Growing plants and weeds indoor and in t.table

[Gaelle]

Sorry if this has already been treated.

I am getting ready still, and ordered some seeds that i'm going to start growing before I get my little darling.
Couple of very practical questions :

>What do you plant them in? trays, pots? What soil do you use, normal compost?
>How do you "manage" them? Do you place the trays directly in the table for the tortoise to help itself and swap the trays when they are half eaten...? Do you just cut a selection each day? If so, do you feed everything (stem, flower) or just the leaves?
Please tell me every detail, just like a was very very dumb!!

About ornemental plants. I've seen a lot of you guys grow them directly in the table. It's looks brilliant!
How hard is it to keep them alive in there?
I've seen some Hebes and Heathers on your pictures. Will the torts not eat those then?
Is it safe to place cacti in there as well? What about succulents, will they eat them?
How do you water them without ruining your table?

All tips most welcome!

x

[Krista]

Hi

I am no gardener and like you...trying out the growing your own.

What I have done is put the weeds (grown) in pots and put them in the my torts tables. I find that my torts walk all over everything, so by putting them in pots, the roots do not get disturbed and plants will live that bit longer.

I use soil from my garden (has not been treated with anything) mixed with top soil for the seeds.
I don't fuss with the weeds that are in the trays and just let them grow ;o)
I tend to pick (what I gather on my walks...weeds not fully grown yet) and feed mine when they are in their tables but outside it is at hand for them to munch if they want.

There is an excellent sticky on here on what to feed your torts, and it also has pictures ;o) for the non gardeners like me :o) I found this such a big help.

I have Hebe and Heather outside but I am sure that they would be good inside I don't see why not....they are a hardy plant..ooo says the expert hahahahaha

Ornamental grasses are great, mine just love them but these are outside! you could try then in a pot dug into the substrate....?

Cacti I am not sure about...sorry!

As I said I am no Gardener and have just relayed what has worked for me. I do hope this helps, and as I said the sticky on here is great.

I'm sure someone more experienced and/or knowledgeable will be along soon to answer your other questions.

Hope this helps ;o)

Jingle Bells

[Krista]

PS The pots I use have no holes at the bottom of them so no water leaks thus protecting the base of the table. You could line the bottom of your table with pond liner or a shower curtain.....

Jingle Bells

[purplepixie]

You can also seed up a seed tray to grow them. Then place the seed tray in the enclosure for them to graze naturally.