On Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:02:20 GMT, Michael Bell
wrote:

In message
Baz wrote:

Michael Bell wrote in
. uk:

I have germinated alder seeds in a Stewart thermostatted propagator,
on dishcloth soaked in water and baby bio. The seedling are now about
1.5" high and they have put their roots down through the weave of the
dishcloth. The ventilation slots were half open and the inside of the
plastic cover covered with droplets. Now I have opened the slots, the
inside has dried out. I now want to plant them out onto compost under
lighting grow them on. How slowly should I harden them to this new
dryer environment?

Michael Bell


Would a birch family seedling need to be hardened off?
Are they birch?

I am unsure, but if they are a native species throw them into their growing
space, lob a bit of soil on top and wait until spring. Honest, if as I
think they are native, don't worry.
Obviously if you want to spur them on a bit in growth, treat them to a bag
of compost. Sit back and watch them grow!

Baz
Baz

The Birches are closely related to the Alders - both Betulacae. It is
a native species, Alnus glutinosa. My need is to get them up to 3 mm
diameter stem size by the end of May, that's what I need the light
for, and therefore the drying out risk.

I really wouldn't put them out now: they're accustomed to warmth and
light, and a sudden change would be bad. I'm NOT an expert, but I
think you've done very well: tree seeds can take ages. They'll need to
go into John Innes Seed grade right now -- follow the usual gardening
book rules about handling -- and I don't think they'll need hardening
off as you're keeping them indoors, as long as the temperature is
reduced only gradually and they're free of draughts. I suggest the
first watering in their compost should contain a fungicide to protect
against damping-off. I'd say keep the compost moist but not wet.

But I want to emphasise that I'm only giving advice to the best of my
ability, from first principles: if you want /expert/ advice, I'm not
the man.

--
Mike.