DGBAMA first grow

[DGBAMA]

Have to start somewhere, so as I am gathering supplies for germination this week to hopefully get seeds starting this weekend here is my list of varieties to grow:

Izmir
Bursa
Yayladag
Silver River
YTB
Lonnie's Havannah
VA Gold (Seedman TA202)
VA Gold (BuckeyeBob Mamoth) - From his last year giants.


It will be interesting to directly compare growth of the two VAG seeds.

Just a bit worried that this may be too ambitious for my first year but there is only one way to find out. Special thanks to FTT members who sent me seed. I can only hope for a successful grow and to be able to pass on the same generousity to others next year.

 

[leverhead]

Good luck! I don't what quantities you're growing, but there should be enough variety to hold your interest full time. It's addictive, it'll pull you in.

 

[istanbulin]

Good luck, agree with leverhead, it may be addictive. May be we should write it in the FAQ page as a warning

...Yaladag...

BTW, let me correct it, Yayladag.

 

[DGBAMA]

Good luck, agree with leverhead, it may be addictive. May be we should write it in the FAQ page as a warning



BTW, let me correct it, Yayladag.

leverhead, not really sure how many of each variety yet. I do not have a ton of space, Each variety will more or less have its own small planting area, have several raised flower beds which have not seen much use the last couple years and a couple small garden plots, and a little space at a couple friends houses arranged. I will start more of each than I need and then plant whatever fills out each area. My smaller areas will host the orientals which do not require as much plant spacing.

thank you and corrected.

 

[leverhead]

I will start more of each than I need and then plant whatever fills out each area.

I found last year that it was really hard to just throw out the extras, I'd spent too much time on them. This year I've found some flower growers to take some of the extras.

 

[Knucklehead]

Don - how are you making out with your sprouts?

 

[squeezyjohn]

DGBAMA - all the very best of British luck!

btw: don't make out with your sprouts ... it's not the done thing!

 

[Knucklehead]

DGBAMA - all the very best of British luck!

btw: don't make out with your sprouts ... it's not the done thing!

LOL - I forgot _ self pollinating!

 

[Boboro]

One less date.

 

[DGBAMA]

Last Sunday got my first 6 varieties set for starting/germination. Will try to get a couple pics up of my "mini greenhouse" starting trays later. Soil was damp enough to bring condensation on the lids of the starting containers but not muddy so I think should be about right. Misplaced my izmir and bursa seed which I ound yesterday so will hopefully get them going this afternoon. Tried posting a picture from my phone but could not get it to work. Will have to transfer them to the computer first.

 

[DGBAMA]

2 starting methods going, and a sunny window.

 

[Knucklehead]

Looking good. Your mini greenhouses were a great a idea.

 

[DGBAMA]

Looking good. Your mini greenhouses were a great a idea.

cheap too. $1.50 for a threepack. easy to keep each variety separate.

 

[DGBAMA]

A good day today. I am the "proud papa" of sprouting YTB, Silver River, Yaladang, and Lonnie's Havannah. My two varieties of VA Gold are not yet showing any sign of life, maybe they just take a little longer.



Lonnie's havannah: spilled in a little too much seed i think. lol.


last two trays started today, Izmir & Bursa


The Silver River starting.



Also got my first planting area tilled and almost ready.



And Second area cleaned and ready for a few inches of soil & tilling



To you who start using the paper towel method: How long do you let them grow before planting to individual cells? a week?

If bulk starting in potting mix like mine, about the same? Or transplant at a certain height?

I am

 

[leverhead]

To you who start using the paper towel method: How long do you let them grow before planting to individual cells? a week?

If bulk starting in potting mix like mine, about the same? Or transplant at a certain height?

If you're on paper towels, get to them before they grow into the paper. If they're in potting mix, get to them before the roots tangle up. Until they get roots established, keep them humid (covered) and don't cook them (vent). Feed them a little bit, just watch out for Urea in the fertilizer. A smile and a cold one, you're good to go.

 

[johnlee1933]

I seeded little squares of paper towel for germination. When they sprouted I moved the whole square to my cell trays. I sprinkled a little dry dried dirt on them with a strainer and wet it down with a hand sprayer. Easy and quick to do for the small grower. Seems good as of now. I'll post more results in my log later.

 

[DGBAMA]

Happy camper here. The Izmir and Bursa that were placed for germination on Sunday are already showing signs of life after only 4 days.

VA Gold (two varieties and two starting methods) still not doing well. Anyone know if this variety generally takes longer to germinate?

The Silver River is starting well, which I am very pleased with considering I have seen multiple comments about low/difficult germination rates with this variety.

The "mini greenhouse" covered pie pans seem to be giving better germination rate than the paper towel/bag method; that is far from a scientific conclusion though as I did not count seeds when planting to be able to give an apples to apples comparison.

 

[DGBAMA]

The Izmir and Bursa set for germination just 6 days ago have really jumped out.







Getting my 72 cell trays today to start transplanting.

 

[indianjoe]

Hey,
those silver river seeds were of low germination when I first got them started several years ago, they are great now. Good luck with your grow.

 

[DGBAMA]

Hey,
those silver river seeds were of low germination when I first got them started several years ago, they are great now. Good luck with your grow.

definitely one I was worried about as River was one of my first choices to grow. I overseeded on purpose to compensate for the expected low germination based on multiple posts about this variety being hard to start and have been rewarded generously. Thank you for the seed.