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.
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....
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 😉)
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. 😍
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
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.
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
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 TH-cam at its very best. Thank you very much, Rob.
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!
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.
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.
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. 😂
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!!!
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!! 🌷
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!
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 🙂🙂
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!
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!
@@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!
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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 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.
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
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. :)
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.
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 😊
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.
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!
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 🙂
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.
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.
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! 👍
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.
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 🌱 ☕️☺️
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.
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.
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
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 :-)
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...
Great to see you again Charles. Such an important topic for all of us to take in. I think we get so eager for the season to start. Canadian weather is a bit like a yo-yo in the spring and people forget those little frosty nights that sneak up on us. The only "happy little accident" on my end is, I assumed many of my old seed from some heritage tomatoes that I have hung onto for years would have poor germination. So of course I sowed them all, HAHA. Now I have hundreds of plants to give away to anyone who will have them. I can only grow about 100 around my property so I think many people will walk away very happy. XD Here I am about 3-4 weeks away from last frost and I too find this a timely video. I was just thinking about starting the next round. Happy sowing and growing everyone!
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.
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.
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!
Watching your videos is always a pleasure) I'm always like 'ah well, my seedlings look almost the same as Charles's, so seems that I'm doing it right')) I now only have a balcony (no yard or garden), thus very limited in space, yet I'm growing lettuce, rocket, purslane, peas, basil, coriander, rosemary, sage and other herbs, tomatoes, peppers, cukes, beans and a bit of flowers of course. Greetings from St. Petersburg, Russia)
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!
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 .
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Thanks for your great videos. You have influenced my garden practices so much, more than any other gardening guru. My gardening conversations are often laced with "according to Charles Dowding........." 😁
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. 🌻
Hi Charles and 'crew'. Great video. Thanks. I'm definitely not guilty of sowing too early. This video was very timely as otherwise I might have 'overcompensated' for my super late start with the cold tolerant plants by sowing others too early. Dipping into course 3 at the moment and seeing what I can get away with playing catch-up on.You've convinced me to try to find room for cabbage in the form of Duncan F1 and going to try out Kaibroc. Also will try out some container growing of these and others. Grew Calinaro last year and it was amazing to eat but even the two we grew were more than we had room for. :-)
Thanks Charles, burrying seeds too deep is really a killer myth. The soybeans I sowed were so closed to rot and most of their cotyledon were badly damaged. Thankfully I put them out and relocated, 70% survived. Besides, I also sow aubergine, chili and melon too early, and they either didn't come up at all, or only very pale leaves were developed and then ended in nothing. Thanks for sharing as usual!
Hi Charles, I have a small question. I also sowed sweet corns quite early (mid March, but i have a greenhouse facing west), and the young leaves were once very pale yellow. According to my previous experiences, i am prepared to sow again as they don't look healthy. However, within these two weeks the sunlight is very strong and the temperature within the greenhouse can be up to 25 degree C at the peak hours in the afternoon, their leaves turned normal and healthy green. Is this also part of the reasons we should not sow them too early? When the temperature is not sufficient, even the light level is good, some plants just can't make it? Thanks in advance.
That is correct. To be precise when the temperature needed by any plant is below its minimum, the soil biology cannot help it to find food and leaves turn yellow, mainly from lack of nitrogen. Then miraculously in warmer conditions, leaves can go green as nitrogen becomes available to them, in a form they can access
@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thanks Charles, I just read a paragraph from a free paper, now i have better understandings, much appreciated. "Soil temperature can affect plant N uptake and N form preference (Bonan 1991, Scholberg et al. 2002). Warming increases the overall availability of N in soils (Lukac et al. 2011) while increasing plant N uptake by increasing membrane fluidity (Reece et al. 2011) and metabolic rates; thus, the uptake of most N forms is positively correlated with temperature (Dong et al. 2001)"
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. 🙂
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 👍🌻
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! :-)
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!
Well, since watching your vids week before last I have now become the proud grower of sweet potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes and herbs! All are being grown in containers until I plan a garden plot for later season. I’m also learning extremely fast that our Texas sun even in April can be very harsh. When I read “full sun” I have to wonder if they will be capable of full sun as we move into summer. Your zone I’m sure has its hurdles but I bet it’s very satisfying to grow in! Thank you so much for your work and videos!
I am so impressed to read about your new motivation and good luck with that bright sun! It's funny how we would love that 'problem' and you would love our clouds!
@@CharlesDowding1nodig You gave me the spark I needed so thank you. I’m an artist by day and so the experimenting with growing plants in different mediums makes for a nice transition as I am always, always experimenting with art mediums. I love to see new outcomes good or bad. It’s all about learning ☺️
As always so much good, interesting information. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos, whether it is old or new!! Thanks for the wonderful content!!
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 🌿👩🌾🌿
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.
How lovely to read this Christos. I feel blessed to connect with and help people like yourself, and wish you well.
Newbie, you are learning from the best....I have watched hundreds of other "gardeners" videos and Mr. Dowding is untouchable
W
Agreed!
Watching Charles water seedlings is far more fulfilling and nourishing to my soul than any self help book or Hallmark movie.
It is, right? So weird. But so awesome.
Amazing!! Shall ponder that while watering 😀
@@CharlesDowding1nodig peace and love, Charles.
I feel the same, I love his videos.
We need Charles Dowding fan tee shirts !!!
Lesson learnt from this video is that I've planted everything too soon!
Same here!
same here 2
me too...😫
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....
Yeah when i got snow on my potatos I realise this too
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 😉)
Cute 😀
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. 😍
Great to hear!
Completely agree, great stuff!
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
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.
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
Well done Arnie!
I relate to this a little too much 🤣. Thanks
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 TH-cam at its very best. Thank you very much, Rob.
That is kind of you. Cheers Rob.
CD's voice is the YT version of a splendid cup of chamomile tea. Thank you Charles!!
💚
He needs to get crackin' with book narations!
Very well said! 👏👏👏☕
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!
We buy them, and it's quite an investment but feels worthwhile, so it's lovely to have feedback like this!
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.
Thanks Amanda, best of luck!!
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.
Glad it was helpful, and there are many people who try to confuse things so be careful what you could believe and question everything 🌱
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. 😂
Clued!! 😀 was dibber though
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!!!
Oh wow! Nice to hear, hope your tomatoes grow well
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!! 🌷
That is awesome Carolyn!
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!
Sounds great!
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 🙂🙂
Bravo Ula 🍅
Your voice is so soothing. I can hear your talk all day long !! ❤️
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!
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!
@@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!
19 minutes of sanity in a 'going crazier every day' World.
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.
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.
His videos are as lovely as the weather 😌🎉
Elegant,understated,and knowledgeable as always.
Much appreciated Mick
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.
Good luck!
"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.
Merci et je te souhaite le succes, deuxieme fois
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 🙂
Thanks for sharing Susan
@@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.
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.
Thank u Charles....always great advice and wonderful to watch the master at work!
Wow 😲! Must planting vegetables...
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
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. :)
Great tip!
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.
Thanks a million!!
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 😊
Lovely options Jenny!
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.
You are so welcome!
These videos are like movies for me. Always waiting to watch more. I'm sure it's true with others as well. Thanks for the wonderful collection
Glad you like them Deepesh
Ya me enamore Charles...admiro a los hombres constructores y los productores de alimentos como tu...con todo respeto a la señora Dowding 😊🥰
🥬!
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!
Thanks for sharing, great to hear 😀
The magical show begins with the seeds.
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 🙂
Cool thanks!
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.
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.
(almost) happy to hear that even Charles has his hits and misses with bought comoost!
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.
Welcome Eric
His sowing videos are always some of my favorite!
Aside from the excellent presentation and info, the photography & video production is superb
Thanks a lot and Edward is your man
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! 👍
You are very welcome David
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 🙏🏻
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.
Cheers Will and allow 10-12 days too
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 🌱 ☕️☺️
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.
Good to hear Filip, early harvests I hope
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!!
You are so welcome!
His Calendar is an incredible wealth of knowledge with sowing times all year round :)
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.
Cherie 💚
Hello from Whidbey island. I really like your videos and always learn something new to help me on my gardening venture. Thank you.
Thank you Charles, I didn't know that seeds don't need light to germinate!
Well most don't. There are actually a few, rare exceptions but generally they just need warmth and some moisture. 👍
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
So nice of you, thanks :)
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 :-)
😀 Great to hear Phil!
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...
Thanks for sharing Joy and well done
Great to see you again Charles. Such an important topic for all of us to take in. I think we get so eager for the season to start. Canadian weather is a bit like a yo-yo in the spring and people forget those little frosty nights that sneak up on us. The only "happy little accident" on my end is, I assumed many of my old seed from some heritage tomatoes that I have hung onto for years would have poor germination. So of course I sowed them all, HAHA. Now I have hundreds of plants to give away to anyone who will have them. I can only grow about 100 around my property so I think many people will walk away very happy. XD Here I am about 3-4 weeks away from last frost and I too find this a timely video. I was just thinking about starting the next round. Happy sowing and growing everyone!
Many thanks Angela, and good luck with all those tomato plants!
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.
😀
The man is a legend! Nuff said. Greetings from Arizona.
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.
After watching Charles, decided to rip out the lawn and plant food. Wish me luck..... Entering spring in South Africa so cant wait
I do wish you luck and reckon you will enjoy the growing
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.
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!
@@mountainhobbit1971 Blue Rock here. I'm using no dig with forrest compost instead of making my own. Works extremely well.
Watching your videos is always a pleasure)
I'm always like 'ah well, my seedlings look almost the same as Charles's, so seems that I'm doing it right')) I now only have a balcony (no yard or garden), thus very limited in space, yet I'm growing lettuce, rocket, purslane, peas, basil, coriander, rosemary, sage and other herbs, tomatoes, peppers, cukes, beans and a bit of flowers of course.
Greetings from St. Petersburg, Russia)
So nice of you to say and how amazing! Sounds really satisfying
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!
Great job! Thanks Emily
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 .
Great tips. Thank you for the Polish subtitles
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.
Great!
I think its so wonderful to see such thick stems on the tomatoes🤯💪
exactly how I feel, left behind when I see people in different climates sowing. can't wait for warmer weather.
Que emoción poder ver y aprender de usted señor ✍️es una maravilla 🌱🌱🌱 felicidades me encantó 👏👏 abrazo grande desde 🇦🇷 bendiciónes 🙌🙌
Muchas gracias Estela
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.
Great to read this Laura, nice tip too
Thank you @Charles for the lovely video . always a pleasure to watch and learn from you.
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
Glad I could help!
This was a very good and informative video. We appreciate you Charles Dowding. 🙏🏽
Thank you Charles. This is my first year of seed sowing, inspired mainly by your videos. Your guidance is invaluable.
You are very welcome Robert
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.
Thanks for sharing!
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.
Cool and yes!
Now I know why I struggle with basil...I'll remember to keep em on the dry side in future. Thanks Mr.D
Thanks for your great videos. You have influenced my garden practices so much, more than any other gardening guru. My gardening conversations are often laced with "according to Charles Dowding........." 😁
That's cool, thanks :)
Brilliant content, learned more from Charles than any other TH-cam channel. In depth and all aspects considered
💚 thanks
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. 🌻
Hi Charles and 'crew'. Great video. Thanks. I'm definitely not guilty of sowing too early. This video was very timely as otherwise I might have 'overcompensated' for my super late start with the cold tolerant plants by sowing others too early. Dipping into course 3 at the moment and seeing what I can get away with playing catch-up on.You've convinced me to try to find room for cabbage in the form of Duncan F1 and going to try out Kaibroc. Also will try out some container growing of these and others. Grew Calinaro last year and it was amazing to eat but even the two we grew were more than we had room for. :-)
Great to read this Neil and that sounds encouraging, that you are not too early!
You've changed my garden with this sowing method, and I love that 💚🌱💚 thanks a lot 🙏🐞
Thanks Charles, burrying seeds too deep is really a killer myth. The soybeans I sowed were so closed to rot and most of their cotyledon were badly damaged. Thankfully I put them out and relocated, 70% survived.
Besides, I also sow aubergine, chili and melon too early, and they either didn't come up at all, or only very pale leaves were developed and then ended in nothing.
Thanks for sharing as usual!
Hi Charles, I have a small question. I also sowed sweet corns quite early (mid March, but i have a greenhouse facing west), and the young leaves were once very pale yellow. According to my previous experiences, i am prepared to sow again as they don't look healthy. However, within these two weeks the sunlight is very strong and the temperature within the greenhouse can be up to 25 degree C at the peak hours in the afternoon, their leaves turned normal and healthy green. Is this also part of the reasons we should not sow them too early? When the temperature is not sufficient, even the light level is good, some plants just can't make it? Thanks in advance.
That is correct. To be precise when the temperature needed by any plant is below its minimum, the soil biology cannot help it to find food and leaves turn yellow, mainly from lack of nitrogen.
Then miraculously in warmer conditions, leaves can go green as nitrogen becomes available to them, in a form they can access
@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thanks Charles, I just read a paragraph from a free paper, now i have better understandings, much appreciated.
"Soil temperature can affect plant N uptake and N form preference (Bonan 1991, Scholberg et al. 2002). Warming increases the overall availability of N in soils (Lukac et al. 2011) while increasing plant N uptake by increasing membrane fluidity (Reece et al. 2011) and metabolic rates; thus, the uptake of most N forms is positively correlated with temperature (Dong et al. 2001)"
Thank you Mr Charlie. I think most of all for reminding me of the content luxuriousness involved in lovingly handling compost.
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. 🙂
Cheers Jon.
I have done it, in my online course, lesson 30 but it's not free.
May do a You Tube one.
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 👍🌻
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! :-)
Fingers crossed!
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!
💚
Thank you Charles, I always learn something from every video you do! My favorite gardener and channel by far.
Great to hear!
Thanks Charles, great to see your progress, to compare my efforts. Only started this malarkey last year, your calendar is my bible.
Keep it up Paul
Well, since watching your vids week before last I have now become the proud grower of sweet potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes and herbs! All are being grown in containers until I plan a garden plot for later season. I’m also learning extremely fast that our Texas sun even in April can be very harsh. When I read “full sun” I have to wonder if they will be capable of full sun as we move into summer. Your zone I’m sure has its hurdles but I bet it’s very satisfying to grow in! Thank you so much for your work and videos!
I am so impressed to read about your new motivation and good luck with that bright sun! It's funny how we would love that 'problem' and you would love our clouds!
@@CharlesDowding1nodig You gave me the spark I needed so thank you. I’m an artist by day and so the experimenting with growing plants in different mediums makes for a nice transition as I am always, always experimenting with art mediums. I love to see new outcomes good or bad. It’s all about learning ☺️
"The only thing Charles is missing is a video on heat loving plants at the seedling stage". Haha great video to see.
Yes! Thank you!
Hello Charles , very good teachings, of seedlings, thanks for sharing with me see You soon.
As always so much good, interesting information. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos, whether it is old or new!! Thanks for the wonderful content!!
Cool, thanks Michele
@@CharlesDowding1nodig You are welcome!!
Thanks Charles, beautiful as ever watching and learning. All the best, Andy & Karen 👍
I learn something from every video. Thank you.
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 🌿👩🌾🌿