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| Some tips for seed growing success GROWING PLANTS FROM SEED Buy small quantities at a time to avoid having to store them. Seeds should be kept dry and cool to ensure good germination at planting time. DISEASE - FREE GROWING ENVIRONMENT Use a clean tray without holes and one with holes to help with the drainage. Use a soilless mix, such as pro-mix, diatomite, oasis, rockwool, etc. A seed flat with divisions reduces the risk of contamination. Apply Bio-Grow (pine oil) on the soil before sowing, in order to prevent the seedlings from damping off. TEMPERATURE AND DAMPNESS For fast and regular germination, cover flat with a plastic dome that will provide higher temperature and humidity. Remove the dome as soon as seedlings emerge. LIGHT Light is essential for growing. 18 hours of artificial light is beneficial every day, even before the seedlings emerge. Use T5 compact fluorescent or a Metal Halide system and keep them at a distance of 10 to 15 cm from the seedlings. | ||||||||
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| What to use now cosmetic pesticides are banned . The provincial by-law banning the cosmetic use of pesticides is now in effect. A lot of people are concerned that weeds and diseases are going to infest our lawns and gardens. Although we may see a few more weeds the truth is a healthy vibrant lawn and garden are more dependent on healthy soil than on pesticide or fungicide use. All lawn care experts seem to agree that healthy, biologically diverse soil is the best way to have a healthy lawn. By encouraging the soil cycle – earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, microbes etc., we are creating a growing medium that is teeming with biological activity. These organisms are the “factories” in the soil that provide slow release, readily available food for the plants. Bacteria, fungi are also microorganisms that unlock the nutrition already present in the soil. As these microorganisms feed and move around not only can water move around but nutrients, vitamins, trace elements and natural plant hormones become instantly available to plant roots. This cycle is commonly referred to as the soil food web. By supporting the soil food web, the biological activity in the soil increases allowing nutrients in the soil to feed plants and turf. The theory is if the plants and turf are getting a steady diet of food and the microorganisms are able to keep providing this steady flow of nutrition , plants can better resist pests and diseases and be able to withstand drought and other stresses. For example if grubs are a problem in your lawn, hopefully the grass will grow quicker than the grubs can attack the roots of the turf. Compost, organic fertilizer and certain cultural techniques encourage the soil food web. Compost, either made in your backyard or purchased, is a great soil accelerator and feeder of bacteria and fungi. Organic fertilizer is not only slow release and non-burning but it complements the soil food web by providing compounds that promote carbohydrates and other food for bacteria and fungi. A lawn with a lot of biological activity will also breakdown grass clippings faster and withstand stress such as heavy traffic or pet activity. Lawns and gardens would also benefit from organic tea mixes such as alfalfa and worm castings. Both of these bring biological activity to the soil. Healthy soil will be followed by healthy plants and turf. Other alternatives to pesticides recommended by the City of London include beneficial nematodes for grub control and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Nematodes are best applied when grub larvae are present in the soil – late spring and early fall. DE consists of the fossilized skeletal remains of single celled aquatic plants known as diatoms. These sharp remains act like glass shards and cut and dehydrate certain pests that exist in the soil. A light dusting of DE applied often over the affected plants is better than over applying once or twice a year. Choosing the right grass seed can also play a key role in a having a healthy lawn. Grass seed high in fescue rather than kentucky bluegrass will have deeper roots to combat drought stress and grubs. London Home and Garden Show April 23-25, 2010 Western Fairgrounds | ||||||||
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