Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2015 | Page 50
GARDENING
Exceedingly confused
G
rowing plants from seed can be a
confusing experience if you follow
the seed-packet instructions relating
to the sowing dates and temperatures
needed.
I've found some of them are really
unrealistic for the average gardener, with
recommendations of early sowing dates and
temperatures up to 27 C (82 F) which are
likely to lead to overcrowded pots of leggy
seedlings, prone to damping off.
Many plants will germinate at far lower
temperatures and produce sturdy seedlings
which are more easily hardened off too.
Later sowings usually cost less to
produce in terms of heating and compost
requirements, as they germinate faster and
develop more quickly as light levels improve.
IN THE
GARDEN
With Tina Hughes
Finding a
happy medium
E
pimedium are not the kind of plant that stops you in your tracks,
unless you look closely. I discovered them years ago but had more
or less forgotten them until I saw one in a seed catalogue recently.
They're part of the Berberis family but their attractive leaves are soft and
spineless, and they form a pleasing, undemanding perennial ground
cover. The attractive sprays of flowers that flutter daintily above the
leaves vary in size and colour depending on the variety. There are two
groups, one from Mediterranean regions which tolerate drier conditions,
the other from East Asia which appreciate well drained but moisture
retaining soil. They both prefer light shade under deciduous trees.
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Into the light
S
pring's playfully nipping at winter's heels
and it's time to get growing now. The
brakes are off and all around plants are
accelerating into growth as the days lengthen.
I'm sure that I'm not alone in feeling as if
I'm welcoming back old friends as I watch my
favourite plants re-emerge from their winter
slumbers. At times I admit I do talk to them as I
relish the arrival of the first snowdrops, the first
daffodils, the first hellebore; until suddenly the
garden's once more ablaze with light, colour
and life.