DESPERATE

Hello everybody. Have just landed a job as a groundsman and dont really know anything about it(but willing to learn)Any advice on planting ,potting up ,what greenhouses are for all gratefully received !

 

well you d better go to library and find a few books on the subject.............!
greenhouses are used to improve growth of plants, obviously.
seeds are sown in seed compost in trays .you fill trays to 1/2" from top, level the compost with a wooden float, lightly compressing compost, sow seeds thinly, [large seeds can be put in by hand 1/4" apart] then use a fine seive to lightly cover the seed tray compost, then water with water at room temperature using a fine rose watering can [a rose is the sprinkler],
When large types of seedlings are big enuf to transplant they are potted up into 3" pots filled with potting compost. if the roots are 2 1/2 long, put compost in pot to within 3" of top, then place seedling in centre and top up with compost, stomp pot on potting table and put finger round thesurface to even it out and leave a gap for watering of 1/2"
water as be4
i m sure you will find all the individual tasks very easy by the way, but there are a lot of different things to do, always keep your work safe and tidy,. enjoy

 

Best of luck Beefy.

I agree with The Lady Gardener - reading up is a good way to learn. Also reading all the threads on forums such as this and others.

One suggestion, try and find out exactly what your duties are and what is expected from you. You can google "groundsman duties" if you do not already have a list. There will be several distinct duties, many of which do not require specialist horticultural knowledge, such as maintenance of machinery, maintenance of buildings etc. Try and seperate out the specific horticultural aspects, then read, google and post questions about these areas.

The two descriptions I saw on google did not seem to expect much knowledge, just the ability to learn and work at times without supervision. Do not be afraid to come back with questions, but probably a general gardening book would a good start - with the principles.

 

whenever you have a specific problem, just ask then!! you'll always get useful advice on each problem - but how on earth did you land the job????

 

Thanks for the replies. Im not 100% stupid although u woudnt know it to look at me. My background is in agriculture but for last 10 years have been a long distance lorry driver. At home on the farm if it wasnt grass it was a weed now it seems grass is a weed -result learning to crawl -then walk lol. In answer how did i get the job -blagged it told them i was willing to learn, but it was more about spending more time with my family but i do enjoy being outside. Good luck to those who work in offices you have my respect but it would drive me insane. :D

 

good luck beefy hope you enjoy your new venture.

 

Cheers mate ill need it. It is in a school its about 28 acres allthough there are 4 playing fields that are nothing to do with me.Main duties are keeping the grounds tidy cutting grass ,hedges and some flower beds . Have a heated green house which reading between the lines is to produce small plants for inside the school for planters and window boxes and im told its a real sauna in summer. These are taken care of by the parents committe.This is really the area i have no idea and need all tips ideas ect.I know some people would give eye teeth for this job and i dont want to make anyone to jelous but now that ive got it i want to do it right

 

Hi Beefy,

Blagging it is as good a way to go as any :D and yep it's great to be working outside, even in winter. Thing is you were honest at the interview so, as long as you are prepared to work hard, ask questions and learn then you should do well. The biggest secret I've found is that plants don't read books and do a fair job of growing themselves untill we can find out more about them and give 'em a bit of a prod now and again.

One thing I would recommend, identify plants and make labels, including Latin names, as it will help you remember and give you a professional approach to the job and it goes down sooo well when discussing their care with property owners or managers (and parents!).

The other big tip I can give is "Google is your friend" There is so much info available on the web now you can find horticultural details of virtually any plant you care to name. If you do "plant name cultivation" (or propagation) you usually get a good mix of hits without too many garbage sites.

[ 15. February 2006, 09:11 PM: Message edited by: frogesque ]

 

Thanks frogesque i know your part of the world quite well.Delivered goods intoDunfermline,LOchgelly,Kirklady,Glenrohtes Kinross and have collected potatoes from Leslie and all along the A92 from Dundee to Ardbroath. Stunning countryside even when yor eyes are hanging out of your head at 6am after driving 12-14 hours
:rolleyes:

 

:D Kettle Produce is just up the road from me!

I've lived and worked NI for a bit too; Lurgan, Co. Armagh - apple county

 

Hi Beefy, Congrats on your job, I am sure you will enjoy it tremendously and learn an awful lot. I have been in my new, first job as a'gardener'for just over a month now, and 'I'm lovin' it'! Have mainly been tidying up leaves and stuff as the previous gardener left last Oct. But so looking forward to getting things started in the greenhouse, and pottering about on various projects. Just today was a beautiful sunny day, blue skies, and all the birds were singing, it was great! I couldn't be stuck in an office all day either!
See you on here again...it's a brilliant place to get all the answers!

 

Congratulations on the job - sounds like it could be a lotta fun. As you have flower beds to tend as well as lawn and other maintenance - that could be where you and the greenhouse make your impression. As well as Google, you could find Roy Lancaster's Perfect Plant Perfect Place - a useful reference for colour through the season, and for your conditions.

Good luck - and we're always here for any queries.

 

Hi Beefy!
Congratulations on your change of career.

After spending our working lives ââ?¬Å?growingââ?¬Â other peoples children and our spare time gardening and growing our own kids there seems to be little difference between growing plants or kids.

Love them, feed them, try to keep them away from pests and diseases and don�t interfere too much with their growth.
And don�t let the occasional set back put you off them.

Enjoy that new job!

 

Hello Beefy,
Speak to the Institute of Goundsmanship for advice on a career plan in the turf industry.
Alternatively try BIGGA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. Both can be found on the internet.

Paul, Ex- head greenkeeper

 

Thanks for all the advice folks think i will declare panic over will see u all in other discussions THANKS :D :D :D