Project Spring 2014

[Tahir Khan]

How about using peat pots used to deliver eggs at shops

They are quite small, i've tried them before seeds can get spoiled or splashed over by watering..

[Farhan Ahmed]

Update:-

Sowing Media
Through with seed purchases i am moving onto next step of acquiring seed sowing media and containers.
Following ingredient have been acquired....
Peat Moss......The rate of approx 2 Kg bag with pride seed is Rs.200
Very fine Sand
Perlite 2Kg Bag(volume atleast 5 litres) Price Per Bag Rs.800

The leftover item is compost.

Containers i have decided on are a mix of clay pots, One odd plastic tray and peat Pots.
Peats Pots are a real rip off Rs.250 for 24 very small glasses. I am going to do a little DIY with cartons & paper Glasses.


Benefit of peat pots.......they are claimed to be soil solvable, hence minimum root disturbance for plants which dislike transplanting.

Many seeds will be sown in situ (following factors will dictate in situ sowing:-
1)large Seed
2) Cold Hardy Plant
3) Good Past experience.

Ground Preparation
Though no real ground preparation work can be undertaken so early but i have started to border, beds with nanthra, in small windows of cloudy/rainy days. And amazingly most of the nanthra cuttings are rooting even in harsh hot weather.

Seed Sorting
Seed sorting is essential for proper garden plan. I am categorizing species in 3 types height wise. Small-Medium & tall.
Perimeter will get taller varieties, whereas center will comprise of dwarf varieties.

Within height bracket, the next step is to sort plants in color combination and plants that go together.
This entails many considerations.
a) Competing plants should not be over-powering each other.
b) Foliage and flowers as well as color must compliment each other.
c) Plants should be suitable for companion planting. For instance Marigold should never be planted alongside Sweet Pea family as the former restricts the growth of latter.
d) Pest deterrence can be achieved by good companion planting.
e) Plants in a border must have same lighting, soil type and moisture requirements. Or else one will perform better and other could fail.

[Tahir Khan]

Any strategies to combat weather anomalies... plastic sheet, greenhouse etc??

How are you going to stop the taller plants like hollyhock and sweet peas from flopping over this season ?

[khabbab]

why not try expandable peat pellets which swell after watering. They already contain dry peat moss. I am looking to find it from abroad. Very cheap. Light weight to carry too. Something like this What do you guys say?

[Farhan Ahmed]

Count me in for these, wherever, however possible

[Farhan Ahmed]

Any strategies to combat weather anomalies... plastic sheet, greenhouse etc??

How are you going to stop the taller plants like hollyhock and sweet peas from flopping over this season ?

Well........sometimes i think of erecting green house, however as the scale is large i wonder is the investment worth it because its a temporary aboard.
And i think "Lets the hollies and peas dance with the winds and suffer from rain ..even that is romantic (Backache aside..lol)

Frost protection is must. I will weigh the cost on plastic vs green sheet later and whatever is more economical/beneficial will be utilized.

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

Hmm spring is too far i am planing for the Golds in mid August.my Petunia is in last stage.it may end up to 23rd of this month.Zinnia Dream land is in full bloom.then in mid August it will be time for one of my most favorite annual The African Marigolds.I really love this annual.
August will be also very important Dahlia lovers.I am also Dalia lover but i have dropped planting Dahlias since last year.

[Tahir Khan]

Hmm spring is too far i am planing for the Golds in mid August.my Petunia is in last stage.it may end up to 23rd of this month.Zinnia Dream land is in full bloom.then in mid August it will be time for one of my most favorite annual The African Marigolds.I really love this annual.
August will be also very important Dahlia lovers.I am also Dalia lover but i have dropped planting Dahlias since last year.

Sir one question about dahlia.. Can dahlia seeds be sown in August for flowers in winter?? and please suggest me a stout dwarf variety having double blooms and bronze dark foliage for container planting ?

[Tahir Khan]

And i think "Lets the hollies and peas dance with the winds and suffer from rain ..even that is romantic (Backache aside..lol)

That is what i am more afraid of.... putting back aching hours after the dance

[Farhan Ahmed]

please suggest me a stout dwarf variety having double blooms and bronze dark foliage for container planting ?

Bishop's children