Seed Compost: Rich or Poor? War of The Roses on Valentine's Day & Disrupting the System

Описание: Hello, it's Wednesday 18 February 2026.


Happy Shrove Tuesday for yesterday!


Today I'm talking about a Floret video I saw on instagram about using a rich potting mixture for sowing seedlings rather than just a plain seed compost: it's really interesting and Erin shares the recipe if you want to take a look. I've always used a nutrient-poor compost for germinating seeds and had excellent results but I'm fascinated by what Erin is suggesting so I'm going to try it, see what happens and report back to you.


Valentine's Day in Spain was a very laid-back affair but it seems that back home in the UK a battle has been raging on instagram about whether we should be using imported roses or choosing an alternative, like red tulips. I'd certainly love to see more tulips offered for Valentine's Day and many growers have made truly stunning bouquets this year. I'm also discussing a newspaper article about the chemicals found on imports and I've put a link to the article below.


Finally I wonder about whether growers are disrupting the floral system (in a good way): if we're selling directly to the public and bypassing florists, are florists going to continue buying imports because there aren't enough British stems available to them? I'd love to know what you think.


Please do come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome and my Plant Profile Series will feature in Friday's podcast.


The Guardian article about chemicals on imported flowers:


https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandst...


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Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. 


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