Spring Bedding Plant Growing Tips

Container recommendation:  606 Jumbo Insert  (100 per case)  and the TFI
Web flats (tray that holds the insert)
soil recommendation:  Fafard 3-B Mix (3 cu ft bag)
note:  1 bag of Fafard 3-B mix will fill 18 flats

First rule - Don't use 20-20-20 for any of your spring crops.
Use 20-10-20 peat-lite special,15-16-17, or calcium nitrate in combination
with 20-10-20.
All 20-20-20  fertilizers contain high percentages of ammonium nitrate;
this type of nitrogen causes plant s to stretch or bum in winter.

Minimum Temperature - You are growing many different types of plants in one
greenhouse.
Petunias prefer 55-60 degree temperatures.  Vinca prefers 65 degrees.
I suggest using 62 degrees.  Warmer night time temperatures will cause your
bedding plants to stretch.

Rooted cuttings -  Plant one cutting per 4 or 6 inch pot, or three cuttings
per 10" basket.  Pinch the plants by removing the top vegetative bud about
2-3 weeks after planting.  Geraniums are heavy feeders and need about 250
ppm of constant feed or you may find it more convenient to feed at 150 ppm
and topdress 14-14-14 Osmocote (1 teaspoon for 4 & 6 inch pots and 1
tablespoon for 10" basket).  The 150 ppm rate can be used for bedding
plants or any type of impatiens ( New Guinea or double), and 150 ppm plus
Osmocote for the heavier feeding crops generally found in hanging baskets
and  larger pots.

Geraniums: Many varieties of geraniums benefit from a foliar spray of
Cycocel, a growth regulator.  The rate is 1000 ppm or 1 ounce per gallon of
water.
Water the plants well and allow the foliage to dry before applying the
Cycocel.  Avoid watering for the day following application. Most geranium
varieties come from Ogelvee, Fisher, or Americana.  Generally speaking,
most Ogelvee varieties are larger growing, better suited to 6 inch pots and
hanging baskets, and require a growth regulator.  The other two companies
produce compact varieties and may not need a regulator.  Check the
websites of each company for information on the varieties you are growing
before deciding whether or not to use the regulator.  Finally, geraniums
are susceptible to botrytis.  You can avoid many problems by watering in
the morning on sunny days.  Don't water late in the day or on cloudy days.
Avoid wetting the foliage. Remove all flower buds until the plants are near
ready to sell.  Allowing old flowers to shatter and drop down on the
foliage will lead to botrytis problems.

Wave type petunias - There are many different varieties of wave type
petunias and they differ from a regular petunia in two major ways. First,
they more expensive and should only be planted in larger pots or baskets
that can be sold for a premium price  Plant one plant in a 4 inch or 6 inch
pot, and three plants in a 10 inch basket.  The second difference is in
fertilizer rates.  Waves are heavy feeders and will benefit from 150 ppm
plus Osmocote topdressed on the pot. These plants are fast growers and will
finish from a plug in 4-6 weeks.  If the plants get too large, cut them
back and they be ready to sell quickly.

Bedding plants from seeds - Hopefully, most of your bedding plant crop is
grown from plugs.  They produce a more uniform crop and represent industry
standards for producing bedding plants.  It is a good idea to do some
plants from seed to demonstrate sexual propagation.  Tomatoes, marigolds,
and zinnias are easy and fast to grow from seed.  The plants can be grown
in about 6-8 weeks from germination.  If you have a specific date for your
plant sell, count back 6-8 weeks from the date to determine when to plant
your seeds.

Pesticide licenses - If you order pesticides from a nursery supply company,
they will ask for a copy of your pesticide license.  Generally speaking, if
the pesticide is not available over the counter at the local garden center,
you need a pesticide license to purchase and use it.  Teachers only need a
private pesticide license for spraying on campus.  This can be acquired by
visiting your Extension Agent, watching a video tape about pesticides, and
taking a simple 20 question test.

General Chemicals and Supplies needed for crops and greenhouse on an annual
basis:

1. Fungicide: Terracolor or Subdue
after your plants have been transplanted and growing for a week or two you
need to drench their soil with fungicide

2. Insecticide:
Marathon for whiteflies, aphids and other sucking insects

Conserve for thrips, leafminer and worms

Cinnamite for aphids and mites

Whitmire Total Release Aerosol Generator (1 case)

Safer Soap or Sun Spray

3. Herbicide:     Finale: used to control weeds in greenhouse
            Roundup: control weeds outside greenhouse

4. Disinfectants:  Agribrom : use in your evaporative cooling system to
kill microbial slimes
GreenClean: new granular product that is used to kill algae, fungi, and
disinfect greenhouse floors and benches.
It will also raise the pH level in the soil under benches, making it harder
for weed seeds to germinate.

Misc. Items that you should have:

1.  5" plastic stick labels and marking pens are a must have in the
greenhouse
2.  Water Hoses, I have found the Swan Soft & Supple Hose to hold up best
in the wear and tear of greenhouse use
3. Fogg- it  Mist Nozzles
4. Water Shut Offs ( Drams 300 brass)  stay away from the plastic ones
5. Water Breaker:  the PL 100 is a great "soft throw" water breaker
6. Water Wands: get a couple is several lengths  (available in 12", 16",
24", 36")
7.  Pesticide Application Posting Sign (must be posted anytime your are
spraying or fumigating the greenhouse)
8. Safety gear for you and your students
9. Min/Max Thermometer
10. Sprayers that are clearly marked for Herbicides and Insecticide use.


Dr. Teri Hamlin
North Region Agriculture Education
Georgia Department of Education
Four Towers, University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia  30602
706-542-3679