Seed for seedex 2004 & sources of seed starting material

[Danielle]

Hey Adam--

What do you think about fresh water diatomaceous earth?  I have a ton of it
for my orchids and was wondering if it would be helpful with the jacks...

Thanks!
Danielle

----- Original Message -----
From: "Adam Fikso" <irisman at AMERITECH.NET>
To: <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2003 9:50 AM
Subject: Re: Seed for seedex 2004 & sources of seed starting material


Hello Gerard.  Don't use Oil Dri!!!!, it is probably bentonite clay (kitty
litter) and will do exactly the opposite of what you want.  Worse, you won't
be able to get rid of it, Only use this (in small quantities if you're short
of clay--which arisaemas don't usually need at all!).   You've got good
drainage now, don't ,louse it up.    If you must increrae the drainage and
aeration of your soil. Try using cypress bark.  Doesn't decompose  except
very slowly, not fast like  pine or other woods.

You could also consider using  crushed limestone (sold at Home Depot as
paver base), after you've sifted the dust out of it.   Cordially, Adam Fikso
Z 5a , Glenview, IL



.  ----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerard Olma" <OLMZZZ at AOL.COM>
To: <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2003 11:17 AM
Subject: Seed for seedex 2004 & sources of seed starting material


> 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
>