Growers Requirements

Commitment
This is a job that requires consistent commitment from you for 6 months over the growing period plus the time needed to get the plants into the ground.

Time
Allow plenty of time. It takes about 1 hour to fill 1 box of tubes. The growing season starts in late November, a busy time for many people. You need to start on time for the best results. Once tubes are filled and the seed sown, they need to be watered daily until autumn. You need to keep an eye out for problems with germination or pests and allow time for weed control, transplanting and thinning.

Water
You need an adequate supply of reasonable quality water. Some bore water and saline water may not be suitable. If you can grow vegetable seedlings it should be suitable.

Temporary shade and then full sun
You need shade to allow the seed to germinate, and then full sun to allow the seedlings to grow strong and robust. The ideal situation is to set up your bench in full sun and put 50% density shade cloth over it until germination is complete.

Space and a raised bench
Six boxes take up 1 square metre. You will need a bench of comfortable working height to keep seedlings away from slugs, soil borne diseases and pets. A few bricks on the ground are not good enough.

To manage your health
Full boxes of soil weigh about 12kg when dry and more when wet. Most people can lift them but if you have back problems or difficulty lifting, you will need reliable help. Masks are supplied for use when working with soil.

Transport
We run distribution depots at locations across SA. You will need transport to collect your materials.