Seed for seedex 2004 & sources of seed starting material

[Gerard Olma]

Hello fellow AEGers -
I have been busy researching the archives and I have learned alot re. seed starting, cultural info and other useful info. that has led me to uderstand where I went wrong before. I have been fascinated with A. triphyllum since I was a little kid.
I have been gardening for about 30 years, so seed starting is not new to me as is gardening in general.
When I first seen A. speciosum, A. tortuosum, A. candidissimum in the 1997 or '98 Wayside catalog, I had to have them and I bought 1 of each. I have learned much more so I now realize they are different than A. triphyllum. I had them in an area that I did not realize had winter wetness(sitting water). I have since  built that area up plus my back yard has a nice gentle slope that allows for good drainage. My "yarden" has a southwest exposure.It may "pour" in the morning but I can cut the grass in the afternoon. I may have the right yard for the species that can tolerate zone6 and lower. I plan to experiment and share my findings w/ the group.
I recently bought Guy's book - great book! and also was able to obtain a copy of Pradhan's book. I have read Tony Avent's and Marge Talt's on line articles on arisaema. I found Jim McClement's and Ellen Hornig' seed starting info. extremely helpful.I have browsed IAS and realized that I may be able to grow my Amorphophallus kojac outside ( zone 6b - exactly 1.5 mile from Lake Erie)
I have purchased 5 inch clay pots that they use for orchids that have drainage slits on the side. I figure it will help with seed starting/growing.
I am going to use Oil Dri that is similar to surface - it may be the same thing as the bag (bought at Walmart aka the big "W") says it may be used for gardening. I found Hoffman's Bonzai soil mixture allows for good drainage - it has turface as an ingredient.
Martha Stewart has a good professional potting mix at Kmart - no fertilizer mixed in it. I have other items so I am ready for seedex 2004
I found that rubbermaid makes sandwich take alongs that are stackable and clear plastic - might be good for the Deno method - good price & you get 5 for 2 bucks plus they hold more than petri dishes - Walmart.
I have sent in Arisaema triphyllum seeds for seedex 2004, (Eric have you received them yet?) They grow large and have both green & purple spathes.
Adios & Happy Holidays
Gerry Olma
Hamburg, NY - Zone 6b