Matt Heng's Page

"I prefer direct sowing. Keeping seedlings alive, thriving and growing well in tiny pots is a challenge. Then they suffer from the trauma of planting out. I've been buying some seedlings from professionals lately though. Lack of time."

"I like direct sowing better when the garden bed or big pot is ready... I bought a lot of seedling trays and punnets few years ago, but I tend to just sow all my seeds into one big pot, and pick them out when the bed is available nowadays if I have…"

"Thanks Andrew - Thanks Rob"

"The official line is to plant from November to February, I believe. I thought that was because they are sensitive to day length and so won't flower until the days are getting shorter, but they also like warmth."

"I've never grown it before at all.  Sounds like a November start Cheryl. "

"Hi Matt, I lived in Singapore for a couple of years and loved it.  When I first got there could not believe how easy it was to grow plants, especially orchids but found I became quite a lazy gardener having someone to do all the work for me.…"

"Andrew / Rob, I have seeds and am not sure when to plant - any advice welcome"

"I'm also reading Leonie Norrington's Tropical Food Gardens. It's most entertaining as well as informative, and I would also highly recommend it. It's nice to be able to dismiss advice by thinking "it's not…"

"I use an ornamental grass for cut and drop mulch the same as the lemongrass recommended by Elaine and Rob. It's not as tough to cut down as lemongrass nor as tall. Might be an alternative for you. You have guys to do the gardening! lol. …"

"You're just going to have to start your own compost pile, gather some sand and other goodies and make your own cheap potting mix."

"it's a whole new world here in Singapore Lissa.. They have the usual potting mixes you find at bunnings, but Singapore nursery's also sell bagged burnt (clay?) soil which is what is used predominantly here... Potting mixes…"