Sowing your seeds under protection
Now that the soil has been prepared and the garden seeds have been sown straight into your, prepared soil, we can now begin to sow the seeds that require a little protection from the harsh elements.
This basic practise can be followed as guidance only, whether for your own garden, your children's growing experiments or even your second home here in Devon or Cornwall.
Get this stage correct and we'll help save you pounds by growing your own in time for the warmer seasons ahead of us.
Touch wood, this year we'll see a little sunshine, unlike the previous three years on the run!! If you have seeds that need to germinate in the dark then just place sheets of newspaper on top, Seeds that need extra warmth as well as darkness to germinate can be placed in your airing cupboard if you have room.
If you have money to spend you could purchase a heated propagator for inside your home or greenhouse. The use of a propagator to control the growing environment will be of value in raising plants from seed, and by its use the range of seed grown can be extended.
Tender plants, in particular half hardy annuals used for Summer garden display, will require some protection.
This can take the form of a windowsill, greenhouse, garden frame, conservatory or propagator. The more protection the greater the success of growing and the greater range of plants it is possible to grow.
Seed Sowing
Plant requirements should be shown on the rear of every seed packet and should be followed as closely as possible. Large seeds such as sweet peas and runner beans should be sown individually into single pots. Always remember to label all sowings, it makes life easy! Usually the seeds will be sown into seed tray's, or for smaller amount of seeds into smaller pots. Both must contain a good quality pre-moistened seed sowing compost.
Once the seed is sown, in accordance with the label on the packet, small seed is normally just lightly firmed into the surface of the compost or lightly covered with seed sowing compost and then lightly firm down the compost using a presser board, a tamper or you could use your hand, or sifting compost over to top.
Watering
Try Watering the seedlings with a long spouted water can, this will aid the flow of water giving you much more control that will inevitably prevent damage and by using a longer spout with a fine rose will ensure an even distribution of the water. Should the watering can pose as a problem you could spray the seedling with water regularly, but don't allow the compost to become water-logged. Image courtesy of Kenna Bridge
Growing on
Dependant on the seedlings that you've sown, at some stage you will need to separate them into larger pots or trays , ensuring the correct amount of growing space is required.
Only handle by the leaves and never them stems. At this stage the seedlings must remain under protection until the Spring frosts have gone.
Only then can the seedlings be planted in the final growing position out side in your garden. Abide by these simple guidance tips and you'll be reaping the rewards of your labour, for any advise regarding any aspects of gardens and landscaping please feel at ease to contact me for details on how we can assist you.
Correspondence may be by telephone or email.
Call me on 01626 332533
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