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| Month | Tasks to be completed | Comments |
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February
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By the end of Week 2, Term 1 check you have to hand: Seeds of species nominated by 'link group' Potting mix (growing media with a 6 month slow release fertiliser added). Grow-tubes (plant containers). Boxes or racks to hold tubes Labels, or some way of marking boxes with plant names |
Once your seed are sown they must be watered every day Be sure you have a reliable person to commit to coming in to water on weekends and holidays as well as a roster for school days Even one day without water can mean you will lose your crop |
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End of February |
seeds are sown | |
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Mid to Late March |
Sprouts ahoy! From February sowing Absolutely latest time for getting seeds in |
How quickly your seeds germinate depends on the species, how warm it has been and if you've been watering regularly |
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Late March |
Confirm responsible person committed to watering over up-coming holiday period |
As the season begins to cool and your seeds have sprouted you will begin to change the watering pattern from every day for 1-2 minutes to every 2nd or 3rd day for approximately 3-5 minutes |
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Mid April, early May |
Once seedlings are 5 - 10 mm tall, thin back to one plant only per tube. Maintenance of seedlings -especially weeding as weeds can smother and compete with your 'real' plants |
Monitor the change of season weather and adjust watering accordingly. You may only be watering 2x or 3x per week now |
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June |
Fertilising with a slow-release fertiliser - add after thinning to one plant per tube. Monitor watering and probably reduce again. Seedlings can become stressed from over-watering in winter. |
Whether you used a potting mix with fertiliser added or added it yourself when sowing you will need to replenish now. Best to water in the morning as wet plants can get too cold overnight |
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July-August |
Not a lot to do other than standard maintenance tasks of weeding and watering |
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September If you are growing on a spring to Autumn cycle you will be planning to sow your seeds this month |
Final addition of fertiliser Expose seedlings to as much direct sun as possible and water only as necessary; this conditions plants to life outside the shade-house |
Seasonal change and often windy weather means keeping a close eye on watering now Discuss possible site visits and planting excursions with your link group |
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October |
If you sowed early, your plants should be about ready to plant out in the ground |
If your plants are 'soft' ie not at all used to full sun and periods without water then advise your link group they will need to 'harden off' for a while first |
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November |
Congratulate yourself on a job well done Discuss with your link group or liaison regarding next year's requirements |
You will save yourself some time at the start of next year's program if you can acquire the necessary materials now and place them in storage over the summer break |
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December |
Store tubes and potting mix in a secure place for an early start next year Have seeds end from link group. Check for repairs e.g. watering system etc |
Prepare your shade house for an early start next year by tidying up clear out any dead plants, empty tubes and accumulated dross. This helps avoid plant fungal disease as well as having your shade-house appear well tended. |
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