|
|
|
|
 Lettuce seedlings
Growing plants from seeds is an exciting process. Not only do you experience the wonder of watching the seed germinating ,but you have the on going care and nurturing of the babies until large enough to plant out. Over the past six months I have been raising my own vegetable seedlings and it has given me so much pleasure to plant out my home grown seedlings. Now I am eating the results of my labours and that is the best reward of all. The only downside was the number of seedlings that I ended up with. Not one to waste plants I have ended up with a very large and prolific vegetable garden.
Raising plants from seed without overhead cover is relatively easy through the warmer months of the year . As long as watering is carried out diligently and the pots of seeds are kept out of the wind good results can be expected .Investing in a plastic covered structure is a must if one is planning to sow seeds all year around. Not only is it warmer under cover to germinate the seeds but the water supply is controlled. This is the most critical aspect of raising plants from seeds. More seedlings die from over watering than under watering. A shade house is another wonderful aid to raising plants. Once pricked out the plants are placed into this structure which allows in rain but shades from harsh sun and wind .Large trees can give the same kind of cover but watering will need to be watched as wide spread limbs can deflect the rain.
Tree seeds and natives are best raised by sowing seeds in trays or pots and placing these under the shade of trees. This replicates their natural environment but don’t forget to check on their watering needs.
Sowing steps
Use a good quality potting mix. Soil from the garden will compact and go hard in a pot.
Clean containers thoroughly, they can be used many times over.
Fill the container almost to the top and water well. The watering should settle the mix level. If not then level with a scraper.
Sow the seed singly if the seed is large. Otherwise fold a small piece of paper in half. Place the seed in the fold of the paper and gently tap the paper to disperse the seed onto the mix.
Sieve a small amount of the mix over the seed. Just barely cover. Very fine seed don’t cover at all.
Water with a gentle spray of water to settle the seed down.
Label and date the seeds.
Try not to place the pots of seeds on the ground. Raised areas allow for plenty of air movement, and keep predators at bay. ( not needed for natives or trees that take a long time to germinate )
Inspect the pots regularly. Every day for annuals. Try to water in the morning so that the leaves are dry before night fall. This will reduce fungal attack.
Prick out individual plants when they have grown a set of true leaves. If in doubt carefully remove the pot and look at the root systems of the seedlings. If they look strong enough the plants can be carefully teased apart. Carry out this job in the shade as the hot sun can easily burn the plants and kill them. Prick the young plants into a large tray with plenty of space between the plants to allow development. Water well and place the tray into a shaded place until the plants have settled and begun to grow .At this stage bring out into a sunny area where the plants will harden up. Check for dryness daily. Annuals will be planted into the garden from this stage but specimens of shrubs, trees and perennials will be potted into individual pots and grown on for at least another six months, more typically a year ,before the plants are large enough to be planted into the garden.
|
|
|