Gardening: 6 tips for successful planting
Seeds contain their own nutrients, so they do not need enriched soil to germinate. However, the growing soil must be a light soil, ideal for planting and transplanting.
Be careful, garden soil is not suitable for seedlings as it often contains weeds, parasites and too many nutrients (which would burn the very fine roots of the seedlings).
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Your substrate must be permeable and loose. A mixture of potting soil and sand is ideal, or a mixture of finely ground leaves (40%) with seedling soil (40%). Add some horse manure (20%) put in the compost for a few weeks and water regularly. When it crumbles, it’s done! Also add a few pinches of seaweed powder to stimulate germination.
- Choose the exact depth
Incorrect planting depth is the main cause of planting failure. Be careful not to sow too deep: usually 1 to 2 times the thickness of the seed, no more. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting soil and tamp them down.
Many seeds like to be covered the equivalent of their size deep in the soil, but some seeds need light to germinate (hence they are placed in the soil).
Seeds contain food reserves that are used for energy and growth until the plant can produce its own food through photosynthesis. If planted too deep, the developing plant may exhaust its food supply before reaching the surface. Lack of oxygen can also affect the developing plant.
- Respect the spacing
Observe spacing between the lines depending on the species and plant clearly.
- bring light
Air and light are essential for the good start of young plants. If your seedlings stretch and soften, it is a sign of lack of light. Place your plants near the window, ideally not far from a heater to facilitate emergence. Since seedlings tend to lean toward the light source, rotate the seed tray a quarter turn every three to four days so that they are exposed to the sun on all sides and grow straighter.
- enough water
Water daily with a fine apple sprinkler to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Irrigation can be done by soaking the seedling terrine 2/3 in water, for about ten minutes. Pots with holes in the bottom are placed on trays filled with water and the water rises by capillarity to the seedlings. Don’t forget to drain excess water.
- and a little heat
The optimal temperature for germination varies among plant species. If seeds are planted too early, cold, wet conditions can cause poor germination and fungal diseases that will lead to weak forage. If planted too late in the season, high temperatures, lack of moisture, and competition from weeds and other plants can reduce seedling success. Keep in mind that soil temperatures are generally lower than air temperatures.
Did you know?
A seed must absorb approximately its own body weight in water to begin to germinate.
Not all plants allow transplanting. Thus, tubers (carrots, turnips, beets, radishes, etc.) are not transplanted, or they do so with difficulty.
To avoid sowing too thickly, you can mix your small seeds with fine sand or ashes.
To strengthen your young plants before planting them in the ground, dilute the compost (special for seedlings or nettles, for example) with the irrigation water. Spray your small seedlings every 10 days.
Why sow instead of plant?
Sowing allows you to discover a wide variety of seeds (the choice is much wider).
If you are a little patient, a packet of seeds provides a large number of seedlings for the price of a single already germinated plant.
By sowing you will be able to densify your crops: only the most beautiful plants are transplanted and the cells that have not germinated are discarded.
After sowing, eliminate low-vigor plants from these seeds: this is called thinning. Leave more room for the remaining plants!
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You should always sow more seeds than you will end up with plants.
It is necessary to prepare the soil, distribute the seeds, water regularly, make sure that the seedlings are not exposed to drafts or cold.