Heirloom wannabe :)

[jnicholas1109]

K. So I'm very new and green to the heirloom gardening. But I have kept a hybrid garden for years. I'm having a hard time with it. Can someone just give me a couple tips to get me through the transition from hybrid to heirloom. My plants grow from seedlings and get very stagnant and don't want to go much further than that. Do heirloom seeds grow slower? Im not giving up on this. But I could sure use a little advice. Thanks

[Jon_dear]

There is a lot to be said for hybrid vigor, especially in the seedling stage. I grow both hybrids and open pollinated with some heirlooms thrown in too. Seeded side by side, I`ve seen some hybrids seem to out pace the heirlooms, but sometimes vice versa. What I`ll say about the heirlooms is this- they`ve been saved for a long time for a reason... That is they taste really good, they perform well in certain climate conditions, or possibly because they produce bumper crops. In the end though, they`ll catch up... Just gotta have a little faith in them.

[jnicholas1109]

Thanks alot. I started out really excited and am getting a little blah about the whole thing lol. Ill keep the faith and continue my research.

[bugpicker]

It would be good to know a little bit more about what you're growing. Did you grow your hybrids from seed? Are you growing under lights? Or are they by a sunny window? How far along are the seedlings?

[stephen9666]

I did all heirlooms this year. This is my second year of serious gardening, with some other previous experience.

There is a huge variation in my plants, and it seems to have to do with the soil. The plants that were started in soil with some organic matter and transplanted into quality soil are 10+" tall. The seedlings started in Jiffy Mix then transplanted into cheap potting soil that looks like mulch are still 4" - 6" tall. Other than the soil, the plants had identical care.

I don't know if this helps, but I'm definitely just like you. I'm having a little difficulty making the switch to heirlooms. I'm also having some disease issues. Next year, I'll be starting a mix of hybrids and heirlooms.

[Train]

Originally Posted by jnicholas1109

K. So I'm very new and green to the heirloom gardening. But I have kept a hybrid garden for years. I'm having a hard time with it. Can someone just give me a couple tips to get me through the transition from hybrid to heirloom. My plants grow from seedlings and get very stagnant and don't want to go much further than that. Do heirloom seeds grow slower? Im not giving up on this. But I could sure use a little advice. Thanks

Ya

I know what you mean and know what
the problem most likely is and it's not
that hard, really.
I start everything from seed and I start
them in containers.
Why is because I use my own soil mix
and because I can keep track or every
thing from growth rate to watering time.
In other words it's easier for me to notice
all the little things like tiny weeds, growth
slow down, diseases and dryness.
When to feed and indeed feeding is easier
so I start them in containers.
In containers seeds don't get washed
away, birds don't pull them up and squirrels
don't walk on them or dig next to them.
No dogs or cats.
Heheh
I nurse them to a health stage when they
are at least 8 or 10 inches tall and can
stand the rigors of the patch.
What you put in your seed starting mix
is most important.
That soil must be friable and nutritious.
I re-pot as soon as I notice I have to water
a plant more than once a day because
that means it is pot bound and needs a
larger container.
You can take a look at my soil mix in
the url at the bottom of the page and
adjust it to your needs.
Does that help?
Train

[jnicholas1109]

Heck yeah! Thanks alot!

[ness]

Not sure if you mean you're starting seeds and they peter out, or if you plant seedlings and they peter out. Regardless...

Heirlooms won't be slackers -- they should take off just as well as hybrids do for the most part. If it's been happening with hybrids over the years and now heirlooms, it sounds like something else isn't right. How's your soil? Are they getting enough sunlight?

The soil may need some adjustment to pH. You can get an inexpensive pH meter and test it yourself, or send off a sample to be tested. Your county may have an extension office that will do that.

Darn near all soil will benefit from an addition of organic matter.

A little more info and the folks here will surely have some ideas for you.

[OneoftheEarls]

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