It’s been a week ~ pricking out and checking progress ~ slow gardening

[@Canna1d]

So relaxing. Thank you.

[@markshaw5835]

Love the lettuce tip, last year i struggled with lettice think i changed the way i grew them, so going to copy u next year and plant a cm deep. Great videos

[@susanshardlow1881]

Merry Christmas Steve.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Susan : All the best - Steve

[@JuanMendoza-qd5lm]

Thanks for these instructional vids!

[@GardeningWithCoffee]

Great tips! Thanks

[@bewoodford2807]

I had a batch of seeds that were bought new this year and didn't germinate. Really annoying after spending time filling modules and carefully sowing and wasting electric on running grow lights. Another old packet, (different supplier) germinated rally well. I didn't expect that. Can't wait to have\ my new upgraded grow light at Christmas. My family are buying it between them for me. Happy gardening 😃

[@SteveRichards]

It is very annoying, I don't put seeds under grow lights until they've germinated btw, save the growlights for seedlings: All the best - Steve

[@nojosm]

I had the same problems with Franchi lettuce seeds earlier this year, no germination at all. Tried in different compost no better.

[@SteveRichards]

Franchi are very hit and miss, sometimes you get a packet and it lasts for several years, other times nothing, but they send you a replacement if you contact them : All the best - Steve

[@alpinereid5265]

Hi Steve - thank you for all you share! What is the process for hardening off plants in the winter without a poly tunnel or greenhouse prior to planting out under plastic?

[@SteveRichards]

Just put them straight outside under plastic, with a layer of fleece for a couple of weeks, but choose a time without any significant frosts for at least a week, otherwise you'd need to harden off a little before hand by putting them outside on a warm day, under fleece, you could also put them next to an open window for a while

[@alpinereid5265]

thank you! @@SteveRichards

[@shirleyn4677]

It is good idea to test out seeds though seeds are precious most of the time I don’t bother unless they are expensive or a variety that hasn’t germinated well (onions). I’ve forgotten who it was that said that sometimes it is the batch that can make a difference between stellar germination and poor germination. Currently some small producers buy seeds from the same producer so I’d switch to maybe someone who grew them or from a different region here in the states.😮

[@SteveRichards]

yes, there are very few original seed growers around, so most seeds come from a few big suppliers : All the best - Steve