Hi.... As this is "The Basics" forum I will ask a very very BASIC question!
I will be starting alot of my veggies at home using recycled yoghurt pots, plastic grape boxes, you name it..... but what 'dirt' is best to start them off in??
Also, once they're in, apart from watering them is there anything else I can do to help the blighters grow..... will be a combination of different veggies I try first.
Ta muchly
You'll get so many different answers to this one.
OK - second bit first. Some seeds will benefit from extra heat - electric propergator, unheated propergator, in a clear poly bag on a sunny windowsill (that's in order of preference). Save that kind of treatment for "tender" crops (toms, aubs, peppers etc) and squash (inc pumpkins + courgettes - but only if you have room).
Now the first but. I use bog standard multipurpose compost + get great results. Some people use special seed compost, some meake their own, some mix their own from a combination of sand, vermiculite, compost, leaf mould, comfrey. I'd say keep it simple to start with, and then if you're looking for a new challenge next year try something different.
Hope that helps rather than confusses
D
i use multipurpose-i go for 'westland' brand, comes out well in which? best buys.
i've never used seed compost, so don't know whether i'm mising anything. i've started off and grown most things, veg and flowers, without problem.
what i need to get better at is potting on when needed, instead of letting them outgrow their pots. (i need more space!)
Straight from the bag for seeds. Potting on compost usually benefits from additional horticultrial sand depending on seed type. Things like sweetpeas don't need potting on if the original container is tall enough, they go from sowing to garden without being disturbed. Corn is another one. I grow mine as I do sweetpeas but later on in the year but I don't pot them on.
This is the way I decide ...
Start seeds off in a pot, block or container, with any general seed compost (artificial environment), indoors, greenhouse, cold frame, for plants that need a longer growing season or aren't hardy ...
... or wherever you can, just sow the seeds directly in the ground you've prepared for growing the plant, with fleece over if you think it's going to be cold or frosty
::)
If you want to have a go at making your own seed compost, do a search on A4a for 'seed compost' I'm sure one or more of the peeps on this site have posted recipes and recommendations! ;D