ECA monthly Newsletters include a “To do list” which is a compendium of the best practices of years of trial and error. If a new member or grower follows these suggestions closely and asks questions of their coach, they will end up with some excellent blooms. As a case in point, I submit Gary Budzeak. We have since learned that he sings to his plants as well as Don’s and Ronnies when he baby sits their mums. I personally believe it was “following the recipe” that allowed Gary to sweep the Novice Class at last year’s show.
During our March meeting cultural discussion, Chris Brookes mentioned that some of the grower’s in England were starting some of their plants later and going with a single pinch(his notes and observations will appear in a separate post). As I skier, I liked the “idea.” By later they meant March 1st. As a club, we are trying to increase the availability of our Spiders and some of my stools were not quite ready, earlier. I took my last cuttings on April 16th into Peat Pots.
Here is #1 with some of the best roots shown going from 4″ to 6″ pot.
1. Coral Reef 10 AOC Potted from Peat Pot to 2″ 5-2, 4″ 6-1 and 6″ on 6-26
#2 and so forth to follow:
2. Margaret Howells 5-Y Peat pot to 2″ 5-1, 4″ 6-1 and 6″ 7-3 (shown)
(more to follow)
