My patience broke this week. I couldn’t wait until March to start my seed sowing – the packets were just too tempting. So I have made a start planting bedding seeds indoors. I’ve also been making myself a makeshift propagator in my tunnel this week to give my seeds a good start. It’s important to keep them at a constant temperature; the packet usually gives the relevant information. If you haven’t got a heated propagator, then a windowsill in a heated room should do the trick.
STORING SEED
Store seeds in a sealable plastic box or bag. Keeping them dry is the important thing. Its best to store them in their sealed container in the fridge where the seed will be kept at a steady, low temperature. Mind you I just keep them in my workroom – It’s nearly as cold as the fridge in there.
FILLING TRAYS.
1 Generously fill the tray with fine seed compost. You can buy this at the co-op and it will give your seedlings the best start.
STORING SEED
Store seeds in a sealable plastic box or bag. Keeping them dry is the important thing. Its best to store them in their sealed container in the fridge where the seed will be kept at a steady, low temperature. Mind you I just keep them in my workroom – It’s nearly as cold as the fridge in there.
FILLING TRAYS.
1 Generously fill the tray with fine seed compost. You can buy this at the co-op and it will give your seedlings the best start.
2 Spread the compost evenly in the tray. Firm it with your fingers to get rid of air pockets. The seeds need the contact with the compost. Pay particular attention to the corners.
3 Slide the side of a board or a piece of wood across the tray to remove excess compost, so that the surface is level with the top of the tray.
4 Using a board that is the same size as the inside of the tray, gently tamp down the compost to create a firm surface for sowing.
SOWING THE SEED
1 Water the compost, being careful not to disturb its flat surface, and leave it to drain. The soil should be moist but not soaking.
2 Carefully scatter the seeds on the compost surface so that they are evenly spaced and will not be overcrowded when they germinate
3 If the seeds need darkness to germinate (check packet), cover them with a fine layer of sieved compost – twice their own depth.
4 Cover the pot with a sheet of clear glass or Clingfilm to maintain humidity and put it in a well-lit place to stop the seedlings becoming leggy.
SOWING TIPS
Small seed can be mixed with dry silver sand to make handling the seeds easier.
Larger seed such as sunflowers can simply be pushed into the compost. A light covering of compost will suit most plants, but some types require light to germinate and should be covered with vermiculite instead.
Horticultural.
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