthaperez8010]

Hello Charles , very good teachings, of seedlings, thanks for sharing with me see You soon.

[@kioralaura3724]

Thank you for another really informative video! I learnt a lesson this year that by sowing too early I now have squash plants in 20cm pots waiting for our last frost date - same as yours, mid May - before they can be planted out! One other thing I have found, personally, is to "sprout" seeds on damp kitchen towel, eg, cucumber, squash, and when they start to germinate, then I carefully "sow" them into modules. This has worked best for me with basil, which refused to germinate (most likely my fault, but some are old seed). I now have lots of baby basil seedlings for the summer :) I only grow for our own consumption (household of 2), so don't need lots of plants like you do. Keep up the excellent videos and have a good growing season this year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to read this Laura, nice tip too

[@priayief]

Love your videos and I respect and appreciate your knowledge about gardening - especially those many trials you run. On overhead watering of seedlings ... I've been rather fanatical about using only bottom-watering my seedlings but after watching your approach, I trust that I can carefully top water. That's going to save me a lot of time and effort for my more developed seedlings. Thanks for that.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great!

[@K4HLER]

We just had snow and two major frosts here in Ohio. Glad I held off on planting. Excited to get things going this year. Thanks for sharing Charles.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I am in Taos, NM and my one brother is in Medina, OH and we compare weather notes almost daily. Yeah seems like the cold will just not go away this year!

[@K4HLER]

@@mountainhobbit1971 Blue Rock here. I'm using no dig with forrest compost instead of making my own. Works extremely well.

[@megmcginnis239]

Hello from Whidbey island. I really like your videos and always learn something new to help me on my gardening venture. Thank you.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Lovely video. I sow tomatoes here in February, but of course that has nothing to do with my abilities, just the weather. I've seen others who should know better completely misinterpret "last frost date". It's an average. Charles understands it. To others, I suggest internet searching a little on basic probability. E.g. my "last frost date" ended a couple of weeks ago .... then a few days ago we had a frost. Is that a reason for a big fuss? No, not 5% of the time 😉 (in my case). P.S. I hope Edward gets well-rewarded for his skills; he's grown and is quite clever.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool and yes!

[@RedBellows]

The man is a legend! Nuff said. Greetings from Arizona.

[@PassportToPimlico]

In Hertfordshire, our last frost date is a week later than yours so it is very easy to be tempted to put stuff out too early.

[@jeffbidniy6552]

I've been waiting so long for a show on how you plant your warmth loving plants like tomatoes, corn, and melons. Thank you and God bless!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome!

[@Lifegrowsonandon]

His Calendar is an incredible wealth of knowledge with sowing times all year round :)

[@rosemacaskie]

Thank you for telling me about planting in the new plants a bit deeper than i usually do. I am so bad at growing vegetable but then i dont have much mulch. Please please tell people about deficiencies in plants so that the consequent symptoms don´t get people spraying everything with poisons. Also to wait and whatch to see if problems clear up on their own. WHen a plant of mine has black fly it clears up in about two weeks on its own. Also to learn about soil science like how all the micro organism keep the soil healthy, how trees feed microorgansims and so by create earth around their roots that help the tree and change the PH. If they kiil everything then they don´t really help the plants who need their earth flora.