Best Seed Recommendations?

[AMA904]

Hi everyone. I'm looking to get a Hermann's tortoise in a few months, but wanted to start growing out the enclosure now. What seed mixes would you recommend that would give the tortoise a good (safe) variety? Thanks!

 

[Tom]

This one is FANTASTIC!
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/tortoisesupply-com-testudo-seed-mix-thread.71890/

 

[AMA904]

Thanks Tom

 

[Tom]

You can also plant grape vines (for the leaves), lavatera, hibiscus, blue hibiscus, any of the squash plants are excellent for both the leaves and blooms to eat and great shade cover.

 

[StarSapphire22]

I've used mesclun lettuce blend seeds too, you can get a packet just about in any garden center right now.

 

[AMA904]

Just ordered the testudo mix and strawberry clover

 

[Tom]

Be aware that clover does not like full sun in summer heat. Plant it where it will get mostly afternoon shade.

I don't know where you are, but clover dies here in summer. Does great all winter long though.

The non-dormant alfalfa does great in the summer sun here:
http://www.groworganic.com/non-dormant-alfalfa-rhizocoated-lb.html

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Tom but it come back every year or at least mine does ( clover )


Sent from my iPhone using TortForum

 

[AMA904]

I'm in Florida so heat is a problem, but I will have a shaded part in the enclosure

 

[Tom]

Tom but it come back every year or at least mine does ( clover )

Yes. Mine too.

 

[AMA904]

Is there any problem with buying a packet of wild flower seeds from Home Depot or Lowes and planting them in the enclosure?

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Is there any problem with buying a packet of wild flower seeds from Home Depot or Lowes and planting them in the enclosure?

Nope, none at all. You can also use Joe for your tortoise needs...


http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/catalog/index.php

 

[Tom]

Is there any problem with buying a packet of wild flower seeds from Home Depot or Lowes and planting them in the enclosure?

Yes. It could be. Most of the "Wild Flower" seed packets that I have seen include some that are toxic. It will depend on which seeds are in the one you buy.

 

[AMA904]

Yes. It could be. Most of the "Wild Flower" seed packets that I have seen include some that are toxic. It will depend on which seeds are in the one you buy.

What flowers should I stay away from then?

 

[Tom]

There are websites that list all sorts of them. A little Internet searching should turn up lots of "Do not feed" lists for you.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Yes. It could be. Most of the "Wild Flower" seed packets that I have seen include some that are toxic. It will depend on which seeds are in the one you buy.

Hmm Tom, I didn't know that. And I pretty much thought a tortoise would instinctively know after one bite it was bad for him. I thought toxic tasted bad.

 

[AMA904]

I picked up a package of carnation seeds and viola seeds

 

[StuMac]

Is Hibiscus available to buy in the UK? I've seen it mentioned on here a lot, and also on the tortoise table site with all the suitable flowers. I want to be able to plant some things in my tort garden for shade and fresh food. Just not sure which would be best, as the site has lots of Latin names very rarely written on the seed packets here.