Favorite Seed mixes

[codyv34]

i have looked at some different seed mixes available online, and i was wondering which are some of you favorites, this would be Grown for my Russian tortoise, your input/ recommendations are appreciated

 

[Yvonne G]

I like the seeds sold by Carolinapetsupply.com. They're fresh and sprout within days of planting them. Also, they have a nice variety of individual seeds you can buy and mix your own. I have bought the Russian tortoise seed mixture from them before, but it has too much grass in it for my liking, so I usually buy individual types and mix them together.

 

[lynnedit]

I agree, Carolina Pet supply has a great selection of seeds, but I, too, am concerned about any added grass seed. Eventually, grass wins because Russians don't eat it. Especially in our plant friendly weather.
Even their new mix has some grass, tho less.
It is a great option to buy several different individual seeds from them, mix and sprout. Make sure you include Turnip greens.

Also, a member of this forum has started selling seeds:
(but not a Russian mix yet)
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-New-Tortoise-Seed-and-Seed-Mixes#axzz1ktJ2GIO7
Right now I have some individual seeds, waiting until March or April to seed outside up here. PLan to start trays sooner.
I am trying to decide if I want to order a Seed mix too, or just pick and choose.

 

[kimber_lee_314]

Make that 3 of us - carolinapetsupply has a great variety of seeds. They even have a special mix just for Russians. Turtlestuff has great seeds, but the customer service is terrible, so I can't really recommend them.

 

[Kristina]

I think Carolina's seeds are too expensive. I prefer to get the pasture mixes from here -

http://www.groworganic.com/seeds/pasture-seed.html

I like the wildlife food and cover mix and the herbal pasture mix.

 

[Len B]

I guess I'm old fashioned I still use bird seed, A parrot mix mostly, it has a great variety, broad leaf and grasses,They germinate quick and do OK in the window during winter. After about two weeks I feed the broad leaf plants, when they get at least 3 leaves and then wait for the grasses to grow a little more before feeding them off.

 

[jkingler]

Thanks for the link to groworganic. Definitely cheaper than the seed mixes from Arizona and Carolina, and that seed coat stuff sounds pretty spiffy.

And just curious, where do you get your birdseed from, what does it cost, which varieties of plant are contained, etc.? I always like to know what's what before I buy, when I can help it.

 

[codyv34]

I think Carolina's seeds are too expensive. I prefer to get the pasture mixes from here -

http://www.groworganic.com/seeds/pasture-seed.html

I like the wildlife food and cover mix and the herbal pasture mix.

do yo know what specific plants are in these mixes?

 

[Kristina]

They are listed on the website.

 

[dmarcus]

I think Carolina's seeds are too expensive. I prefer to get the pasture mixes from here -

http://www.groworganic.com/seeds/pasture-seed.html

I like the wildlife food and cover mix and the herbal pasture mix.

I agree with this, I bought 10 pounds of various seed mixtures and the cost + shipping was very cheap and everything started sprouting within days of planting it...

 

[jkingler]

Which mixes did you buy? And to the folks in the know, which mix do you think would work best in San Diego?

 

[dmarcus]

This is what I purchased from grow organic.
PV Alkali Pasture Mix
PV Livestock Pasture Mix
PV Forage Blend Dryland Raw

You can check the site for what's in each mixture.

This is what I had after putting the seeds down and covering it all with topsoil.

and this is after about two weeks of growth.

The last photo was taken about a week ago and it has filled in a bit more, and I will be adding some clover seeds that I just purchased.

I didn't know how any of the seeds would do in Texas but for the low price I was willing to take the chance and try...

 

[lynnedit]

Thanks for the link, Kristina.
This one looks promising for Med torts, not in stock for a month, though. So it does not list the components yet. I am going to check back later.
I have to avoid seed mixes with grass if possible, as it tends to take over in our climate if the torts don't eat it, as Russians tend not to.
http://www.groworganic.com/mediterranean-dryland-wildflower-mix-1-4-lb.html

 

[codyv34]

the best part of all this is that my mother loves gardening. in the spring and summer shes in the yard 24/7 so when i told her that my tortoise would eat a lot of the flowers she normaly grows she was excited because it gave here a reason to add to her collection, and shes going to grow some stuff for me in organic soil. thanks for the link much cheaper then other sites!

 

[Talka]

PV Alkali Pasture Mix
PV Livestock Pasture Mix
PV Forage Blend Dryland Raw

Are these safe for Russians?

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I would like to point out, though, that carolinapetsupply has free shipping on Russian seed mix right now, and the organic website has $10 minimum shipping, so it's about the same price at either store right now.

 

[jkingler]

That's a valid point! Thanks for the heads up.

I wonder...Is there a certain purchase price re: groworganic where if you get so much of their product, they comp the shipping?