“Growing Your Own – annuals to trees and everything in between”
Owen spoke to us on nursery production and how we can adapt it for home, using examples from his time in Giverny to now. He gave a number of reasons for growing from seed which include; enjoyment, conservation and more choice and advised that seed companies such as West Coast Seeds or Heirloom Seeds have a better selection than garden shops. Home gardeners also have a role in conservation as when plant production is streamlined precious cultivars can be lost.
Although a greenhouse makes things easy and provides lots of space there are many ways to improvise. Some items are essential for indoor germination and these include: Grow lights, clean sowing medium which must be kept indoors, sturdy pots and a way to control temperature and moisture. Some helpful items are: Grow lights, plastic domes to retain heat and humidity, multiple fans for airflow and adjustable height lights. Some other helpful items are: heated mats, and sticky traps. A topping substance such gravel is also helpful as it keeps seedlings upright.
Seed packet instructions are important but common sense and thinking of local conditions are essential. Once seedlings have developed true leaves they should be potted on into bigger pots. If seedlings get too crowded and pot bound the roots will spiral which makes it difficult for them to establish. It is important not to over water or over feed seedlings. Owen recommended using a 2-0-0 liquid fertilizer and possibly slow release Osmacote as well. Pests can also be a problem and Safers ‘End All’ can be one solution. Sticky traps can be useful in identifying the pest and Mosquito Dunks are useful for fungus gnats. It is important to deal with pests as soon as they are recognized. Damping off can also be a problem. Some of the causes are: poor airflow, dirty planting medium or pots, over watering and planting too deep. Pots should be tested before watering by picking up to estimate the weight or scratching the soil surface..
There are resources that help including Tom Cothier’s website https://tomclothier.hort.net/ and the book ‘ Seeds’ by Baskin and Baskin which Owen suggested borrowing from the library as it is extremely expensive.
Experimentation is the key and seeds can surprise so be patient. Do not get discouraged and if results are not good try again.