Plants, Plants and more Plants

Our Previous Approach to Growing Flowering Plants

This year it is plants, plants and more plants.

Historically, plant sales relied primarily on purchased plug plants to be grown on for sale. For much of the year polytunnel one was underutilised with space primarily being used to grow vegetable seedlings. See our earlier post on plant propagation.

Diversification of Skills and Expanding Plant Growing Activities

This year, the team has adopted a new strategy by increasing in-house propagation of plants and flowers. In an effort to diversify horticultural operations, we have expanded the involvement of supported individuals in a wider range of activities. Some of our people face physical limitations, which restricts the range of activities they can do, including working in the field. With these issues in mind we been trailing and intentionally broadening opportunities within flower/plant propagation to foster inclusivity and increase skills. The continuous process of flower propagation—including seed sowing, taking cuttings, and dividing plants—ensures ongoing horticultural engagement.

Earlier Start to our Flower Growing Year

In Autumn last year we started to sow hardy annuals and some perennials that needed stratification. At a time when our polytunnel was virtually empty in the autumn and winter, this year it was full of life. Bedding plant preparations started early with flower seeds being sown in heated propagators since February. We recognised that this transition would present both successes and challenges. Despite our increased propagation efforts, it is anticipated that purchasing some plug plants will still be necessary due to difficulties in sourcing some popular seeds and we will not roll out other propagation methods until after the plant sale in May. These additional propagation methods are hoped further reduce the need to buy plug plants.

Trial and Error

To optimise seedling growth, various compost mixes have been trialled, and very small seeds have been mixed with sand to facilitate more uniform sowing.

The outcomes of this seed propagation initiative have been positive, resulting in an unprecedented surplus of plants. Consequently, plant sales began earlier than usual this year, starting on 01/05/2026 to accommodate the excess inventory.

Our big plant sale day to raise funds for the trust