Post by mrobey on Jan 26, 2010 18:15:58 GMT
OK here we go: I've been growing CP since 7th grade...now that I'm 48 I've learned a few things....maybe I'll write a book someday! I grow most of my CP here in Connecticut in an outdoor "bog": I use bog in quotes b/c it's more like a raised bed with a pond liner. Wire mesh underneath to discourage chipmunks. It's 14 feet X 3 feet wide, and I grow the CP in 1 gallon pots nestled together. I find that this combination works best as a rodent deterrent. I used to plant the CP directly in the media and all was OK until 5 years ago when chipmunks got into the bog in early Spring.... They dug un-noticed under the sphagnum, and ate 80% of the sarracenia and flytraps. (OK, I admit I cried, b/c most were grown from seed and were 10+ year old clumps). The sides are protected with old windows, and bird netting placed on top to keep out squirrels, birds, etc.. The water level is about 1/2 way up the pots and is maintained via the pond liner. Rain provides the moisture, but during a drought I've had to empty my rain barrel water into the bog to get the level up. This has been my preferred method for the past 5 years, and works like a charm. Scroll through the pics and enjoy! Matt in CT.
WINTER REST (Some seeds stratifying in nearby pots)
REMOVING MULCH+MESH
MAY 2009
JUNE 2009
JULY 2009
FLYTRAPS
WATER LEVEL IN BOG
WINTER REST (Some seeds stratifying in nearby pots)
REMOVING MULCH+MESH
MAY 2009
JUNE 2009
JULY 2009
FLYTRAPS
WATER LEVEL IN BOG
I'm wondering if adding windows to the top and making it into a makeshift cold-frame might give you a longer growing season. Still, very cool. Thanks for sharing those pictures.
