I grew them for the 1st time this year. I started them inside since it was still a bit cold out, in a burpee eco-friendly starter tray from Lowe's, which is coconut coir. I soaked the seeds first overnight. In literally just 3-4 days, I got 100% germination. I swear, one day I went to work and nothing was there, then came home at night and poof! they were an inch tall. I could hardly believe it. I put them under lights immediately, and transplanted them to bigger pots right away. I kept them inside about a week then started hardening them off. After about 7 days of hardening, I planted them outside. Now they seem to be growing fine. So for me, no problems! I'm not sure what could be going on with yours. Although, as you can see in the pics below at least one of mine was kind of leggy. I only needed 4 plants, so just I didn't plant that one. The day they germinated: Before planting out:

I am a newbie, and was just logging in to report potential panic on my tomatoes. I have eight jugs of tomatoes that I winter sowed. From the WS database, it looked like it was ok for tomatoes to over winter (rather than sow in April). They all germinated and as of yesterday I had seedlings that were showing true leaves and were two inches tall. I've been sick the last few days and a little out of it, so I forgot that our temps were supposed to get down around 37 degrees, and I would have covered the jug tops back up but I was too sick and tired and I forgot. This morning about half of the tomato seedlings look fine, hale and robust as ever. But the other half of the varieties seemed much more affected. The romas are all droopy and sad looking, like they just ran a marathon. Fared best: Stupice, Roma, Yellow Pear, Black from Tula Fared the worst: Striped Roma, Brandywine Jury's out on how the green zebra and chocolate cherry toms are doing, as they were littler sprouts to begin with. It seems there may have been some wind effect, as even within the same jug some of them (planted closer to one wall) fared better than others. Thats my evidence, for what its worth. Think they'll bounce back?

Horribly, this question may become much more pertinent as developers close in around the allotments. We are surrounded on all sides by buildings several storeys high and feel that it is merely a matter of time before we get the heave-ho. So, I have seriously considered this prospect: too precious to abandon: The most common class of roses on my plot are the hybrid musks, for the good reason that they flourish and put out a flush in the autumn which is the equal, if not better, than the first explosion of blossom. So, MOONLIGHT would be kept. Funnily enough, I must concur with Kim and pick either Blue for You or Eyes for You - tricky but will stick with EYES FOR YOU as it is unusual, astoundingly healthy and very floriferous. Then there are the wildlings of which I will be greedy and keep 3: R.MOYESII, R.HUGONIS, R.CALIFORNICA (PLENA) (I am counting these as one as several of you have not just stuck with a mere 5) On to the climbers and ramblers with a very difficult decision but, after much grief, I think AYRESHIRE SPLENDENS makes the cut. A rose which will sprawl or climb, can be pillared ar espaliered, draped over a stump or scrambling down a bank, a delicately beatiful rose. Finally, because I love it, MADAME GREGOIRE STAECHELIN - this was the 'gateway' rose for me and I have remained faithful to its beauty. To go: For obvious (to me) reasons - FALSTAFF, CREPUSCULE (this is just a bit feeble)PENNY LANE - boringly generic, too formal and just not really to my taste. JUDE THE OBSCURE - I honestly would not be too sorry to see the back of all my austins (not that there are more than 6) apart from Graham Thomas which performs stunningly well in the fortuitous spot it was allocated. Finally, although it has astoundingly good blooms with long thornless stems, lasting for ages in the vase, it also defoliates almost completely so it is bye-bye PHILLIPPA, a renaissance rose from Poulsen. Good thread, Vettin, and a fear I really, really hope is not too imminent.

A nice "take with you to the garden" journal consists of using a recipe box (I prefer the 5"x8" size) and use two types of dividers (Alphabetical A-Z and Monthly Jan-Dec). I then file a card for each plant/tree/shrub by name of plant and also include plant detail/care/other information, where/when/price purchased, and where planted in the alabetical section. I also can place a photo protected by clear tape on the back of the card. In the monthly section, I file general cards noting "TO DO'S" that I would like to accomplish that month so I don't forget seasonal needs (fertilize, prune, etc). One could also add additional sets of alphabetal A-Z dividers in possibly different colors to use to further divide different groups (annuals, perennials, trees/shrubs, etc). You can also use the monthly section for other monthly reminders you may want to remember (birthdays, anniversaries, or special "to do" reminders). Hope this is helpful - Works for me!