Hello everybody,

I can not even say that I am "novice" here because I have never done ANY THING related to gardening in my whole life. Last year we were looking for a house or a condo- and I didn't want to have a house because I didn't know at all what to do with the garden (neither my husband did!). But, then we saw this one- and simply fall in love- with the house and with the garden that was carefully set up by a professional. Now my biggest fear is- to turn it down.

It seems that there where different kind of daylilies that started peaking already (even though I have done nothing with them last fall- should I?)

I realize that it might be too late now- but an advisor in the flower shop told me that I still can plant dahlias in pot ans re-plant them later on.
First, when I took a tuber out of the plastic bag- I didn't know where its "eye" is, so I had no idea if it is now in the right position. Is it really "critical"? Second, it seems that I am in the zone 4b- are there any chances that the flower will bloom this season (if it survives at all!) Moreover, it seems to me that the soil is a bit too wet now- could it do any damage?
Where should I keep the pot- in the garage, in the basement or somewhere in the sunlight?

My second "victim" was sweat pea. I put the seeds in water overnight (according to the intruction on the packet) and then planted them in jiffy-pots, 2 or 3 in each. But then I read somewhere that seeds should not be planted deeper then 2-3 times ot their diameter and in another book it says- 2 or 3 inches. Mine (I believe) are in about 1.5- 2 inches. Is it oK to keep them there? Also, I am not quite sure- should they be kept in "cool dark place" or somewhere on the window?

Hi Gingerrr,
I am no expert, but I have had sweet peas in my garden for a long time. Here's how I plant them:

1/4 inch sowing depth, germination temp 55 to 65 degrees, I have had them germinate under grow lights & with diffused sunlight & even in low light. They germinate in about 2 weeks usually. They need about 6 weeks to be big enough to transplant, & then they need to be spaced around a foot apart give or take an inch or two. They can handle a light frost, but not a big winter freeze where the temps drop big time. They like full sun once transplanted & fertile soil. You might also want to provide support for them as they vine out. About dahlias I know zero I them, but have never grown any.

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z5b

Here's my 2 cents....if you start seeds in shade or indoors, you have to SLOWLY get them use to the sun, or just like us, they'll sunburn. Put them in a shady spot for 3-4 days, then a little further out where they'll get dappled sun for another 3-4 days, and just check on them, if they appear to be burning or anything, back up the process....then after dappled shade, move them where they get morning sun for a few days, and finally, move them to full sun! I know it sounds like alot, but you'll get the hang of it! Just keep checking on them and make sure not to burn them to a crisp....most things will do fine this way.
Hope this helps,
Rae
P.S. Don't foget to water them!

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"I would feel more optimistic about a
bright future for mankind if we spent less
time proving that we can outwit Mother Nature
and more time tasting her sweetness and
respecting her seniority."

Thanks to everybody!
One of my 6 dahlias is already out for ~ an inch and even if this will be the only one this year- I will be happy.
Will see the sweet peas that are still sitting quetly in their pots- and I have to hold my own hands not to dig them out and see what is going on!