9th Jan 2008

Here we go again the start of another year.

I have decided not to grow as many pots as last year down from 150 to 110. Hopefully I will be able to spend more time with each pot.
As you can see from the pictures the mixture for the rootin is 1/3 John Innes no 1 1/3 Peat and 1/3 Perlite all mixed together and then given a soaking with warmish water.The tray is then covered with Perlite to give it some light.
The cuttings are then snapped of the stool just below a leaf joint,dipped in rooting powder inserted in the tray, labelled and then put on the soil heating cable.I usually put 30 cutting to a tray.I try to take double the plants that i need.
i.e. 6 plants required 12 into 31/2 pots then 9 into 5 inch then 6 into finals

I am growing 4 new to me varieties this year
1) Trident Section 1
2) David McNamara Section 3 Jimmy Coffee had this last year at Middleton and North West Counties and it was the best Incurve that i saw last year
3) Twyford Gold Section 7 This is a new one from Richard Cole
4) Harry Tolly Section 4. This a new one from John Nevill. Each year our Society( Sowerby Bridge) likes to grow a new one and the members purchase 3 plants for a Special Class.

I am also having a go at hybridising this year so i will keep you informed how i go on.

I am also going to pick 3 cuttings out and follow their progress throuhout the season.