Propagating Seeds

31 January. 2012.

It isn't necessary to have a greenhouse (I don't have one) to get your seeds started, though the space is useful if you are sowing alot of seeds. I have a clear roofed extension (it is far from a conservatory...more of a fancy out-house), which means that I can grow tomatoes and cucumbers indoors. It is easy though, to sow your seeds on sunny windowledges...I set up a table behind my sunniest windowledge so that I can sow quite a few seeds. 

Wilkinson's sells really cheap windowledge propagators (about £3.20 each) which come with five inserts for propagating most seeds, but I like to sow herb seeds in larger pots (first picture), as you sow quite a few seeds together. I've sown some basil and some chives to keep indoors.

To propagate, you place the clear lid on the base which creates a mini greenhouse, and place this in a sunny warm spot. The sun catches my kitchen windowledge really nicely. You can easily lift the lid to keep your seeds moist (but not soaking).

Once the seedlings begin to appear you remove the clear propagator lid, but still keep them on the sunny windowledge.

You can also cover the pot with cling film, which also creates a little greenhouse, but being disposable, cling film is not such an environmentally concious method.
The cling film is removed once the seedlings appear.




18 February. 2012.

The seeds begin to sprout so I remove the lid or plastic cover and keep moist.

Spices for Pickling etc...

We stock a wide range of whole and ground spices for use in pickling, baking and cooking. Many spices are the obvious exclusions from what can be grown in the garden, but are never-the-less, they are essential kitchen ingredients. You can click here to make a quick order from our selection of spices; or click on the individual spices below to find out more information and recipes.

ALLSPICE
CASSIA
CINNAMON
BLACK PEPPER
CLOVES
CORIANDER SEED
CUMIN SEED
DILL SEED
FENNEL SEED
GINGER
GREEN CARDAMOM
JUNIPER BERRIES
MUSTARD SEED & POWDER
NUTMEG
SAFFRON
STAR ANISE
VANILLA

Young Grower's

Here is another of our packs of seeds for children. Magic Beans contains 30 speckled borlotti beans to grow dwarf sized, managable plants. The pack comes with The Magic of Growing sheet and instructions for a bean growing experiment.

Magic Beans Seed Pack (30 borlotti seeds). £1.20.

Our Young Grower's

jACKrABBIT likes to support children growing their own produce in the garden or allotment. We have a range of seed packs and activities specially designed for children of all ages, and if you click on the 'children' label at the bottom of this post you can find what we have at present.

You can also visit the Nial's Patch blog. Nial is a nine year old grower who grows his own vegetable and fruit seeds in our garden. The blog is gardening from a child's point of view and Nial will be posting on his progress from the Spring onwards.

Young Growers

Super Soaring Sunflower Seeds (20 seeds), with activities. £1.20.

This is another of our packs for children. Each contains the pack of seeds for growing, and also extra activities to help children to get excited about getting in the garden, and growing their own food and flowers.
This pack contains the Sidney Spider Spelling Game, where children have to provide Sidney with his dinner by spelling words. There are also instructions for making a bird feeder out of the sunflower heads.

Parsnips in the Garden

I grow my parsnips in the garden, being a vegetable often harvested in the colder winter months, so that they are more easily accessible. Also, root vegetables like soil that doesn't have too many stones in it as the stones can damage or split the roots as they grow, and my allotment is very stoney.

Parsnips can be kept in the soil all winter till you need them, I just pulled this one up last week, and there are a couple more left over. Parsnips are sweeter after there has been a frost, so this one was a really tasty one, and it was pretty massive as well. I only planted about 20 seeds in a small patch by my herbs, but I got a healthy crop. If you want to buy the Gladiator F1 seeds that I used, or find out how to grow your own parsnips, click here.

I marked the row where the parsnip seeds were sown with short cut canes. Parsnip seeds are slow to germinate, so I also sowed some cut and grow salad seeds which I picked before the parsnips grew bigger and needed the room. They stayed tucked nicely between the herbs and the courgette patch till they were ready to be harvested.

In the winter the leaves die off, so it is a good idea to mark the parsnips so that you can find them. This looks like another big parsnip!

Young Grower's

Seeds for Children
We have produced a number of seed packs designed specifically for children. This is the first; The Amazing Racing Snails, which contains a pack of our frilly salad leaf seeds (app. 500), instructions for the Racing Snails garden game (you will need chalk), recipes for salad dressings and activities. The packs cost £1.20 each and are an excellent way to get children growing and eating vegetables.

The Amazing Racing Snails Seed Pack (app. 500 frilly salad leaf seeds). £1.20.

Drying French and Runner Beans

You can of course eat runner or French beans fresh from the plant, but sometimes you might want to dry the bean seeds inside the pods for later use. Some beans dry better than others, and our borlotti and blue lake stringless both dry pretty well.

You need to leave the beans on the plant till the pods go yellow. Then, cut the plant from the base and hang it upsidedown  till the pods are brittle. You can then remove the bean seeds from inside, but before you store them you should spread them on a tray for a few days, before packing them in airtight containers.

To cook the dried beans you will need to soak them overnight in water. To cook, drain away the soaking water and discard. Rinse the beans and then boil them in water for 10 minutes. Reduce heat and then simmer beans till tender.

Broad bean seeds can be dried in exactly the same way.

'Grow Your Own' Salad Leaves and Leafy Veg*

Full growing instructions are on individual packets.
They are all grown in similar ways.

SALAD LEAF MIXES

FRILLY LEAF MIX
Contains a mix of mustards, kale, Greek cress, and rocket dentellata.
£1 per pack

TUSCAN LEAF MIX
Contains chicory italico rosso, rocket dentellata, lettuce lollo rossa, lettuce catalogna cerbiata and kale nero de toscana.
£1 per pack

SINGLE LEAVES

ROCKET LEAVES, Dentellata
Rocket has a peppery flavour, and adds an interesting tang to salads and snacks. It can be sown Mar-Sep, thinly, 0.5cm deep in rows 15-20cm apart. It can be grown as a cut and grow crop, which means it wont need thinning. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous crop. It can also be sown in the winter under cover.
£1.25 per pack (app. 900 seeds)

SORREL LEAVES, Red Veined
Sorrel is a perennial so can sprout back where it has been sown previously, but is more successful grown as an annual. Sow Mar-May thinly and 1.5cm deep in rows 30cm apart. Sow every 2 weeks for continuous baby leaves. Water well and harvest after about 6-8 weeks, but do not over-harvest individual plants.
99p per pack (app. 300 seeds)

SPINACH LEAVES, Medania
Spinach can be grown for baby leaves, as a cut and grow crop, or for large leaves and can be sown Mar-Sept as the soil needs can be between 7-30C for germination. Sow directly to the growing area thinly, 1cm deep in rows 30cm apart. Sow every couple of weeks for a regular crop.
50p per pack (app. 100 seeds)

'Grow Your Own' Chilli Plants

Chilli plants like a warm environment, so achieve much better results in a greenhouse, conservatory or on a sunny windowledge. They are attravtive plants, especially as the fruits turn. You can grow the plants outside, but you will get a later, smaller crop. We give the chillies a star rating for heat (key at bottom of post), to help you pick the plants that will suit you. Some chillies can be dried, others not, but all can be frozen or pickled.

FRESNO CHILLI SEEDS
***/****
Fresno chillies can be picked when green or red, and have about a 6 or 7 heat. They do not dry well.
£1.69 per pack (25 seeds) 

HABENERO CHILLI SEEDS
*****+
A very hot chilli, that again can be picked red or green. Not good for drying.
£1.79 per pack (25 seeds)
We also have a new chocolate habenero which has a beautiful dark chocolate skin.
£1.79 per pack (25 seeds)

JALEPENO CHILLI SEEDS
****
Jalepenos are usually green, but they do turn red. They are widely used in salsas and dips, and are used alot in Mexican food. They are difficult to dry because of their thick skin.
£1.39 per pack (25 seeds)

CAYENNE CHILLI SEEDS
****
A popular chilli, which is great for drying.
£1.39 per pack (25 seeds)

ANAHEIM CHILLI SEEDS
**
These large chillies are good for stuffing. They can be roasted, then peeled, to be used in cooking.
£1.39 per pack (25 seeds)

GROW CHILLI PLANTS
Sowing
Sow mid Feb-Apr. Place invividual seeds in small pots of compost, covered with about 0.5cm compost, and propagate (16-21 C) till germination (7-21 days).
Growing and Harvesting
Pot up as the seedlings grow, and keep at about 15 C. Grow in large pots in the greenhouse, or other warm, sheltered environment. To plant out, harden off in late May after all risks of frosts have passed for 7-10 days, and plant in a sunny, sheltered spot, like a patio. Picking fruit when it is green and young helps to produce a bigger crop.
  
KEY FOR CHILLI HEAT
Approximate range
*= 1 to 2
**= 3 to 4
***= 5 to 6
****= 7 to 8
*****= 9 to 10

Price List and Links

PRICE LIST
This is a selection of the seeds available so far in 2012. More will be added. Click on links below to find more information about each seed type, and to order online.

If you would like to order by email, the address is cuppatea.biscuit@googlemail.com




Veggies
Beans, French, dwarf borlotti: 99p (app. 40 seeds)
Beans, French, climbing blue lake stringless: £1.75 (app. 100 seeds)
Beans, runner, scarlet emperor: £2.00 (app. 40 seeds)
Calabrese (large brocolli), marathon F1: £1.69 (App. 50 seeds)
Carrot, autumn king 2: £1.49 (app. 2000 seeds)
Carrot, chantenay red cored 2: £1.39 (app. 2000 seeds)
Cauliflower, romanesco: £1.49 (app. 250 seeds)
Courgette, ambassador F1: £1.05 (6 seeds)
Kale, blue frilly: 50p (app. 500 seeds)
Parsnip, gladiator F1: £1.75 (app. 200 seeds)
Pea, mange tout, Oregon sugar pod: £1.25 (app. 150 seeds)
Pea, hurst greenshaft: 99p (app. 150 seeds)
Pumpkin, mars F1: £1.75 (6 seeds)
Rhubarb, Victoria: £1.49 (app. 50 seeds)
Squash, summer, tromboncino: £2.29 (6 seeds)
Squash, butternut, hunter F1: £1.39 (6 seeds)
Herbs and Leafy Veg
Basil, organic, cinnamon scented: £1.15 (app. 250 seeds)
Basil, organic, sweet Genovese: 80p (app. 600 seeds)
Caraway: 45p (app. 300 seeds)
Chives: £1.59 (app. 700 seeds)
Coriander, organic, santo: 60p (app. 100 seeds)
Dill, dukat: 45p (app. 300 seeds)
Lemon Balm: £1.59 (app. 300 seeds)
Marjoram: 75p (app. 1000 seeds)
Mint: 89p (app. 1200 seeds)
Parsley, plain leaved: 85p (app. 550 seeds)
Rocket, dentalla: £1.25 (app. 900 seeds)
Sage, English: £1.39 (app. 70 seeds)
Salad leaves: £1 each pack (see below)
Frilly Leaf Mix
Tuscan Leaf Mix
Sorrell, red veined: 99p (app. 300 seeds)
Spinach, mediana: 50p (app. 100 seeds)
Fruit and Chilli Peppers
Chilli, anaheim: £1.39 (25 seeds)
Chilli, cayenne: £1.39 (25 seeds)
Chilli, fresno: £1.69 (25 seeds)
Chilli, chocolate habenero: £1.79 (25 seeds)
Chilli, jalapeno: £1.39 (25 seeds)
Physalis, dwarf gold: £1.99 (20 seeds)
Rhubarb, Victoria: £1.49 (app. 50 seeds)
Strawberry, Sarian F1: £2.99 (15 seeds)
There will be lots of information and recipes on the main recipes page over the next few weeks.

'Grow Your Own' Herb Garden

Full growing instruction are on the packets.
Herbs are attractive and fragrant in any garden, but are espacially useful in attracting pollinating insects to your allotment or garden vegetable and fruit plants.

ORGANIC BASIL SEEDS, Sweet Genovese
Annual. A half-hardy herb used in much Mediterranean cooking, and the main ingredient of pesto. Basil can grow outside, but is healthier when grown as a windowledge herb. Sprinkle seeds in a pot of compost and propagate till germination. Grow in a warm, sunny spot.
80p per pack (app. 600 seeds)

ORGANIC BASIL SEEDS, Cinnamon Scented
A pretty basil with distinct fragrance. Instructions as with sweet genovese basil.
£1.15 per pack (app. 250 seeds)

CARAWAY SEEDS
Biennial. Caraway can be grown for leaves or seeds. Care must be taken as it will self sow. Flowering and seedind will be every two years. Sow direct to the growing spot in full sun between May and June. Barely cover the seeds with moist soil. Leave 30cm between plants.
45p per pack (app. 300 seeds)

CHIVE SEEDS
Perennial. Chives are part of the onion family and have that distinct flavour. Sow direct outdoors from March to May in fertile soil in full sun. Sow indoors at 10-15 C covering with 1.5cm soil. Propagate till germination (6-21 days), harden off after frosts and plant 10cm apart. Cover with a cloche in autumn to prolong growing time. Divide and replant plants every 2-3 years.
£1.59 per pack (app. 700 seeds)

ORGANIC CORIANDER SEEDS, Santo
Annual. This herb is used in alot of Asian cooking. Sow directly to the growing place in a semi-shaded area. You can harvest leaves, flowers or seed, to grow to collect seed space plants 25cm apart, otherwise 5cm is sufficient. Sow monthly for continuous crops. Alternatively, sow indoors; sprinkle seeds in a pot of compost and propagate till germination. Grow on a warm, sunny windowledge.


60p per pack (app. 100 seeds)

DILL SEEDS
Annual. A hardy herb that is easy to maintain. Use the leaves and seeds. Sow Mar-Jul. Indoors-sow seeds on top of compost and propagate till germination. Harden off for 7-10 days then plant out, or grow on a windowledge. Outdoors-Sow thinly 1cm deep in well prepared soil in full sun in rows 15cm apart. Move to final position 30 cm apart. Keep well watered to inhibit flowering.

45p per pack (app. 300 seeds)

LEMON BALM SEEDS
Perennial. Sometimes known as melissa, lemon balm has a delicate citrus fragrance and can be used in cooking and dried to make a tasty tea. It should be grown in full sun or partial shade. Sow March to April. Indoors, sow and cover with 0.5cm of compost and keep moist and at 10-15 C. Harden off from May to June. Outdoors, sow thinly 1cm deep in rows 30cm apart. Thin plants to 20cm apart.


£1.59 per pack (app. 300 seeds)

SWEET MARJORAM SEEDS
Perennial, but not a good winter survivor, so treat as annual. A plant native to the Mediterranean areas, and used in alot of cooking from those countries. The plants can cope with poorer soil conditions but prefer lots of sun. Sow seeds indoors March to April, propogate, preferably with heat (e.g. on a windowledge above a radiator). Germination can be irratic, so be patient. Plant out after hardening off in May. You can also sow outside from April to July.

75p per pack (app. 1000 seeds)

MINT SEEDS, Hybrid
Perennial.
89p per pack (app. 1200 seeds)

PARSLEY SEEDS, Plain Leaved
Biennial, but can be sensitive to winter so grow as an annual. Parsley is being rediscovered for its use in cooking other than as a garnish. Indoor sowings are the most reliable. Sow March to July and propogate. Germination can be slow so be patient. Keep plants on a sunny windowledge. Sow directly outdoors from late April.
85p per pack (app. 550 seeds)

SAGE SEEDS, English
Perennial. Sage is an attractive plant that is easy to grow from seed. Sow indoors from March to May, propogate, with heat (e.g. on a windowledge above a radiator) if possible, but not essential. Harden off when the threat of frost has passed and plant out 45-60cm apart. Sow outdoors direct to the growing spot once the threat of frosts has passed. Lots of sunlight helps to develop the flavour of the herb.


£1.39 per pack (app. 70 seeds)

Outdoor plantings should be protected in the winter of their first year.