Regarding labor-saving devices, the amateur gardener has not been forgotten.
Hoping for a break from the elements is as passe as the recipe that calls for a dash of this and a pinch of that. Nevertheless, uncertainty is rapidly disappearing in the growth of seedlings.
An article appeared in the January 1918 Flower Grower entitled “The Robot Greenhouse” by R. Milton Carleton. After many readings and much deliberation, we decided to invest.
For years we have grown most of our own plants from seeds and cuttings, and success always depended upon such uncontrollable factors as temperature, humidity, and light.
Young seedlings required almost constant care. Absence or neglect on a scorching day, or an unexpected shower, could mean their end.
This “robot greenhouse” sounded like the answer to all our problems, but surely there was some catch, some procedure that required expert skill.
Start-A-Plant Unit
“Start-A-Plant,” as the manufacturer calls the unit, is simply an enclosed case with two fluorescent tubes on the top.
The tubes supply the needed light and heat, and the top has the proper curvature to act as a reflector. The United States Department of Agriculture developed it.
Our unit arrived in April as we were preparing to plant perennial seeds.
We were afraid to stake all the coming season’s blossoms on it, so we planted two flats of each variety, putting one in the unit and the other outdoors.
We were amazed at the difference! The seeds in the unit germinated more quickly and at a higher percentage.
They were ready to be moved from 1 to 3 weeks earlier than those outdoors. So by fall, we had more plants from fewer seeds and with less work.
In Favor Of Pots
At first, we used wood flats but discarded them in favor of pots, either azalea pots or bulb pans.
Though flats fit more closely, the wood tends to become water-soaked and is harder to keep clean and sterile.
The size of the pot depends on the number of plants needed. For example, a 10”-inch pot will accommodate about 75 seedlings.
Heavy sowing is wasteful since seedlings may be leggy, poorly developed, and difficult to separate.
Handling Of Seedlings
Seedlings can be handled better if left in the unit until they have several true leaves. At first, our greatest problem was transplanting shock.
Inside conditions were ideal, with humidity and temperature constant, and the move outdoors was quite a change.
We found that a few days of conditioning solved the problem.
Moving Of Pots
The pots are moved from the unit to the greenhouse, cold frame, or a sheltered spot outside, depending oil the season, and moisture is reduced.
After about a week, they can be transplanted with little loss.
We find ourselves growing many plants because seeds succeed so easily.
Now we enjoy our own:
- Double-ruffled petunias
- Calceolaria
- Berbera
- Primula
- Impatiens
- Fuchsia.
It is truly a joy to be able to ignore the summer heat. Unfortunately, our unit is kept in the basement, and the inside temperature stays around 71.1° degrees Fahrenheit all year.
In the unit, we started pansies, delphinium, and similar seeds, which used to be difficult in summer.
Valuable Cuttings
The “Start-A-Plant” proves equally valuable for cuttings. They root in less time, with practically no care.
The shelf is conveniently divided into three sections; one of the end sections is lowered to the bottom of the case, and cuttings are put there.
They root best not so close to the light, whereas seedlings should be grown with the shelf in the top position.
Since we have both seedlings and cuttings in our unit, we have used only “Daylite White” tubes from the manufacturer. Dr. Carleton discussed the types of light in his article, and I shall not repeat them.
Root Cutting Ideal Conditions
Many cuttings root under these ideal conditions. We now have a whole border of impatiens from:
- One house plant
- An edging of white candytuft for the perennial bed
- A groundcover of English ivy-200 plants—for a bare place
- Plenty of phlox
- Bleeding heart
- Sedum and other perennials are difficult to seed
Method For Increasing Stocks
African violet enthusiasts will find this an efficient method of increasing their stock. Some varieties have bloomed in 2 months from the time we put the leaves in.
Tubers such as dahlias, caladiums, tuberous begonias, and gloxinias also get off to an excellent start in the unit.
Our Start-A-Plant has been in constant operation for a year and a half.
The perennials were followed by snapdragon, primula, and cineraria for the greenhouse then came cuttings from shrubs, evergreens, and choice annuals.
Cost Of Plants
In January, the annuals were planted, and tuberous begonias and gloxinias are inexpensive since we enjoy more and better plants at a lower cost.
Operating costs are about $2.00 per month, and the light burns 24 hours daily. We are using the original tubes.
Amateur gardening must be fun and not a chore, and the gardener wants some measure of success.
Equipment like this gives greater returns for the time spent and increases the owner’s opportunity to own and enjoy more of the beauties of the plant world.
44659 by Anne Massengale