[quote=“Formosa Fitness”][quote=“TheLostSwede”]I would guess most things should grow ok here between October and March, but the rest of the year is too hot?
Just discovered that the house we’re moving too has quite a tasty little chilli plant in the garden which is a bonus [/quote]
Be very careful with that. I’ve grown some chilies here that almost burned my tongue off.
The full-grown plants seem to do well in summer even in direct sunlight as long as you keep them watered. For containers that could mean twice a day. Two days without watering could means the end.[/quote]
Yes this is the crucial failure, water and a little research, some plants like water all the time, some like a deluge now and then.
Tomatoes are the former so the soil should be constant, not wet not dry, just dampish - try wood bark or (even better) sawdust to in the soil to retain the water. Saying that my tomatoes never got fertilized so I didnt get any crop (next time will plant some flowers nearby)
The latter is guava trees, they like the soil to dry out before being watered again, so once every three days is better, or two in the super summer heat.
Again, the biggest issue is persistance. I only water once a day, but once night out on the piss and forgetting to water can mean the end.
Check out the intructions or seeds, and in my experience (with the named seeds) it may be because the soil isnt getting hot enough. Instead try the following method
Fill a small plastic container with compost (black soil is preferable and plug or dont drill holes in the container) then add the seed and water till moist and cover with cellophane (clingfilm) - no need to water while the wrap is trapping the water in - then place in direct sun or on a window sill, in 2-3 days you should see sprouts, after 1-2 weeks (or when there is no longer condensed water inside or when the sprouts are too high) you can take the cellophane off and remove the plugged holes (or make holes) move outside and water as above.
I even sprouted cherry seeds this year using that method.
Also note that some seeds (I think tomato) prefer to sprout in the dark, so use black plastic for germination. Others need to be soaked overnight to be “activated”. If you can read chinese BnQ has a whole 500page book dedicated to growing fruit seeds (including betel nut!), or just use t’internet.
Good luck!