Any gardeners?

[Ruchonnet]

I want to start growing some plants but have never grown anything in my entire life. What would be easy as a starter that my sulcata could eat? I live in California so it's very sunny right now but I'm not sure what will live through the winter. Any help?

 

[Edna]

Are you wanting to grow food plants from seed, or start with larger plants such as perennials or even shrubs? Will you be growing plants in pots, larger containers, or in the ground? How much space do you have? I ask because there are many choices, and these questions help narrow your options down.

 

[jaizei]

You can buy a grazing mix of different grasses. (Examples: one , two )

Most of the salad greens are pretty easy. Collards, mustard greens, radish greens.

Are you planning an actual garden or to grow in containers? I think square foot gardening works well for 'tortoise gardens'. You can get a decent variety within a small area.

 

[Jacqui]

Yes, giving us a few more details will help a huge amount!

 

[Ruchonnet]

I live on two acres so space isn't a problem. However there are almond orchards around me and I was wondering if the pesticides could seep into our backyard. I could also build one higher than the ground or use containers. I just wan to do whatever is easiest at first and see if I can keep those alive. I have no preference on whether I'll get seeds or plants, which ever you think is easiest again!

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Oh and don't worry my tortoise isn't eating any grasses at my house, he's at my moms which doesn't have an orchard but I want to grow everything at my dads because of room!

 

[Edna]

Quick and easy: He'll love sprouted grass, chia, clover, lots of choices in this category. You can go with a bird seed mix, or buy seed mixes from Carolina Pet supply or Tortoise Supply. The plants sprout really quickly. Downside is that once he eats off the tops the plants are done.

 

[Ruchonnet]

Okay I'll go look! And done as in forever, or just for the season?

 

[acrantophis]

Okay I'll go look! And done as in forever, or just for the season?

Weeping magnolia do well in so.cal. Also grape leaves. I plant pumpkin seeds just out of reach and she eats the leaves that grow into her enclosure. St.augustine and Bermuda grass do great here too.

 

[Ruchonnet]

A actually live in the central valley of California. Do you think those will still do okay living here?

 

[Edna]

Okay I'll go look! And done as in forever, or just for the season?

Your tort will love grazing on the little seedlings or sprouts because they are fresh and tender. Seedlings thus grazed before they have developed a good root system or secondary leaves are not going to live through it. That's OK, but understand that you have to be replanting all the time.

 

[Ruchonnet]

Oh okay! I get it. I think I will be buying some seeds! Would I plant them in a pot or in the ground?

 

[Edna]

Oh okay! I get it. I think I will be buying some seeds! Would I plant them in a pot or in the ground?

For seedlings/sprouts you can use something shallow like a tray or plant saucer, with just enough dirt to hold some moisture. I would only plant in the ground if it is in your enclosure.

 

[Ruchonnet]

I don't think I could plant them in the enclosure. But I could put a saucer in the enclosure and plant them on there yes?

 

[lynnedit]

Any container for seedlings outside should drain well so the seedlings don't get waterlogged.
Seedling flats work well (rectangular plastic) with some drain holes poked in the bottom. You could have something like 10 filled with potting soil and plant them every 2 days. Just keep replacing and reseeding them when they are trashed.

Or you could block off a corner and scatter the seeds directly into the ground and open the area up when they have sprouted.

Or a combination of the above?

The seed mixes are perfect because they really are a complete meal.

For winter, you can create a raised bed (square foot gardening is a good idea) and plant more winter hardy greens like Arugula, Collards, Lettuces, Mustard, Swiss chard, Pansy, Calendula.....
(some may need protection from hard frosts)

 

[Ruchonnet]

I really like the square foot gardening idea so I might do that this winter as well as trying to scatter them about and let him graze once they develop! Thanks for all your help. I looked at both of the sites mentioned above and will most likely be purchasing some seeds from them!