Page 67 - SV 3 2024

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
On Parade – Shamrocks for the Royal Artillery with AutoPot
The thing about traditions is that they always start somewhere. And in our own, very modest, way we at AutoPot have started a tradition with one of the most richly traditional institutions around.
Last year when a crop of ceremonial shamrocks for the 24 (Irish) Battery Royal Artillery began to falter we gladly stepped into the breach, growing and providing these gloriously green expressions of the units’ heritage and continuing identity. And this year we’ve been at it again.
First presented by Queen Victoria to honour the gallantry of her Irish soldiers, fresh shamrocks have since become a
St Patrick’s Day Parade tradition for Irish units within the British Armed Forces. Between 2021 and 2023 COVID restrictions had forced the temporary suspension of parades. But with last year’s reinstatement the 24 (Irish) were keen to return in their full regalia. Hence their Regiment put a call out to Keith Hine, committee member of the National Vegetable Association, Surrey DA to produce the shamrocks.
Keith is a gardener of some forty years experience with a fine record of exhibiting and judging veg and flowers. However,
progress with the shamrocks was proving elusive. Having sown the seeds in early February he realised that the sprigs were developing too slowly. With time very much of the essence Keith brought AutoPot into the picture.
Happily we had just the tool for the job. A newly-released Tray2Grow automatic plant watering system was plucked from its box, configured with capillary matting and seed trays and set to work on the shamrocks at our HQ.
The shamrock seeds were planted up in Biobizz Light Mix and supplied with an extra dilute solution of Source nutrients via the reservoir and pipework, at an EC of around 1.4. Germination was achieved by days 3-4 and full growth within three weeks.
Whilst not terribly precious in their requirements, shamrocks do enjoy uniform, regular moisture, though not to excess. The Tray2Grow performed admirably, supplying irrigation at a measured, responsive, plant- controlled rate that produced quick, full, natural progress.
The whole process was made even more fuss-free thanks to the fact that, like all AutoPot Watering Systems, Tray2Grow requires no electricity or running water. Connected to any reservoir it can be left unattended for weeks at a time, relying only on gravity and the natural rhythm of a plant’s water consumption in order to function.
Delighted with the results, Keith was able to whisk away armfuls of emphatically emerald emblems right on time for the 17th of March parade. This year we repeated the grow on an even greater scale with similarly verdant results. It’s a tradition we hope to continue for years to come!
Our thanks and best wishes to Keith and the 24 (Irish) Battery Royal Artillery for thinking of us, for the info received, and for giving us the opportunity to try something a little different!
Members of the 24 (Irish) Battery Royal Artillery wearing the ceremonial shamrocks
Shamrocks growing in an AutoPot Tray2Grow
Simply Vegetables 67