That water crystals experiment should be really interesting Keith. Did you read about it somewhere, or is it something you've thought of? Anything that stores water, then in dry weather would release moisture has to be a good idea.
Those slugs and snails sure have good taste. They always eat the ones we like best.
My Impatiens seem to be growing a bit now. Maybe I'll manage that mat of plants Ive always hoped for.
I note you grow Begonias. I bought very small plug plants in Tesco's way back in early spring. They were slow to grow, but they are now producing flowers, and they are gorgeous. A good mix too - Red, yellow and orange.
I'm very late this year, and planted hanging baskets last night and today - should have been about 2 months ago? Still, I used a lot of my late sown Lobelia, and those Tesco plants were just about the right size for baskets and containers,and Ive been feeding and caring for them pretty well. Mind you, the Begonia and others were very tiny plugs when I got them.
One nice surprise this year. I had two lovely begonias last year. I left one outside, just outside our south facing french windows, and one got brought to the greenhouse.
I forgot all about them, thought they would have perished in the severe frosts we've had this winter.
Imagine my surprise when I found this neglected (and very dry) pot at the back of the greenhouse, with a little tuft of leaves!
Then a few weeks later, I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw the first sign of growth from the one I left outside. Again, it had not been watered at all!
Seems the secret may be to keep them completely dry until all frosts have passed?
How do you ovewrwinter yours Keith? How do you start them off again in spring?
