Paulownia update May 24

The wet weather during the period June 23 to June 24 has definitely hampered the growth, both the damp rotting roots and stems and facilitating and increase of the slug population. Paulownia are highly palatable and the slugs, shield bugs and caterpillars enjoy dining out on them.
Because of these factors, I'm changing my strategy and will be growing the plugs into larger trees before planting.
Buy trees from me craigmitchell.me/trees/tree-v... and help support this channel 🙏🏻
Thanks a mil for taking the time ⏱️
Good luck 🍀

[@rofl970]

Do you use artificial lighting once they germinated?

[@Craig-MItchell]

No, if anything I find the artificial light has a detrimental effect on seedlings, both Paulownia and Eucalyptus.
🍀

[@rofl970]

@@Craig-MItchell so you germinate them without light ?

[@Craig-MItchell]

During the winter I germinate in the grow room ua-cam.com/video/lsptYjbwxoo/v-deo.html for the most part, Paulownia are OK with the artificial light, though the Eucalyptus don't enjoy it.
As soon as the days lengthen and the temperatures are warm enough I move everything into the poly tunnels with natural light.
The Paulownia I've recently sown went straight into the top shelf of the polycarbonate poly tunnel. At this time of year, day time temperatures on a sunny day with the doors open are around 25 - 30℃ on overcast days with the doors closed, 20 - 25℃

[@rofl970]

@@Craig-MItchell okay very interesting. Have you ever tried germinating Paulownia seeds with sunlight only?

[@Craig-MItchell]

That is what I'm doing now with those in the Poly Carbonate Poly Tunnel Rofl. I'll update one way or another in a few weeks, subscribe if you aren't already to be notified.
Are you in Ireland ?