Feeding questions

[steve]

When growing seed in pots to be rotated, what soil do you use? Is normal potting soil ok?

[dazzab]

I'm actually trying this for the first time right now and I'm using potting mix. Could be the cooler weather but not much is happening yet after at least a week. I've had more sprouting of the seed in the kitchen strainer in my shed for my sprouted seed food. I'd like to know if there is a better alternative too.

[Diane]

I use normal potting mix, in the shade house over winter Ive managed to get some growing nearly all through the season. Now its starting to get warmer Ive put a couple of pots outside, but outside I have to put some sort of wire over the seed in the soil otherwise the local birds get everything.

[steve]

Ok, I see, because I have the Aviaries they attract millions of wild birds which will be a problem trying to grow the seed in the open outside. Has anyone grown White Millet?, or is it better to grow the mixed Finch seed?

[finchbreeder]

I grow mixed seed when I do it. But in winter there being lots of wild grasses, I don;t bother. Just let the garden go to weeds.
LML

[Tiaris]

Ok, I see, because I have the Aviaries they attract millions of wild birds which will be a problem trying to grow the seed in the open outside. Has anyone grown White Millet?, or is it better to grow the mixed Finch seed?

White millet is the best of the common millets to grow - matures quickest, is more easily eaten and is therefore more palatable to a wider range of finch species compared to the hairy heads of yellow & red pannicum, & has a softer kernel ( when half-ripe/milky stage).

[steve]

I planted the mixed seed today, now that I have read your reply I will plant White Millet tomorrow.

[TomDeGraaff]

White millet is the best of the common millets to grow - matures quickest, is more easily eaten and is therefore more palatable to a wider range of finch species compared to the hairy heads of yellow & red pannicum, & has a softer kernel ( when half-ripe/milky stage).

I so agree. White willet is the best to me. It is also a rather lovely plant to look at. It has the drooping head that seems to have a tropical look to it.
Feed wise, the birds generally go for it with enthusiasm.
It is one of my three favourite seeding grasses to feed: white millet, panic veldt grass and perrenial veldt grass ( wrongly labelled "Algerian oats" below ).

Tom

[finchbreeder]

Algerian oats, didnt know the name of that one. But that is the main grass i feed in winter, is an absolute weed here. And the birds = favourite with guinea grass.
LML

[TomDeGraaff]

We all live and learn. It seems my "Algerian oats" may be something else.
In "A Field Guide to the Weeds of Australia" by Lamp & Collet, the species (No.100, p 150) is called perrenial Veldt grass Ehrharta calycina as opposed to panic Veldt grass Ehrharta erecta on the next page.
Algerian or red oats seem to be quite different.
Sorry to mislead everyone As I say, you live and learn.
I'm going to correct my post so that people don't go straight there with a search and get the wrong idea