2006 – Thomas Schwink, Seed Specialist

Thomas Schwink, a dedicated plant grower from Des Moines, Iowa, explained both the whys and hows of seed propagation to a full room at the November 2006 HSCSS meeting. Growing from seeds supports genetic diversity and the conservation of endangered species. It’s also personally rewarding, Schwink said. His advice for success with seeds: Treat them with fungicide before sowing, sterilize your soil mixture, cover plants to keep out insects, water from below with distilled water during initial growth and keep those light on. His results? “Talk about Flower Power,” Mike Hellmann said.

Pictures by Barbara Rengers