Page 26 - ALG Issue 1 2016 No social share

Use the
Feature on...
right compost
I was speaking to NAS Chairman, Tony Heeson, the other day about some trials Kings Seeds have undertaken around compost and he asked me to write an article and share the information to the members.
As I am sure you can appreciate, I cannot actually name the brands that we used, but needless to say you would not believe the difference in germination between the types of compost on the market.
In a nutshell, when sowing seeds you should always buy the correct compost for the job, in this case “Seed Sowing” compost. Make sure these words are clearly shown on whatever brand you buy as this compost has been especially blended for maximum results.
It always amazes me that compost has not got a “sell by” date,
as some compost is left outside uncovered for months on end, subject to seasonal elements. So when you purchase your seed sowing compost, make sure it has been stored correctly and I would certainly recommend you buy fresh compost each year. Any old compost can be used as mulch.
When we speak to customers who have had germination problems, we soon discover that they have used multi-purpose compost, which tends to be peat based and, as a result, the top of the compost dries out way too quickly, thus resulting in overwatering and poor germination or the compost was from last year and left open outside.
At Kings, because we also sell our seeds to professional growers, we have to test our seeds to comply with EU standards which basically means, depending on variety, the seeds must be tested in controlled conditions, either in seed sowing compost, horticultural sand or on germination paper.
In conclusion, as our trials have clari ed, treat yourself to a fresh bag of good quality seed sowing compost every year; ensure that the compost feels warm to the touch. Always water with tap water not butt water as butt water can contain pathogens, depending on how long it has sat in the butt, and could actually kill the seed, and of course, the main ingredient – KINGS QUALITY SEEDS! I would just point out that once a plant has a healthy root system, it is perfectly safe to use the butt water without repercussions.
If you ever need any help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Kings or, alternatively, tap into the wealth of information and experience that can be found on any allotment site throughout the country.
Finally, I would just like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone for using the NSALG seed scheme and wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2016.
Let’s Show our
Appreciation for the
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs have always been called the gardener’s friend but now numbers are plummeting dramatically, having halved over the past 15 years. The ndings of a study carried out in 1995 put hedgehog numbers at 1.55 million. There are now believed to be less than 1 million hedgehogs left in the UK.
A recently published report by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species concludes that
the rate of decline has continued
in rural and urban areas since its last report in 2011.
Gardeners can help by:
• Not using slug pellets in the garden. Read
our members’ information page on slug pellets and slug control.
• Taking care when
clearing piles of leaves
or loose twigs and litter.
Hedgehogs love to use these areas
as nesting places because they keep them dry and warm. Leave log piles or large broken pots around the garden to be used as nesting places.
• If it is practical, replacing walls and fences with hedges. If you have a fence, cut a 12 cm/5 inch hole in the bottom to let hedgehogs get through. If you have a solid wall, remove a brick or stone from the base.
• Leaving out fresh meaty cat or dog food for them. Always clean up old or unused food daily.
• Avoiding treating lawns with herbicides and try to reduce the size of paved areas in the garden.
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