Here's the number - 691

8 years ago

That's how many seedlings I counted now that they are all out on my porch. Undoubtedly some probably not too large percentage of these will perish before they hit the garden beds.

I have allocated 4 raised beds of 4' by 12' for my 2018 seedlings. The most I think I've put into one bed in the past is about 120-130. If my match is correct, I can fit these all in with room to spare if I plant them 6" apart. I'm not sure if this has taken into account the 3" of spacing from the edges of the bed that will be needed.

Is there a math whiz out there who can help me out with this?

Featured Answer

Pat
Original Author

8 years ago

Brad, I have enough raised beds to grow the seedlings for long enough to see them bloom, a small percentage will be observed for another 1-2 years, the rest sold, traded off, given away or sent to the compost pile. At this point, I register and introduce half a dozen or so each year and some of those will end up in my own landscape. We have an acre and a third, but the fenced back yard (deer-proofed) is maybe 3/4 acre with several areas of mixed perennials and also a lot of lawn.

Truth to tell, I went kind of mental and just planted all the seeds I had made this year - unless I just decided I didn't want them. I think I want to start over with some of the new plants I'm getting and was just clearing the slate so to speak.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Brad KY 6b
8 years ago
I'm not a math whiz, just commenting on your seedlings. WOW! that is a huge amount. You must have a large property.
Related Professionals
Lake City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Roanoke Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Potsdam Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Utica Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bangor Landscape Contractors · Lansing Landscape Contractors · Sioux Falls Landscape Contractors · Medford Landscape Contractors · Ontario Landscape Contractors · Southaven Home Builders · Raleigh Home Builders · Grand Island Home Builders · Janesville Home Builders · Napa Home Builders · Boise Home Builders
del_s
8 years ago
Starting at 3" from the sides gives you 8 by 24 plants in one 4'x12' bed, or 192 plants. Multiply by 4 beds gives you room for 768 plants.
Pat
Original Author
8 years ago
I think one of the beds is a bit smaller, so this should work out well. Thank you for the answer Del.
signet_gw(6b)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Daylily99 you have to tell me how you do it . Send plants to the compost pile I mean . I planted over 1000 daylily seedlings a few years ago . I have harvested the ones I want for observation I have planted other possibles out in the field near the end of our property . I have given away oodles and there are still more ........but I just cant compost them ...After all the labour to germinate , grow on , wait for bloom , see bloom and then cherry pick the ones I wanted .......I still cant compost the others .........HELP!!!! i just bought more seeds 152 packages to be exact (for new genetics ) plus what I harvested here last fall ......4 medium freezer bag sized bags full of seeds ......Omg I need help.
samhain10 - 5a
8 years ago
Ha ha! Pat, both you and Signet have me rolling on the floor! Well, I only planted about 400; I'll probably lose some of those. So far I think only less than a dozen have tanked for one reason or another. I have the space for the seedlings - no problem. But I will be wondering myself - what the heck am I going to do with all those grown plants?! I'm telling myself now that I'll be ruthless, but I gotta say, my track record of ruthlessness has not been good to date. :)

Alex
Pat
Original Author
8 years ago
The ruthlessness gets easier every year Alex. It especially helps if you have takers for the "almost but not quite" ones.
Pat
Original Author
8 years ago
Signet, I guess your "problem" means that you've either gotten to be very, very good at hybridizing or else you may need an intervention. I have been there and felt your pain.
signet_gw(6b)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I think I am nearer the "needing an intervention" scenario . I have sent seeds to the rep at the AHS that sends them to "newbies" who want to try to grow some daylilies but these darn plants just don't stop making seeds and I haven't got the heart to cut off scapes cuz "surely someone can use them!" I was going to send some to the US but discovered that now a phyto certificate is needed to do that . So on top of the cost of mailing now I would have to pay for a phyto to ship seeds for goodness sake.