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The Editor's Tutorial |
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.First
Potting |
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Once
the new season's growth is well under way with green leaves and, more
importantly, a strongly developing root system it is time to get these
roots into a stronger compost. This will coincide with the plants
coming out of the propagator or heated sand-bed and onto the open
staging.
The starting medium has been a loosely packed mixture of
Scotts Levington F1 and Irish moss peat, now we are moving on into Levington M3
which will be compacted more firmly to encourage sturdy growth. |
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Nichola Coates |
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Begonias that
have been started in trays (not my preferred method - see picture 3) should be potted on before the roots start to
entwine.
This is a tray of cutting tubers (last year's cuttings) and the most
advanced ones are now ready to be transplanted into pots.
Note some have two stems, the smaller of which will be taken off as
cuttings. |
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A vigorous root system is
really important, it is the foundation of a good plant.
Ensure
that the compost is not dry and that the roots are not damaged as they
are eased out of the tray, choose a pot that will comfortably
contain the root-ball whilst allowing room for growth. |
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Many
growers prefer to start their tubers in trays as in the first picture, but for
reasons explained elsewhere
I like to start them individually in pots or half-pots. If, like
myself, you have started in pots do not wait until the roots
have become pot-bound. Note the root growth is
vigorous but the top growth compact - just right in my book ! |
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Do not
over-pot,
a correct example would be from 3½" 8cm. diameter to 5"12cm. The policy being to move the plants on as the goodness in the compost is
beginning to become exhausted and the roots reach the sides of the pot.
Now that the plants are out of the
propagator or heated sand-bed and onto the open staging a minimum
temperature of 45°f. 8ºc has to be maintained, double bubble insulation will
help to keep fuel bills down. |
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Greenhouse
insulated with double-bubble.
Ventilate
on warm days.
Water sparingly.
Minimum temperature 45°f. 8ºc.
Occasional morning spray, warm days
only. Check shading. |
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THE NEXT STAGE |
