Follow these easy steps for healthy seedlings:
1. Begin with fresh seeds as old ones won’t germinate as well. If you store seeds yourself – date them. Or if you
purchase them make sure the packet is date stamped.
2. Ensure your seed trays are clean and watch out for the corners which harbour bacteria. Clean using water
and a scrubbing brush, followed by drying in the sun.
3. Gather your tools: trays or pots, labels, a waterproof pen, spoons and seed raising mix.
4. Prepare your seed tray: fill with seed mix then place in a tub of water until it is wet from top to bottom. Next,
remove the tray and let the water drain, smooth the top and firm down with your hand. Put in your labels.
5. Sow your seed at a depth of twice its width, so that a two seed high pile will be level with the top of the soil.
6. Raise your seeds in a sunny, warm, protected area away from birds, slugs and family pets.
7. The perfect moisture level is described by Kath as ‘barely moist’ - not too wet and not too dry. To achieve this dip
your tray of seedlings in a container of water (bath, sink or plastic tray). This is called ‘bottom watering’ and prevents
dampening off, drying out, fungus and mould (as the foliage is kept dry). Fill the container up to around a third
of the seedling tray. Soak it until the top is moist, then take it out. When the top of the tray has dried out – it’s time
to water again.
8. Prick your seedlings. This means when a seedling has grown four leaves it needs to move to a new home. Here’s what to do:
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Kath Irvine is a permaculture designer and has been designing and managing edible gardens since the late 1990’s. Passionate about growing food and good design, Kath runs workshops from her Edible Backyard. Go to www.ediblebackyard.co.nz for more info.