Tag: plant trials
Dahlia trial results
In spring we sent out packets of seed to citizen scientists around the country, to explore the potential of ‘Mignon Series’ dahlias as insect friendly bedding plants and find out if bumblebees had a colour preference. Participants were asked to … Continue reading
Hannah’s blog – using the Blooms for Bees app
One of my jobs this summer is to carry out timed observations of our bee-friendly bedding plant trials using the Blooms for Bees app. Initial bumblebee activity on the three colours of Dahlia ‘Mignon’ has not yet been as buzzy … Continue reading
Making liquid feeds
This summer, we are working with Hozelock to explore whether foliar feeding container grown plants can increase flowering, and the provision of nectar and pollen for bees. For this trial, we are feeding containerised nasturtiums with comfrey and seaweed feeds. … Continue reading
Using foliar feeds
Containers are a popular and versatile way to grow flowers in gardens, but as the nutrients in growing media start to run out after around six weeks, additional feeding is required to produce healthy plants with abundant flowers. There are several … Continue reading
Nasturtium Trial 2016
Over the summer of 2016, with the help of our student intern Giri, we conducted a trial to find out whether cultivated varieties of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) differ in their attractiveness to bumblebees. We compared seven different varieties of nasturtium … Continue reading