Hi Everyone :)

I'm a (very excited!) soon-to-be owner of a Hermanns hatchling, and I'm in the process of getting everything set up before her arrival in July, but was wondering if I could get some advice on diet.

I have access to tortoise-friendly weeds and have started growing some too, and I also have some flowers that I've seen recommended over a few reputable tortoise advice sites. My question is, what is the general opinion on sun-drying flowers and leaves? I have some petunia, fuscia, nemesia, strawberry and also some roses growing but I can't be sure how long they will last, or if they might die before Matilda arrives. If this is the case, if I dried them whilst they're still blooming would they retain their goodness and still be good to add to her meals if there are no fresh flowers still growing when she's here? Would there be any risk of them being too dry and causing constipation?

Also, are there any supermarket-available staples that I should consider buying during the months where weeds aren't so readily available (I'm thinking if my home-grown seeds don't do very well during the winter!)? From what I've gathered, a lot of our veg can affect torts vitamin/mineral uptake so is best avoided?

And a final question - what soil/compost is most appropriate for home-growing? I have just used organic topsoil so far to be on the safe side, as I was concerned about chemicals in the mix. Not sure whether my plants will do so well on this poor soil, or if there are known "safe" types of compost you'd recommend?

Sorry for the inquisition! Just don't want to do anything wrong for her :)

Thanks,

Leanne

Hello Leanne,
A good idea, to supplement the winter diet.
You can get a mini propagater for only a pound or two, to place near a sunny window in winter. Go to tlady.clara.net for an extensive list of plants.
Any compost is ok - they eat the plants not the former.
Regards
Tom

Thanks Tom! I'll check that site out now and will be investing in a propagator for when the weather takes a turn for the worse!