None of the Phlox or Aster seeds I sowed on 17 April germinated. This may have been because the compost got sodden as a result of the compost bags being left in the garden. I tried to cover the open bag up, but the large amounts of rain leaked in. I have been trying to dry off some of the compost, and today I sowed some more Phlox and Aster. Also, none of the marigold seed came up, so I sowed some more of those a few days ago.
The French bean plants have been growing well, but I've been reluctant to plant them out because the nights have been cold. As a result I'm a little concerned that the plants have gone a bit beyond their best, so I sowed some more seed today. Next year I should sow the French beans a little later, around the 1st of May.
Impatiens
Courgettes
Asters
These are asters and antirrhinums that have been in the cold frame on the patio. The impatiens that I had also put on the patio all died. Managing all these seedlings (as well as more which I am putting out during the day and returning to the garage at night, plus those indoors on the window sill) in this cold weather has been a bit of a pain. As mentioned in an earlier post, next year I will sow everything later, apart from the tomatoes.
The aster seedlings seem to be just about hanging on (in most cases). The honesty seem to be handling the cold ok.
This is a native ladybird, I believe the country is being invaded by ladybirds from the continent, but those have more spots than our native species.
Flowers forming on one of the Aster plants.
