Re: Re: Francelle's Pond Lily X Celebration Song (was: "no subject")

In a message dated 12/10/2003 7:21:40 PM Central Standard Time, 
neilm@charter.net writes:

> I don't
> know what damage from pre-emergents might look like, but my imagination
> suggests a large seed like an iris seed would 

Neil, damage from pre-emergents might be hard to pin down, unless they were 
done in controlled experiments?  

I had an interesting experience back in the early 90's.  I normally use Bacto 
to plant my seed.  This particular year I ran out about half way through 
planting, and bought a cheap brand of potting soil to finish.  This crop was one 
of my record years for germination.  Most pots had high germination.  

As spring progressed, the first 40 pots full of seedlings grew like weeds.  
The last 40 pots stopped growing at about 1 1/2 inches and refused to budge for 
the rest of the calendar year.  It was particularly interesting since the 
switch came in the middle of a cross.

The next spring those resumed growing as though nothing had happened.  The 
only difference in the treatment of these seed was the soil.  My conclusion was 
that there must have been growth retardents in the second batch.  (I'd been 
told of this happening by others). 

On this list, I was told it could have been any number of things that caused 
my problem, including too much salt in the mix.  One thing I do know is that 
it was the soil.

Still, it's a problem that can't be duplicated in clinical trials. 

Betty W. in South-central KY Zone 6

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