Garden Log 2014-15

[Izhar]

Dear Farhan, what is special about these nasturtiums?? did i miss something as far i remember you had already grown them with excellent results...

[Farhan Ahmed]

Concept is to use nasturtiums as ascent plants by using trellis/stakes




Image courtesy web

Plants will remain more so remain the same......different presentation can be interesting.

[Muhammad Arif Khan]

And the plastic sheet in between the pots?

[Izhar]

Got your point Farhan

[Farhan Ahmed]

Mid September sowing didn't prove well. Germination was ordinary and where it was good, moth caterpillars enjoyed on newly emerged seedlings......
Be watchful for snails and slugs.
Despite efforts for making good seed starting media, i am observing that water penetration into seed pots is very poor. Due to smaller size of seeds you cant just drench them. Top becomes wet but half to one inch down below it is totally dry. Therefore i am experimenting with bottom watering. Due to large No of pots i would be using a tub, filled to brim and then place 4-5 pots for a min or so, subsequently take them out and then lightly mist the pot from above using hair dresser sprayer. Initial experiment without seeds in the pot indicate good water penetration. Place something like green sheet in the bottom of the pot to not let the soil wash away. I am forecasting that bottom watering would have to be repeated after 3-4 days. I will be placing pots in shady but bright location.

Weather is still quite hot (35 C), i am restraining myself not to go for full bore sowing. I am expecting by 15 Oct temperatures will be reasonable.

[Farhan Ahmed]

And the plastic sheet in between the pots?

I think the picture is from some cold area, that is why it might have been used to prevent frost damage.

[Farhan Ahmed]

Another thing... i tried local brand (Kahoon) for seed sowing. It is the most common one available locally. I would not recommend it, appears hot.

[khabbab]

Yes 15 october onwards is better time to sow seeds. For bottom watering, i once used wet towels (Used towels got cheap) placed on the bottom of plastic pots, these pots had holes on bottom through which they sucked the water. Medium should be like peat moss. Rizwan of Muslimgrower told me this tip. It was a success for me. I had about 10 small pots.

[Farhan Ahmed]

my media was compost, islo bhal and coco coir in 33 % ratio. Penetration appears good. Due to large no of pots, therefore more time required i would use tub method for expedited watering.

What frequency of watering do you suggest with such scheme(if you are not sure just a guess may be?).

[Farhan Ahmed]

Another observation (also supported by Fateh Moh Nursery person)...Islo bhal has poor nutrients and gets very hard. Not recommend more than 15-20% in ratio.