Whenever I use an onion I cut off the bottom 1/3 - 1/4 and put it in a tray of shallow water until they start rooting, which only takes a few days. Then I put them in another tray with an inch or so of moist coco coir under some grow lights and they start growing sets of shoots, usually between 1-5 per onion, that can be divided as each one will grow its own onion.
I've been growing Egyptian Walking Onions for about four years now. These things are amazing. I eat the leaves all year round with salads. They are like a large spring onion leaf. The plants multiply and "walk" by growing bulbs at the end of the leaf and planting themselves as the leaf bends to the ground from the weight. They need almost no maintenance at all. The only thing you need to do is make sure they don't spread too much. Basically, plant once and forget about them. I've given dozens of plants to friends who are also enjoying them.
You must have a very tolerant wife Ben , doing all that sowing indoors , my husband hates it when the sowing season gets underway and all my sunny windows are being used for growing , he’d have a hissy fit if I actually sowed indoors. I wouldn’t mind but I’m the one who does the cleaning 😂thanks for the reminder about sowing onions as all my sets bolted in the hot spring I’m trying seeds this year
Hello from Oregon. We have climate similar to England's. I whole heartedly agree that now is the time to plant onion seeds. I've been doing it for years. I get excellent onions. None of them bolt. And seedlings survive frosts no problem. I plant them in trays, outside, under plastic cover, in the shade. No green house. They grow super slow. But by March, I have seedlings ready for transplant. Many gardeners (including me) think that you get bigger and better onions this way. I also plant shallot seeds this way. I plant leek seeds a little later, because I grow winter leeks. If I would grow summer leeks, I would plant them now. BTW, Ben, seeding aliums now would make a good separate video.
Don't forget that more exotic herbs do very well indoors - lemongrass grows very well as an indoor plant and you can just pull off a leaf or two for flavouring curries or making tea as you need them. Thai basil and holy basil (aka tulsi) are both well worth growing, as are curry leaf plants and makrut lime plants.
I'm about three weeks away from sowing seeds for my first generation of tomatoes for the 2024 growing season. My elephant garlic, and about half of my grocery store garlic have sprouted. I still have a lot growing in my garden, Late Nagasaki Cabbage, kohlrabi, Pak Choi, komatsuna, Yellow Heart Winter Choy, turnips, rutabagas, Danvers carrots, and winter tomatoes (3 Early Girl-bush, and 4 Tiny Tim). My area has already had a frost and freeze, and there is more freezing weather in the forecast, Alabama zone 7B.
I am watching this video just after some video´s 3 and 2 years old. Ben´s presentation skills and editing are so much better. What an improvement. Very well done!
I literally just ordered some mushroom spawn yesterday. Looking forward to the video! Also with grow lights, mine aren't adjustable but when I need the seedlings to be higher I just put something underneath them to raise them up.
I followed Gardeners World advice this year and clustered my onions, 3-5 seeds per plug, no thinning, planted in raised beds about a month later. Got such a good harvest and gives you a nice variety on sizes of onions, ideal for cooking different meals. By doing this you also minimize impact if some go bad. Definitely be doing same again, highly recommend.
I am the granddaughter of an onion farmer who has trouble growing onions (lol) probably because I simply waited too long to sow the seeds. Off topic but every time I see your greenhouse I love it. What are the approximate dimensions as I would love to create one of my own. Thanks for today's video! Cheers and Happy Holidays!! Gail
Hi Ben, I have grown microgreens commercially and it is widely known that you should never grow seeds intended for birds as the majority is treated with chemicals which can be harmful to humans. Love your channel keep up the good work.
Thanks for the tip here - I hadn't realised that. I've assumed that with the seeds grown out and removed the seedlings would be just fine and have eaten them as such. Appreciate the heads up on this one.
That's very kind of you to say! Globe artichoke seeds are best sown in early spring - so around about March where I am, in the south of England. The seeds are a good size, making them easy to sow, and can be started off in pots/plug trays to plant out later in the spring, or sown directly where they are to grow.
@@GrowVeg I don't know if it's just me, but when I get an actual reply from the star of the channel, I feel like I just got an autograph from what people call celebrities. Real people are the real celebrities! You're awesome sauce!
Have you tried stacking the microgreen trays and putting weight on while germinating? Peas and sunflower love it like that in a dark place - they will literally lift a brick up if that's what you are using to weight with. The mustard will also benefit from being covered with some pressure while germinating to force the root to go down. Once they go under light they take off in no time - everyone should be growing these superfoods!
That's a great idea. I have read about this and should have done that. I know bean sprouts, for example, produce much thicker sprouts with pressure also.
I planted some herbs in a hydroponic system for some winter joy. Basil, lavender, rosemary, anise and sage have sprouted. Waiting on oregano. Planing on up potting them into a living wall type of design for my kitchen so we can use fresh herbs daily.
Always love your videos thank you. I get my seeds at the local indian/Pakistani shop(or the international bit of the supermarket) and get the largest pack of indus brand (east end might work) whole corriander from the spice section. Works out so much cheaper and grows very well, same as the fenugreek, marrowfat peas and mustard seeds. I always get them from the spice sections.
I don't have a video on that. However, shallots would be started in a similar way to onions, but perhaps not sown until later in the winter. More in this RHS growing guide: www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/shallots/grow-your-own
😂 a few short months feel like an eon right now. Oh I have some coriander so I’ll go along with you 💪. I have tow trays of shallots one is doing really well the other is a bit behind 🤷♀️. Great update Ben have a super week, Ali 🥶🇨🇦
Love letting corriander bolt! It costs around $3.00 for 1 packet of seeds. I bought 5 packets last year, but finally able to save seeds this past summer when the remainder plants bolted. Managed to save enough seeds for a winter crop. We a lot of cilantro leaves for curries, soups, and dips. Happy to save money where we can- my 1st year of gardening was very expensive!
The first year is always expensive. I don't even have Record of how much stuff I bought my first year. Between transplants & compost and structural security around my garden beds i spent quite a lot. But I also tried to resource as much free product that I could get to. Many things came from some neighbors giving all sorts of items away as for trash or resale.
@kewiishow3923 , Same! My 1st year was expensive, too. I consider the initial costs as cost of building garden foundation /set up & cost of learning new skills.
Grow light on in my living room, HPS grow light, acts like a heater too. Got loads growing, sown early peppers and tomatoes, got winter greens growing, Got sweet potato i brought from outside vigorously climbing up sticks, took one cutting thats already sprouted shoots. I love indoor gardening.
Good morning Ben, Loved the video today, so much "correct" information. The garlic I planted, the heat wave has been horrible with very little rain, so they did not develop into large or medium bulbs, yet, even though the cloves are not too bad, little ones, I am sure they are going to taste excellent, we might use some of the sets for planting in Autumn next season. Winter season is not too grand, but there are much benefits we can gain, the only things I do not enjoy is the dark in the morning, in our summer season now at 5am it is already light, but in winter 6:45 is a bit challenging! Never mind it all works together for the good, a bit of resting does all good. Enjoy a good day keep cosy. Kind regards, Elize.
Of course. It's a pump-action bottle sprayer. www.google.com/search?q=matabi+sprayer&sca_esv=588006686&sxsrf=AM9HkKmTfCJVQo7SrIipy1ZCv-uCU_p4rg%3A1701781154217&ei=oh5vZbftDLWDi-gP5M6pmAc&ved=0ahUKEwi3xrrprPiCAxW1wQIHHWRnCnMQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=matabi+sprayer&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
I like your pretty duck display, and I want to let the world know that pea shoots are absolutely magnificent! They keep re-growing a surprising number of times. I sowed peas and mustard seeds under grow lights a couple days ago, and today I sowed bok choy and radish seeds. I should have some extra tasty sandwiches in a month or so. Thanks for another fine video!
Here in Buenos Aires about 3 or 4 ombues appeared alone in my garden. The seeds must have germinated while I was busy with something else.- I plan to use them to make a bonsai (ornamental).- Many plants appear alone here. Between the compost I have made since the pandemic and the trees that "surround me" I am like in a jungle. It's summer! Very hot.-
Wonderful video, thank you! Loved every bit of it. Both ginger and curcuma very much a part of our daily diet, including doggie, will have to give it a try... Thank you again
I have my seeds piled up on my table. It's time to reorganize. I saw my first bloom on my snow peas, very excited about that! But, I was thinking about growing some microgreens this winter. I haven't ever done it. Actually, I never have because I never knew when you are supposed to harvest, or what's best. Anyway, as always, thanks Ben
Impressed that you succeed in growing basil through the winter having tried and failed many times. I think the key difference between your approach and mine is that I don’t have a grow lamp. I try to watch all of your videos, also those of “News Jardin TV”; I stopped trying to grow basil after the latter issued advice that while basil will germinate easily year round, it won’t grow on if sown much before May, that was aimed at French gardeners but of course being further north the advice applies equally here. Perhaps one day I will find somewhere to install grow lights but for now I will continue to grow basil as a summer crop. I generally have basil, alongside marigolds, at the foot of each tomato plant. Thought it worth posting this to add on to what you explained about growing basil. I have coriander struggling to germinate in my unheated greenhouse, I’ll bring the pot into the house to see if a little more warmth helps them along. I didn’t know about soaking coriander seeds but will certainly try that in the future. I’ve seen some gardeners crush coriander to separate the two potential seeds in each little ball, I haven’t tried this for fear of causing too much damage but it did explain why coriander seedlings come up in pairs!
oow how big do the sunflowers get before harvesting, never thought of growing them now! will try the basil again as first batch failed but will defo do the peas and perhaps mustard seed! thanks
Onion seeds are available online from any seed stockist/supplier. Have a search and see what you can find. Sorry, I would recommend a website but I don't know where you live.
Assuming you are gardening in the UK? Just confirming because I am gardening in US PNW and our climates are very similar. Always looking for new UK gardeners to follow!
Very informative video as usual, but what variety of shallots do you use at this time of year? My light levels in the greenhouse, garden and house are extremely poor at this time of year, so grow lights seem to be the answer. Thanks
Longer and Jermor are good autumn-planting varieties. At this time of year the low light levels are generally fine for shallots as they are mainly producing a root system at this early stage of growth.
Great video i have a question i have seedings and a walk in greenhouse that is heated. Is 60 degrees warm enough to keep them alive and thriving? I notice you use a greenhouse and thought you might know. Thank you keep those awesome videos coming
Coriander has two seeds per pod, so you can actually gently break each pod in two halves and each plant will have more room for roots rather than having two plants right next to each other. It's almost like doubling your seeds!
From the local garden centre, but you can buy it online too. You're looking for a pump-action pressure sprayer. Something like this: www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-282441-Pressure-Sprayer/dp/B000LFTYV0/ref=sr_1_54_mod_primary_new?crid=OTICFG6YPWK3&keywords=pump%2Baction%2Bsprayer&qid=1701089727&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=pump%2Baction%2Bsprayer%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-54&th=1
Can you share which variety of shallots you’re growing, Ben? I grow French Red but they’re much smaller and take a lot of work to peel enough for my recipes.
@@GrowVegThanks, Ben. Neither variety appears to be available in the US. The only banana shallot I’m finding Is Zebrune but of course they are only started from seed in Spring. I’ll keep looking!
Veg, in a few months ill be starting my vegetable garden in my new house with backyards. Could you tell me what the size of your boards are for the raised beds you use? They seem like the perfect width that will stay for a few years before rotting away.
Most of my beds are just repurposed pallet collars. The beds are 4x5ft (1x1.2m) in size. The boards are just over a half-inch thick and around 6in (15cm) deep.
You could just wet the paper towel and then put it in a plastic bad until germination. Keep in a warm dark place and your good to go. No need to waste time wetting twice a day
Check out our videos on this: th-cam.com/video/ZzOLUf7ibek/w-d-xo.htmlsi=s8cUO7W5F9wyYw9N and th-cam.com/video/RgkC5I7NpUA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BP5i-0etQfgyXJZq
Hi Ben, I would be careful with sowing mustard seeds from the spice aisle. Many spices are irradiated before being packaged, which would result in a lack of germination.
Thanks for the warning. The mustard I sowed did just fine with near-perfect germination. They are the East End brand widely available in the world foods aisle.
Can you save Potatoes that haven't ripened for seed next year, having lots of troubles with slugs and looking for ways around them as waiting for potatoes to ripen to save for seed allows slugs to damage most the crop limiting storage. Thanks
If the potatoes are underdeveloped I would think there is a chance they may not be suitable for saving for seed for next spring. But if they have reached, say, hen’s egg size you could probably save them I would have thought.
I have the hardest time in the germination stage. I use potting mix and new seeds but they grow very slow and don’t get very tall. I’m wondering if I should add a slow release organic fertilizer with the pot mix. Thanks for any suggestions.
Seedlings don't need much fertility to germinate or in the young seedlings stage, so I think so long as you are using good-quality potting mix extra fertilizer shouldn't be necessary. The important thing is to try and give seedlings the temperature requirements they need to germinate. Some cool-season crops will germinate at a relatively low temperature, but others needs more warmth for quick and seamless germination.
I guess I may have missed something. Should I sow the shallots outside in a protected container then try to plant them in the late spring when the ground soffens or should I try to plant them in a few weeks or so?
You can either plant them into small pots or plug trays, like I have done, the overwinter them to plant outside in spring. Or alternatively, you can plant them directly into the soil where they are to grow. The reason I have started them off in plug trays is partly because the space is still occupied and partly to avoid disturbance by repeat frosts and thaws. But in most instances, planting direct works beautifully.
@@nedkelly5866 That would be a good one for the life list. I've saw waxwings for the first time the other day - they're not a common winter visitor where I am. Beautiful birds.
You guys are all very eagle eyed! Yes, this was a stock video clip just to illustrate the point. It would be quite something to spot an American robin in my British garden!
@@GrowVeg I already do this, using outdoor solar lights (taken outside during the day and brought indoors at night, rather than a permanent mounting) and with portable battery packs or "DC generators" as they are called, recharged during the day. It works splendidly. Got the inspiration from the photos and heat-saving methods shown in the book 'All My Secrets of Organic and Container Gardening So Far.' Worth a read.
@GrowVeg Agreed. However, a single layer of damp paper towel covering the seeds will help to retain surface moisture until germination. Simple mist it as it dries until sprouts begin to push it up.
Pre-germinating is a good idea for seeds which have poor germination rates like parsnips but most seeds like tomatoes germinate really well so it's hardly worth the bother. The one to avoid pre-germinating is carrot as any root disturbance will cause the root to be deformed.
Lettuce seed never germinates well for me in seeding trays. I have taken to chitting them and get 100% success in only a few days. Place a few seeds on a small round of dampened coffee filter and seal in a small jar. As soon as you notice some growth they are ready to pot on.
I am a micro-greens grower/ seller. You should not use sunflower seed produced for birds. There's specific sunflower seeds meant for human consumption.
I hadn't realised that. I assumed it would be okay given the fact the seed case is left behind and not consumed and you're just eating the seedling itself. So thank you for letting me know!
I would think (in my zone, with regular frosts now) it would be a bit soon to sow spinach outside. However, you could certainly try sowing some under grow lights for young leafy greens.
Would it ever be possible to plant seeds in an unheated greenhouse in December here in what is called a zone 3 climate with a little solar panels help?
I would be very interested in your success/failure if you try this. We also have unheated greenhouses that we use as season extenders basically, but I'm always trying to see what I can "get away with" in there. 🙂
I've always used unheated and been very successful. You have to get creative, using rocks, dark containers of water, spray-painted black tiles, etc. I'd recommend the book 'All My Secrets of Organic and Container Gardening So Far' which has some photos of various solar conservation techniques. Last year I used those little USB hand warmers, recharged from a solar panel during the day, to put beside the plant trays at night. Things like that. Good luck.
@@GrowVeg HAhahaha! Thank you for the tip! Today is 'Finish setting up the grow room with the four new grow lights in the basement day.' Much too cold here in Spokane, WA, to grow much outside. (30F (-1C) and 23F (-5C) here in 6b today) Looking forward to having some herbs and such all winter.
Genovese basil and Sweet Basil are not the same thing at all. Sweet Basil has a licorice flavor to it and Genovese has a very different flavor from that.
" You must show these seeds in December"?! That is an aggressive statement!! I'm unsubscribing from your channel. There are more friendly and much more respectful TH-cam subscriptions than you! Good Bye
It‘s a common and comical way of saying something is a „must have“ or „must try“ 😂😂😂 if that is too much pressure for you then the world must be a very difficult place for you to live in. It doesn’t have to be with a little humor 😁
Huh? This is a colloquialism, not a command. Like when people say “Have a nice day!” It doesn’t mean “You must do what I say.” It means “This is a lovely thing you could do in your garden.”
A proper cheer up video to get the better of the winter blues!👍🌱
Absolutely! :-)
I read that in an English accent lol. I'm in Daytona Beach FL. US
Whenever I use an onion I cut off the bottom 1/3 - 1/4 and put it in a tray of shallow water until they start rooting, which only takes a few days. Then I put them in another tray with an inch or so of moist coco coir under some grow lights and they start growing sets of shoots, usually between 1-5 per onion, that can be divided as each one will grow its own onion.
Fantastic tip, will have to try this, thank you. :-)
That's very interesting. Thank you!
I've been growing Egyptian Walking Onions for about four years now. These things are amazing. I eat the leaves all year round with salads. They are like a large spring onion leaf. The plants multiply and "walk" by growing bulbs at the end of the leaf and planting themselves as the leaf bends to the ground from the weight. They need almost no maintenance at all. The only thing you need to do is make sure they don't spread too much. Basically, plant once and forget about them. I've given dozens of plants to friends who are also enjoying them.
Can I ask where did you get the seeds from? I can't seem to find them anywhere.
How can I get the seeds?
Really great recommendation, thanks!
@@theclumsyprepper you can get walking onion at southern exposure seed exchange.
@@theclumsyprepper Grown best from the bulblets they produce on that walking head, not seeds.
You must have a very tolerant wife Ben , doing all that sowing indoors , my husband hates it when the sowing season gets underway and all my sunny windows are being used for growing , he’d have a hissy fit if I actually sowed indoors. I wouldn’t mind but I’m the one who does the cleaning 😂thanks for the reminder about sowing onions as all my sets bolted in the hot spring I’m trying seeds this year
I do get into trouble regularly!
Hello from Oregon. We have climate similar to England's. I whole heartedly agree that now is the time to plant onion seeds. I've been doing it for years. I get excellent onions. None of them bolt. And seedlings survive frosts no problem.
I plant them in trays, outside, under plastic cover, in the shade. No green house. They grow super slow. But by March, I have seedlings ready for transplant. Many gardeners (including me) think that you get bigger and better onions this way.
I also plant shallot seeds this way.
I plant leek seeds a little later, because I grow winter leeks. If I would grow summer leeks, I would plant them now.
BTW, Ben, seeding aliums now would make a good separate video.
Thanks for sharing your experiences on this Michael, appreciate it. Yes, this would make an excellent separate video at some point. :-)
Was waiting for the "I like big bulbs and I cannot lie!" line, but it never came!
Do you know what, that had crossed my mind. I'll use it next time!
That is an American Robin in your garden, that is a rarity on it's own. Very nice!
It's a rather stunning bird. I have to confess, though, it was from a video library!
I usually buy a bag of coriander seeds from the supermarket and grow them, really cheap and definitely worth a try.
I love this channel! So simple instructions and to the point, thanks Ben! 🤩😘 Love from 🇩🇰🧄🧅🫛
What Channel are you referring to? Sherri / Houston😇
Thanks so much - really appreciate your support. Much love back at you! :-)
Don't forget that more exotic herbs do very well indoors - lemongrass grows very well as an indoor plant and you can just pull off a leaf or two for flavouring curries or making tea as you need them. Thai basil and holy basil (aka tulsi) are both well worth growing, as are curry leaf plants and makrut lime plants.
Great recommendations - thanks. :-)
Lemongrass is very toxic to cats... Even deadly. So cat owners, pls don't grow lemongrass inside your home, or your cat may get poisoned.
I bloomin’ love this channel! Thank you Ben✌️❤️🌱🌻
Cheers so much - really appreciate that! :-)
I'm about three weeks away from sowing seeds for my first generation of tomatoes for the 2024 growing season. My elephant garlic, and about half of my grocery store garlic have sprouted. I still have a lot growing in my garden, Late Nagasaki Cabbage, kohlrabi, Pak Choi, komatsuna, Yellow Heart Winter Choy, turnips, rutabagas, Danvers carrots, and winter tomatoes (3 Early Girl-bush, and 4 Tiny Tim). My area has already had a frost and freeze, and there is more freezing weather in the forecast, Alabama zone 7B.
Great to have so much to continue enjoying there Jay. :-)
So incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!!
Thank you Ben. Your videos always bring a smile. May the God of Abraham,Jacob and Issac bless you and yours always.
Thank you so much - really appreciate you watching. :-)
I am watching this video just after some video´s 3 and 2 years old. Ben´s presentation skills and editing are so much better. What an improvement. Very well done!
That's very kind of you to say. It really helps having a proper videographer to talk to - makes it all a lot more natural. :-)
Im gonna grow ginger in my bedroom. Thanks for all the tips
Thank you, Ben, for helping us get through winter!
You're most welcome - thanks for watching. :-)
Once again super video👍Great motivation to keep busy having fun in the garden EVEN in the winter! Thx for the ideas 👍👍
You're most welcome - thank you for watching. :-)
thanks for the info and the neverending happiness 😅. I hope your life is following suit
Thank you so much for your kind words. :-)
Thank you so much! I do have a lot of sunflowerseeds, but no room to grow the big flowers. I will turn them into microgreens. 💜💜💜
They're not so "micro". They grow quite large, really quickly.
They're very satisfying, chunky seedlings. :-)
I literally just ordered some mushroom spawn yesterday. Looking forward to the video! Also with grow lights, mine aren't adjustable but when I need the seedlings to be higher I just put something underneath them to raise them up.
Yes, that's exactly what I do. Seems to work ok. :-)
I followed Gardeners World advice this year and clustered my onions, 3-5 seeds per plug, no thinning, planted in raised beds about a month later. Got such a good harvest and gives you a nice variety on sizes of onions, ideal for cooking different meals. By doing this you also minimize impact if some go bad. Definitely be doing same again, highly recommend.
Yes indeed, that is exactly what I do for normal onions. I'll be sowing more like this in early spring.
I am the granddaughter of an onion farmer who has trouble growing onions (lol) probably because I simply waited too long to sow the seeds. Off topic but every time I see your greenhouse I love it. What are the approximate dimensions as I would love to create one of my own. Thanks for today's video! Cheers and Happy Holidays!! Gail
Hi Gail. Thanks for watching. The greenhouse is around 10x20ft in size, so a good size. It was made bespoke for the people that lived here before us.
Hi Ben, I have grown microgreens commercially and it is widely known that you should never grow seeds intended for birds as the majority is treated with chemicals which can be harmful to humans. Love your channel keep up the good work.
Thanks for the tip here - I hadn't realised that. I've assumed that with the seeds grown out and removed the seedlings would be just fine and have eaten them as such. Appreciate the heads up on this one.
Your videos are amazing!!!! Endless knowledge shared so beautifully. Thank you so much from Australia. 😊
Thanks for watching. 🙂
You're my garden hero and book of all things garden. I have a question. When would you start artichoke seeds?
That's very kind of you to say! Globe artichoke seeds are best sown in early spring - so around about March where I am, in the south of England. The seeds are a good size, making them easy to sow, and can be started off in pots/plug trays to plant out later in the spring, or sown directly where they are to grow.
@@GrowVeg I don't know if it's just me, but when I get an actual reply from the star of the channel, I feel like I just got an autograph from what people call celebrities. Real people are the real celebrities! You're awesome sauce!
Have you tried stacking the microgreen trays and putting weight on while germinating? Peas and sunflower love it like that in a dark place - they will literally lift a brick up if that's what you are using to weight with. The mustard will also benefit from being covered with some pressure while germinating to force the root to go down. Once they go under light they take off in no time - everyone should be growing these superfoods!
That's a great idea. I have read about this and should have done that. I know bean sprouts, for example, produce much thicker sprouts with pressure also.
Thanks for the tips, always useful. Please keep them coming, need something to help me get through the dark winter months.
Don't you worry - plenty more to come over the coming months! :-)
This year was my first in the garden. I failed miserably at onions. I’ll see how next year fairs out.
Mine failed the first, and second year as well so don't be discouraged. You'll get there.
Keep on growing - next year will be better. :-)
Sprinkle a little bonemeal when u plant
I planted some herbs in a hydroponic system for some winter joy. Basil, lavender, rosemary, anise and sage have sprouted. Waiting on oregano. Planing on up potting them into a living wall type of design for my kitchen so we can use fresh herbs daily.
Sounds like a great idea. Lovely to have such a selection of fresh herbs.
Always love your videos thank you.
I get my seeds at the local indian/Pakistani shop(or the international bit of the supermarket) and get the largest pack of indus brand (east end might work) whole corriander from the spice section. Works out so much cheaper and grows very well, same as the fenugreek, marrowfat peas and mustard seeds. I always get them from the spice sections.
Great suggestions there. I agree, the international aisle is sooo much cheaper than the standard spice aisle. Always worth investigating!
Hi Ben, what about growing shallots from seed? Do you have a video on that?
I don't have a video on that. However, shallots would be started in a similar way to onions, but perhaps not sown until later in the winter. More in this RHS growing guide: www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/shallots/grow-your-own
😂 a few short months feel like an eon right now. Oh I have some coriander so I’ll go along with you 💪. I have tow trays of shallots one is doing really well the other is a bit behind 🤷♀️. Great update Ben have a super week, Ali 🥶🇨🇦
Thanks so much Ali - and you. :-)
Love letting corriander bolt! It costs around $3.00 for 1 packet of seeds. I bought 5 packets last year, but finally able to save seeds this past summer when the remainder plants bolted. Managed to save enough seeds for a winter crop. We a lot of cilantro leaves for curries, soups, and dips. Happy to save money where we can- my 1st year of gardening was very expensive!
Try saving some of the green seeds before they ripen. They make a useful condiment in the kitchen and keep well frozen.
@@beentheredonethat6584 we do that too! I add it into my seafood nam Jim sauce. It’s one of my fave spices! :)
Great to have saved your own seed - top job! :-)
The first year is always expensive. I don't even have Record of how much stuff I bought my first year. Between transplants & compost and structural security around my garden beds i spent quite a lot. But I also tried to resource as much free product that I could get to. Many things came from some neighbors giving all sorts of items away as for trash or resale.
@kewiishow3923 , Same! My 1st year was expensive, too. I consider the initial costs as cost of building garden foundation /set up & cost of learning new skills.
Grow light on in my living room, HPS grow light, acts like a heater too.
Got loads growing, sown early peppers and tomatoes, got winter greens growing,
Got sweet potato i brought from outside vigorously climbing up sticks, took one cutting thats already sprouted shoots.
I love indoor gardening.
Wow - you've got loads growing there John!
Good morning Ben, Loved the video today, so much "correct" information. The garlic I planted, the heat wave has been horrible with very little rain, so they did not develop into large or medium bulbs, yet, even though the cloves are not too bad, little ones, I am sure they are going to taste excellent, we might use some of the sets for planting in Autumn next season. Winter season is not too grand, but there are much benefits we can gain, the only things I do not enjoy is the dark in the morning, in our summer season now at 5am it is already light, but in winter 6:45 is a bit challenging! Never mind it all works together for the good, a bit of resting does all good. Enjoy a good day keep cosy. Kind regards, Elize.
Always good to have a pause - a rest - between seasons. I'm grateful for the cooler days for that reason. :-)
Please share info on your sprayer! Love your videos and pleasant demeanor!
Of course. It's a pump-action bottle sprayer. www.google.com/search?q=matabi+sprayer&sca_esv=588006686&sxsrf=AM9HkKmTfCJVQo7SrIipy1ZCv-uCU_p4rg%3A1701781154217&ei=oh5vZbftDLWDi-gP5M6pmAc&ved=0ahUKEwi3xrrprPiCAxW1wQIHHWRnCnMQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=matabi+sprayer&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiDm1hdGFiaSBzcHJheWVyMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABEj0J1DGCFjpJXADeAGQAQCYAYQBoAHrCKoBBDEyLjK4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgcQIxiwAxgnwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICDRAAGIAEGIoFGEMYsAPCAgoQIxiABBiKBRgnwgILEAAYgAQYigUYkQLCAhcQLhiABBiKBRiRAhixAxiDARjHARivAcICERAuGIMBGMcBGLEDGNEDGIAEwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwHCAhEQLhiABBixAxiDARjHARjRA8ICEBAuGIAEGIoFGMcBGK8BGCfCAhAQABiABBiKBRhDGLEDGIMBwgIQEC4YQxiDARixAxiABBiKBcICChAAGIAEGIoFGEPCAg0QLhiABBiKBRhDGLEDwgIQEC4YgAQYigUYQxixAxiDAcICDRAuGIAEGIoFGEMY1ALCAgoQLhiABBiKBRhDwgIREC4YgAQYsQMYgwEYxwEYrwHCAhAQLhiABBiKBRhDGMcBGNEDwgIOEAAYgAQYigUYsQMYgwHCAggQABiABBixA8ICIBAuGIAEGLEDGIMBGMcBGNEDGJcFGNwEGN4EGOAE2AEBwgIFEC4YgATCAgwQABiABBiKBRhDGArCAg0QLhiABBjHARjRAxgKwgITEC4YgAQYsQMYgwEYxwEY0QMYCsICChAAGIAEGLEDGArCAgcQABiABBgK4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCroGBggBEAEYFA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
You get the black oil sunflower seeds that are supposed to be bird feed? That is awesome!
Yes, that's right - and they've all germinated really well.
I will br starting onions and cilantro indoors this week, thank you for sharing your suggestions and tips.
Great stuff Helen. Hope they get off to a good start for you.
Great video thanks. Love your enthusiasm..you've given me a boost to crack on this winter
Great stuff! :-)
Enjoy your videos and the details. Cheers from across the pond.
Cheers for watching. :-)
I like your pretty duck display, and I want to let the world know that pea shoots are absolutely magnificent! They keep re-growing a surprising number of times. I sowed peas and mustard seeds under grow lights a couple days ago, and today I sowed bok choy and radish seeds. I should have some extra tasty sandwiches in a month or so. Thanks for another fine video!
That's really fab to hear. Pea shoots are pretty amazing aren't they!
Looking forward to the upcoming videos you are doing. It makes thngs so easy when you can watch someone explain. Good stuff. Thankyou.
Cheers for watching Linda. Looking forward to getting the mushroom video out. Really pleased with how it all has come along.
It’s sow time! ❤
Here in Buenos Aires about 3 or 4 ombues appeared alone in my garden. The seeds must have germinated while I was busy with something else.- I plan to use them to make a bonsai (ornamental).- Many plants appear alone here. Between the compost I have made since the pandemic and the trees that "surround me" I am like in a jungle. It's summer! Very hot.-
Wow, it sounds like your garden is very abundant and beautiful! :-)
Wonderful video, thank you! Loved every bit of it. Both ginger and curcuma very much a part of our daily diet, including doggie, will have to give it a try... Thank you again
Thanks for watching. So pleased you enjoyed the video. 😀
Wonderfully informing and entertaining as always! Thanks so much.
I have my seeds piled up on my table. It's time to reorganize. I saw my first bloom on my snow peas, very excited about that! But, I was thinking about growing some microgreens this winter. I haven't ever done it. Actually, I never have because I never knew when you are supposed to harvest, or what's best. Anyway, as always, thanks Ben
Definitely try some microgreens. Just harvest them once they are a useable size - in most cases about 2-3in (5-7cm) tall.
Impressed that you succeed in growing basil through the winter having tried and failed many times. I think the key difference between your approach and mine is that I don’t have a grow lamp. I try to watch all of your videos, also those of “News Jardin TV”; I stopped trying to grow basil after the latter issued advice that while basil will germinate easily year round, it won’t grow on if sown much before May, that was aimed at French gardeners but of course being further north the advice applies equally here. Perhaps one day I will find somewhere to install grow lights but for now I will continue to grow basil as a summer crop. I generally have basil, alongside marigolds, at the foot of each tomato plant.
Thought it worth posting this to add on to what you explained about growing basil.
I have coriander struggling to germinate in my unheated greenhouse, I’ll bring the pot into the house to see if a little more warmth helps them along. I didn’t know about soaking coriander seeds but will certainly try that in the future. I’ve seen some gardeners crush coriander to separate the two potential seeds in each little ball, I haven’t tried this for fear of causing too much damage but it did explain why coriander seedlings come up in pairs!
Grow lights DEFINITELY make the difference. I had no luck when I tried growing in a sunny window. But once I used grow lights...that was the key!
Yes, grow lights are a huge help. It can be so dark and gloomy here in the winter!
Really enjoy your videos and learn a lot❤
Thanks so much for watching. :-)
oow how big do the sunflowers get before harvesting, never thought of growing them now! will try the basil again as first batch failed but will defo do the peas and perhaps mustard seed! thanks
The sunflowers are about 2-3in (5-7cm) when harvesting, so not too big.
I love your videos, keep it up❤ please i want to start my own onions planting,how will I get the seeds
Onion seeds are available online from any seed stockist/supplier. Have a search and see what you can find. Sorry, I would recommend a website but I don't know where you live.
Please make sure to give us an update on these microgreens.
The video was filmed two weeks ago, so the microgreens have already been harvested - they all did well, harvested between about 2-3in (5-7cm) tall.
@@GrowVeg thanks for responding. I'm guessing u will be sowing more batches? If u do ,please do a harvest video as I'm new to microgreens
Thank you
Amazing
So nice thank you!
Assuming you are gardening in the UK? Just confirming because I am gardening in US PNW and our climates are very similar.
Always looking for new UK gardeners to follow!
Yes indeed, I'm in the UK. Very similar climate to yours. :-)
@@GrowVeg Excellent!
Very informative video as usual, but what variety of shallots do you use at this time of year?
My light levels in the greenhouse, garden and house are extremely poor at this time of year, so grow lights seem to be the answer. Thanks
Longer and Jermor are good autumn-planting varieties. At this time of year the low light levels are generally fine for shallots as they are mainly producing a root system at this early stage of growth.
nice advice, but what growing zone does it applies to? it looks like it is very green in your location.
I'm in zone 8, but the same advice would apply to a few zones either side.
awesome, thank you, Eva@@GrowVeg
Great tips!
Great video i have a question i have seedings and a walk in greenhouse that is heated. Is 60 degrees warm enough to keep them alive and thriving? I notice you use a greenhouse and thought you might know. Thank you keep those awesome videos coming
60 degrees (assuming Fahrenheit!) is a good general temperature and should be good for keeping most seedlings happy. :-)
Coriander has two seeds per pod, so you can actually gently break each pod in two halves and each plant will have more room for roots rather than having two plants right next to each other. It's almost like doubling your seeds!
Great suggestion, thank you!
Have you ever heard of legend tomatoes? They grow in cooler months I’ve read… waiting on my seeds to start them😊
I have heard of it, yes. And it could be worth trying next season as it's also meant to display good blight resistance.
Where did you get that mister? I love it!
From the local garden centre, but you can buy it online too. You're looking for a pump-action pressure sprayer. Something like this: www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-282441-Pressure-Sprayer/dp/B000LFTYV0/ref=sr_1_54_mod_primary_new?crid=OTICFG6YPWK3&keywords=pump%2Baction%2Bsprayer&qid=1701089727&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=pump%2Baction%2Bsprayer%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-54&th=1
Hi Ben, great vid. Just out of interest you said you live quite northerly. I was wondering how far north: Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Cumbria?
Hi Jonathan. When I said northerly I just meant compared to most of the US/Europe. I'm down in the Cotswolds, so not that far north by UK standards!
Can you share which variety of shallots you’re growing, Ben? I grow French Red but they’re much smaller and take a lot of work to peel enough for my recipes.
The variety I'm growing in Longor. Jermor is another good autumn-planting one.
@@GrowVegThanks, Ben. Neither variety appears to be available in the US. The only banana shallot I’m finding Is Zebrune but of course they are only started from seed in Spring. I’ll keep looking!
Veg, in a few months ill be starting my vegetable garden in my new house with backyards. Could you tell me what the size of your boards are for the raised beds you use? They seem like the perfect width that will stay for a few years before rotting away.
Congratulations on your new house with a backyard. Sounds like the yard is something new for you. Enjoy!
I remember my 1st year in my house.. I planted some fruit trees right away and am always glad I did.. the years sure do fly by
@@bitchywoman already got most of my trees sorted. Very excited to get my hands dirty!
Most of my beds are just repurposed pallet collars. The beds are 4x5ft (1x1.2m) in size. The boards are just over a half-inch thick and around 6in (15cm) deep.
You could just wet the paper towel and then put it in a plastic bad until germination. Keep in a warm dark place and your good to go. No need to waste time wetting twice a day
Please do a show on planting raspberry bushes:
Climate requirements,
Soil requirements,
Germination issues.
Thanks.
Why don't you just look it up? I'm sure there's plenty of information available online that would suit your climate.
@@theclumsyprepper I am.
Check out our videos on this: th-cam.com/video/ZzOLUf7ibek/w-d-xo.htmlsi=s8cUO7W5F9wyYw9N and th-cam.com/video/RgkC5I7NpUA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BP5i-0etQfgyXJZq
Hi Ben, I would be careful with sowing mustard seeds from the spice aisle. Many spices are irradiated before being packaged, which would result in a lack of germination.
Thanks for the warning. The mustard I sowed did just fine with near-perfect germination. They are the East End brand widely available in the world foods aisle.
Is it alright if I have already sowed the pea seeds without soaking them in water?
Yes, they will be fine.
I never soak them because I’m lazy and it hasn’t been a problem!😅
Yes absolutely - soaking is just ideal but in no ways essential. Just speeds things along that's all.
Can I pre-start other types of seeds like this?
Yes, you can pre-start, or 'chit', other seedlings like this. Parsnips are a good one to start like this.
Can you save Potatoes that haven't ripened for seed next year, having lots of troubles with slugs and looking for ways around them as waiting for potatoes to ripen to save for seed allows slugs to damage most the crop limiting storage. Thanks
If the potatoes are underdeveloped I would think there is a chance they may not be suitable for saving for seed for next spring. But if they have reached, say, hen’s egg size you could probably save them I would have thought.
I have the hardest time in the germination stage. I use potting mix and new seeds but they grow very slow and don’t get very tall.
I’m wondering if I should add a slow release organic fertilizer with the pot mix. Thanks for any suggestions.
Seedlings don't need much fertility to germinate or in the young seedlings stage, so I think so long as you are using good-quality potting mix extra fertilizer shouldn't be necessary. The important thing is to try and give seedlings the temperature requirements they need to germinate. Some cool-season crops will germinate at a relatively low temperature, but others needs more warmth for quick and seamless germination.
Thank you. I think I’ll start with a better potting soil and change to an area of morning sun. I’m not giving up yet!
Another micro green you could fry is lentils… if you haven’t already😊
Sprouted lentils are my absolute favourite. So delicious. They taste almost like fresh peas.
Haha - you read my mind. I had some of those growing too!
I guess I may have missed something. Should I sow the shallots outside in a protected container then try to plant them in the late spring when the ground soffens or should I try to plant them in a few weeks or so?
You can either plant them into small pots or plug trays, like I have done, the overwinter them to plant outside in spring. Or alternatively, you can plant them directly into the soil where they are to grow. The reason I have started them off in plug trays is partly because the space is still occupied and partly to avoid disturbance by repeat frosts and thaws. But in most instances, planting direct works beautifully.
Thank you!
@4:51 - is that American Robin on your lawn? They're very uncommon in the UK.
Definitely not a normal British bird.
Yes, looks like an American robin... Occasional vagrant winter visitors to the UK and Ireland.
@@nedkelly5866 That would be a good one for the life list. I've saw waxwings for the first time the other day - they're not a common winter visitor where I am. Beautiful birds.
I wonder if it’s just stock video they used to illustrate his point?
You guys are all very eagle eyed! Yes, this was a stock video clip just to illustrate the point. It would be quite something to spot an American robin in my British garden!
Power the grow lights and heat/grow pads at night by solar panels. Not hard to do.
With a battery, I guess that would be a spectacular idea. :-)
@@GrowVeg I already do this, using outdoor solar lights (taken outside during the day and brought indoors at night, rather than a permanent mounting) and with portable battery packs or "DC generators" as they are called, recharged during the day. It works splendidly. Got the inspiration from the photos and heat-saving methods shown in the book 'All My Secrets of Organic and Container Gardening So Far.' Worth a read.
Try growing your micro green on a few layers of paper towels.
This would be fine for the mustard, but not so sure for the peas and sunflowers.
@GrowVeg Agreed. However, a single layer of damp paper towel covering the seeds will help to retain surface moisture until germination. Simple mist it as it dries until sprouts begin to push it up.
Curious to know what bird that was?
That was an American Robin I believe.
Seems like this kind of pre-germination would be smart for all seeds including:
Onions,
Carrots,
Tomatoes,
Corn,
Etc.
Why not ??
Pre-germinating is a good idea for seeds which have poor germination rates like parsnips but most seeds like tomatoes germinate really well so it's hardly worth the bother. The one to avoid pre-germinating is carrot as any root disturbance will cause the root to be deformed.
@@suehunter5024 ok I won't do carrots that way. Thanks !!
Lettuce seed never germinates well for me in seeding trays. I have taken to chitting them and get 100% success in only a few days. Place a few seeds on a small round of dampened coffee filter and seal in a small jar. As soon as you notice some growth they are ready to pot on.
I am a micro-greens grower/ seller. You should not use sunflower seed produced for birds. There's specific sunflower seeds meant for human consumption.
I hadn't realised that. I assumed it would be okay given the fact the seed case is left behind and not consumed and you're just eating the seedling itself. So thank you for letting me know!
What is that bird at 4:51 please ? Unusual and whereabouts are you in the u.k ? 🍁🍁🍂🍂
I think that may have been a video library clip! I'm not sure what type of bird it is (sorry!). I'm based in The Cotswolds, in northwest Oxfordshire.
I need help can i do the same treatment to spinaci seeds
I would think (in my zone, with regular frosts now) it would be a bit soon to sow spinach outside. However, you could certainly try sowing some under grow lights for young leafy greens.
Would it ever be possible to plant seeds in an unheated greenhouse in December here in what is called a zone 3 climate with a little solar panels help?
I would be very interested in your success/failure if you try this. We also have unheated greenhouses that we use as season extenders basically, but I'm always trying to see what I can "get away with" in there. 🙂
I think your winters may just be too cold, so probably best waiting until towards the end of winter. Sorry!
I've always used unheated and been very successful. You have to get creative, using rocks, dark containers of water, spray-painted black tiles, etc. I'd recommend the book 'All My Secrets of Organic and Container Gardening So Far' which has some photos of various solar conservation techniques. Last year I used those little USB hand warmers, recharged from a solar panel during the day, to put beside the plant trays at night. Things like that. Good luck.
What is your typical yield for a single shallot bulb?
Google it.
Each shallot set will grow on to produce a clump of between around six to eight new bulbs.
@@GrowVeg thank you!
Do you not get in trouble for making such a mess in the house? 13:48
I get the side eye whenever I even think of bringing the potting soil indoors.
I get in mega trouble if caught, yes! The trick is to tidy up as quickly as possible so you're not spotted making the mess and no one ever knew!
@@GrowVeg HAhahaha! Thank you for the tip!
Today is 'Finish setting up the grow room with the four new grow lights in the basement day.' Much too cold here in Spokane, WA, to grow much outside. (30F (-1C) and 23F (-5C) here in 6b today) Looking forward to having some herbs and such all winter.
❤❤
Genovese basil and Sweet Basil are not the same thing at all. Sweet Basil has a licorice flavor to it and Genovese has a very different flavor from that.
Yes, good point. I should have been more clear. My main point is that I'm using a nice-and-easy 'basic' basil.
We hope that the Arabic translation will be activated
Thanks for the suggestion. I will look into how we can have more language subtitles to the videos.
We not American please stop calling it that 🤦🏼♀️
No. Stop telling me what to do bossy. Sheesh. Don't do this... Do this now... Blah blah blah. Go away.
Hi Samuel. The titles are just meant to capture attention - they're not a command or serious dictate to do as I say.
" You must show these seeds in December"?! That is an aggressive statement!! I'm unsubscribing from your channel. There are more friendly and much more respectful TH-cam subscriptions than you! Good Bye
It‘s a common and comical way of saying something is a „must have“ or „must try“ 😂😂😂 if that is too much pressure for you then the world must be a very difficult place for you to live in. It doesn’t have to be with a little humor 😁
Huh? This is a colloquialism, not a command. Like when people say “Have a nice day!” It doesn’t mean “You must do what I say.” It means “This is a lovely thing you could do in your garden.”
🤣🤣🤣
Bye bye! Don't let the greenhouse door hit you on the way out!
Gosh. this is a great channel. If you don't understand things, don't make judgement.
Bye