Garden Log 2014-15

[rafique]

It was metaphorical......Point is....
to strike correct balance of watering is extremely difficult (atleast for me)especially as regards to seedlings

Its true. Its difficult for many not for you only . Some times you hit the target some times you miss, there are many variables and its difficult to remember all.

[Syed Adnan]

I am struggling with my seedlings as well, temp here still reaching 37 in daytime, water retention is a problem so does fungus if over watered, somehow few have sprouted and lived others died. I believe to wait for colder days for seed germination.

[Farhan Ahmed]

After lot of research and thought process, i have added burned wood char into beds for claimed benefits of porosity, nutrient and moisture retention and avoidance of soil borne diseases.


Datura from seed

[muhammadimran7]

some old farmers also advised me to add burned wood ash to soil to ensure the drainage and add nutritions. it is also the alternate of of coco peat which is used to cover the seeds at sowing time

[Farhan Ahmed]

After a tedious two month seed sowing season with mix results, followed by hectic transplanting period, garden has gradually taken up its final shape. This year germination was good and loss came at later stage as shade started seedlings suffered while hardening off to full sun. Seedling progress is also mixed. Some species are progressing nicely to this point, whereas some are still in initial stage. Cold weather was early to arrive this year with night temperatures dropping to 4-5 C since early November, on the other hand day temperatures soared as high as 27 C making it all a difficult proposition. Unlike previous years, we are having frosty nights since last one week, which is fortnight earlier. Anyhow, advantage of frost is eradication of fungus and pest as i rely on weather for this effect. Frost protection is in place.

This year overall layout includes some easy annuals (with improved cultivar), fewer heirloom, less tall plants and variety of all together newer plants. Bulbs have been given a due share. Few images on progress.

Nasturtiums ( includes Black Velvet, Mahagony, Apricot trufle , Milk maid, Alaska, Phoenix, cocktail and variegated (not in picture) )


In Sweetpeas i am trying few newer cultivars such as this non-climbing type. Snoopea from T & M. Notice no tendrils


A newer Malva specie, Malva Moschata Snow White


Long list of bulbs. In picture Freesias, Ixias and Sparaxis


In picture Sweet Sultans, Statice(limonium), Malope and Lavatera


A complete half bed of Anemones


Dwarf cannas from seed


Trying to make this Morning glory ensign survive cold in green house


A late attempt of Venidium jaffa ice proving fruitful. Seeds were sown on 17th Nov in low temperatures.


Petunias, include Alladin orange/yellow, black knight, lime green and Frillytunia.


F-1 hybrid Cornflowers such as classic romantic


few long shots



I don't know after how many attempts i was able to germinate and grow few snow in summer seedlings


Lots and lots of California Poppies such as Monarch Mix


Linum which stole my heart last year.


to be continued....

[muhammadimran7]

amazing farhan sb

[Farhan Ahmed]

Dense fog followed by thick frost. Temperatures down to -3 C

[Izhar]

zabardast.... from where you got the dwarf canna seeds?? did your last year's ivy geranium survived? any dwarf dahlia this year?

[Asim_Nawaz]

Dear Farhan Ahmed Sb
Great work. I have no words to express my feeling how you can care, growth of healthy seedlings from Seed Germination Process. Again thanks for uploading images of transplanting that will guide not only me but also new comers of Gardening Pakistan.
Asim

[Muhammad Arif Khan]

Linum which stole my heart last year.(Farhan)

Did you manage to recover it?