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12-03-2006, 10:13 AM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On 11/3/06 20:58, in article ,
"Brian" --- 'flayb' to respond wrote:

"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message
...
The message
from Sacha contains these words:

Our local branch of Morrisons, in Totnes, has some Alders planted in the
car
park and one, in particular, has enormously long catkins - every year I
promise myself that I'll try to get some seeds from it and this year I
really must kick myself to remember to do it!

If you do, you will need to inoculate the seed-tray with soil taken
from beneath an alder around its roots.
Alder seeds will only germinate in soil which contains the right
bio-whatsits. I'm hoping David P can supply the right explanation :-)
Janet.
~~~~~~~~
This inoculant is only really necessary in boggy conditions. Normal
seed compost suffices otherwise for germination and growth. The symbiotic
fungus [miccorhiza] would help in difficult situations.
Best Wishes Brian.

My thanks to you and to Janet! I had no idea of any of this and while it's
very interesting, it also sounds a bit daunting. I have a strong feeling
that if I start scratching around in the earth beneath trees in Morrison's
car park, men in white coats will arrive pretty sharpish! ;-)
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
)