A very happy new year to all.
Sowing seeds is not so much of a problem as it was say, thirty years or so ago, due to the gradual adoption by gardeners of the technique called space sowing, and the introduction of the cellular seed tray which enables gardeners to hold seedlings under shelter until the weather ‘outside’ is just perfect for them to be planted in the garden without them being battered into the ground by torrents of rain. Also they may be held back until an existing crop of something or other has been cleared away and the ground forked over to a depth of two or three inches, firmed and made ready for them by raking level – whether we are thinking of flowers or vegetables.
One of my favourite plants suitable for gardens I reckon almost anywhere on this planet is the marigold, and of all the marigolds, top of my list is the twenty-four inch tall mixed type called called Crackerjack, producing masses of mixed bright orange and lemon-coloured flowering plants, flowering in absolute profusion over many months. It’s a most accommodating plant and in fact does not require a highly fertile ground on which to grow. Soil which has not had fertilizer or organic matter for a few years will suffice quite nicely, unlike that required for tomatoes or cabbage, which do need good fertile land.
With marigolds as with all other plants you must make sure that they are planted firmly and watered copiously before planting to give them a drink, and after they have been planted to settle the soil round their roots. This applies whatever you are planting, whether it be flowers or vegetables, trees or shrubs. It’s vital you remember this Golden Rule.
By the way, if you can’t get hold of a cellular tray, try egg boxes. Almost as good, and certainly less expensive. Cellular boxes enable you to get plants out without damaging the roots, and they generally help you to establish the seedlings well.
Many times the weather is just right to try sowing direct into the ground when you are sowing flowers and many vegetables. Ground needs to be forked over and firmed properly to prevent the plants falling over as they get taller, and also raked level. It’s always a good idea to sow flower seed into short drills say, no more than a foot or so long and maybe quarter to half an inch deep or less. The smaller the seed the shallower the drill. Seed has to be carefully covered and the soil firmed. If you have to stand on the ground then for heaven’s sake, use a piece of plyboard or a short plank to enable you to do the job properly. However, cover the seed you must, because you will otherwise just be giving the doves and other birds a free meal. Don’t forget another Golden Rule either. Sow thinly. The seed companies are able to produce such magnificent catalogues because of the seed which is wasted.
Once the seedlings (of anything really) have germinated they will need thinning to about three inches apart. Germination will take only a few days in Guyana, which seems to have the most amazing growing climate. Tall marigolds like Crackerjack will need to be thinned or planted out
finally to a distance of eighteen inches, for they will grow into large plants which will need this much space to come to their full potential. In fact, don’t be stingy with your space at all for any plants you grow. Remember they are all in competition with each other for food and moisture.
And remember also that if you give them too much space the soil water will evaporate quite quickly. Remember also that although marigolds are superb for hot sunny weather, they will need watering occasionally. Not just a light sprinkle either. A really good soaking.
Until next week may your God go with you wherever you may be.
