It is easy for the home gardener to germinate seeds in trays, or containers. You can control the growing conditions and create a micro-climate, that gives the young plants the best protection. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can then be transplanted, into a prepared bed, or into pots, with potting soil. The trays can be used again, for other seeds, as long as they are washed well in between plantings.

Soilmix, sterilized with boiling water, should be used. Allow the washed soil to cool till luke-warm, before planting in the seedling trays, or even in beds. This sterilization process will benefit the seeds, by killing weed seeds and warms the soil slightly to encourage initial growth.

Seeds should be fresh, for best results. If the seeds are sown too thickly, or too thinly, you will have poor results. The best method, is to pour the seeds from the packet, into the palm of the hand and then sprinkle the seeds between the thumb and index finger, giving an even distribution. If the seeds are fine enough, they can be distributed with a salt shaker, or placed in a container with 1, or 2 handfuls of soil. Mix the seeds in with the soil and then sprinkle this mix. This will allow for more even distribution of the seeds. Yet another method is to place the seeds in the crease of a sheet of newspaper, creating a funnel-like applicator. The seeds can then be pushed off the paper with a knife or spoon, to control the distribution.

Seeds should be sown at a depth equal to their diameter. Thus if a seed is 10mm across, it should be planted 10 mm deep. Fine seeds should be covered by sprinkling sifted soil, or compost over them and then watered with a fine spray. Clumps of soil will restrict the upward growth of the new plants. Make sure that it is the correct, recommended time to sow your seeds. Make sure that the seeds are well incorporated in the surrounding soil, so as to absorb moisture from the soil, in order to germinate. There should be no air pockets around the seed, which could hinder the early root development.

When planting vegetable seeds, only plant about 10, or 20 at a time, depending on the size of your family and the amount of produce that can be eaten. Rather stagger the planting times, so that each successive planting, will be ready for harvesting, as the previous crop comes to an end. The soil should be kept slightly moist at all times, until the seeds have germinated.

When planting larger seeds, such as peas, or spinach, which have a hard outer shell, these will benefit, from being soaked in a solution of liquid seaweed overnight, to soften them. Place the seed trays in a shady area, if the sun is too hot, as this will reduce the amount of moisture lost, from the soil, but if too cold, the seeds will not germinate. A tip here, is to cover the seed trays , or pots once the seeds have been sown, with a plastic film, such as ClingWrap, to conserve moisture and create humidity, until the seedlings emerge. Once the plants have taken, remember to remove the film.

Once the seeds have germinated, fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks, with Kelpak, or Multifeed, or something similar. Make a liquid mix and apply with a spray bottle. Direct sunlight will cause the tiny plants to frizzle up, as they push through the soil. Once the plants are big enough to handle, they should be thinned out. Replant those that have reached a two leaf stage and leave those that have not. The smaller, weaker seedlings that are left behind, should be watered again, to settle the surrounding soil. This is one of the more delicate aspects, of rearing seedlings. When transplanting the small plants, into other trays, or containers, they are easily damaged, so be very gentle. When handling these small plants, always hold them by the leaf and not the stem, as this is easily bruised. Remember to label the seed trays, with the contents and date sown, for further reference.

One way to make up your own soil mix and an ideal germinating mix for vegetable seeds, is to use a 10 Litre bucket as a measure. Take 2 parts of garden soil, to 1 part of peat, or sifted compost and 1 part coarse sand. Each part would be the equivalent of  two and a half Litres, or about 2.5 Kilograms. Mix well in the bucket, or in a wheelbarrow and add to this mix, 1 handful (about 60 grams) of 2:3:2 fertilizer and another 60 grams of Super Phosphate. Mix these ingredients well. You will end up with a rich, fertile soil mix of about 10 Kilograms. An easy measure is to use a 2.5 Kg sugar bag, or a container that holds 2.5 Litres.

If the normal garden soil is very dense and “heavy”, then rather use a mix, comprising of 2 parts coarse sand, 3 parts peatmoss, or compost, to 2 parts VermiculitePlus.  Then add the fertilizers as above.

VermiculitePlus and the fertilizers are normally sold in bags of varying sizes and are available at most nurseries and garden shops. Most seedling trays, sold commercially, contain a layer of grey Vermiculite already. This acts as a mulch and helps to maintain moisture in the soil, while also allowing sufficient light through, to reach the seeds.

There is no technical reason, why any gardener can’t produce their own germinated plants, from seed, in trays. This is cheaper and more rewarding, than simply buying more mature plants.

How does lazy gardening appeal to you. Find out how to have a lovely garden without any digging. Get the book Easy Gardening. It is one of the best sellers and a worthy guide to all serious gardeners. See more here. http://dersalsites.com/eg/

Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.

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