Allotments 4 All

I have today planted my first few seeds in my indoor propagators. But have a couple of bits Im confused with.

Some of them say to just sow the seeds where as others say to sow in drills. What does it mean to be in drills?

Also The leeks say after thining out to plant approx 23cm apart and the spring onions 30cm apart. This seems crazy and would mean I can only grow about 10 of each lol. Really how far apart should I plant these?

QuoteSome of them say to just sow the seeds where as others say to sow in drills. What does it mean to be in drills?

This is the method for sowing outdoors see here; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Seed%20sowing%20outdoors/Seed%20sowing-%20outdoors/seed%20sowing-%20outdoors.html


and here;  http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Seed%20sowing/Seed%20Sowing.htm for indoors.

QuoteAlso The leeks say after thining out to plant approx 23cm apart and the spring onions 30cm apart.

The leeks I agree with see here; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Leeks/Leeks.htm

and I think 30 cm refers to the distance between rows see here;http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Onion%20(spring)/Spring%20Onions.htm

I hope the pictures will clarify things for you.

Thank you very much, they are some very useful sites I have now bookmarked.

Im feeling like I might have got a bit previous with some of my seeds today. Not sure how long I can get away with growing my tomatoes and cucumbers indoors before its good enough to plant outside. Do you think I could get away with having themin the garden during the day but bringing them inside overnight to protect from the cold?

Quote from: Inky on March 11, 2009, 16:36:38
Thank you very much, they are some very useful sites I have now bookmarked.

Im feeling like I might have got a bit previous with some of my seeds today. Not sure how long I can get away with growing my tomatoes and cucumbers indoors before its good enough to plant outside. Do you think I could get away with having themin the garden during the day but bringing them inside overnight to protect from the cold?

Its all down to the weather and where you live. Most years I would not try to put tomatoes outside until end of May/June - but even then it can be cold/wet (i'm in Wharfedale, West Yorks).
Trouble is, unless plants get enough light and have big enough containers, they are likely to grow tall and spindley indoors and never fruit properly.  If you have a conservatory you might get away with it if the pots are big enough.

Ideally you would grow the more tender plants like toms, cucumbers, peppers, etc in a greenhouse or polytunnel (but we don't all have the space or money to do that :( )