BCSS - Forum

Hi
My name is Dave. I have just rejoined the group. I used to be a member a few years ago when i was growing cacti.
A lot has happened since then. I am now disabled and house bound and live with my wife and carer Pat.
I have taken a keen interest in Lithops and conophytums. I have purchased my first packets of seeds from the group and several other suppliers. I am at present looking into the compost mixtures people are using, there are so many from all over the world. I am also looking at how different growers sow their seeds eg. starting them off on damp cotton wool or in trays on the compost. I would be very interested in other peoples views on theses subjects.

Dave Williams

Welcome to the forum Dave
You will find the discussion interesting and lively.
If you get 20 replies to the questions .... there will be 20 different points of view from which you choose!
I use John Innes #2 with 2 to 6 mm granite grit in a 50:50 mix for everything and adjust according to the needs of the task.
I've tried sowing on paper for Haworthia and that is very successful compared to composts of varying mix. The timing of planting on is the bit with which I lack the skills. My daughter uses 100% vermiculite for seed sowing.

Welcome Dave
Like you I have returned after a few years away (a good few years) and I look forward to seeing some the replies you get.

I started off using much the same potting mix as I did before but have since been experimenting with various different options, the one that seems to be an improvement already is a reduction (or elimination) of the amount of peat included.

Seeds were sown using the baggy method and it seems to have been largely successful.
I did try an experiment of sowing some of my own Notocactus seed on damp kitchen towel.
It worked quite well although I was a bit worried the tiny seedlings might get damaged during transfer to pots.

The most important thing I have learned is that all that really matters is that you are enjoying what you do.

Ed

Welcome to the Forum Dave, it's good that you have returned to your previous hobby and I'm sure you will find a lot to interest you here. I completely agree with Ed's final sentence above, enjoy growing your plants!