Something I must remind you of is this: Time to put your begonia tubers into a pot of damp peatmoss, over heat – the top of the fridge, the top of the hot water heater, a heating cable (if you are lucky enough to own one). Please don’t put the pot directly on the heating cable. Lay a plastic sheet on it and then several sheets of newspaper before setting the pot on top. Be sure you have the tuber the right-side up. The hollow in the bulb is the top.
In 10 days or two weeks, a pink sprout should appear. At this time settle the tuber into a pot of mixed peat and soil (one third peat and two thirds soil) almost covering it with this mixture, then put it over heat (as above). Very shortly the sprout will become a lovely big leaf, surrounded by several more to come, and you are the proud possessor of an infant begonia plant.
Very satisfying.
Cher gave me two mini greenhouses, each 10 inches long, with clear plastic covers. Into these I’m going to put some soil and plant sweet pea seeds. I have a feeling I told you this last week. Oh dear, am I getting forgetful? This afternoon I should go get the seeds instead of just talking about it, and then I’d have something nice to tell you about.
This morning the bed gave a small shake, followed in about a minute by another tremour. This excitement was caused by the huge machine opening up the earth to house the foundation of the condo to be built across the street. I am not thrilled about the proposed condo, but maybe better that than an earthquake.
Helen Lang has been the Peninsula News Review’s garden columnist for more than 30 years.
