Muddy Boots how-to: Getting the best results from your seeds

Muddy Boots

Following on from last week’s Moon Calendar episode, today we hear more about propagating from seed.

Keith suggests finding out your ‘cool zone’ and ‘heat zone’ to assist with understanding when to plant your seeds.

Seeds can be purchased online via Diggers Club, Seeds of Plenty, Seed Freaks, The Seed Collection,

Before beginning, check the moon calendar to guide when to sow the seeds for best results.

Seeds can be sown either directly or into punnets (check the packet for recommendations). When sowing into punnets use a seed raising mix and consider sowing into paper pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting. When sowing directly, the soil should be an open, friable soil with plenty of compost. Hard seeds such as peas, beans, broad beans etc can be soaked for 6-8 hours to speed up germination.

Sow seeds at a depth of twice their width. How far apart to sow your seeds will depend on the seed variety - again check the packet and think about the size of the vegetable you’re growing. To sow in optimum warmth, consider a greenhouse or replicate this effect in a sunny spot inside, next to your hot water service or a mini greenhouse. Ensure watering with a soft spray to avoid disturbing seed/seedling (approx 5 minutes every second day). Once germinated and seedlings have 2-4 true leaves, a tonic such as Seasol can be applied. Once the seedling has 4-6 leaves, take them outside to ‘harden off’ before planting into the garden. Again, transplanting is best done during the high growth period, according to the moon calendar. Protect your young seedlings from pests, potentially covering them with netting. Spray weekly with ECO Neem and Eco Oil.

Good luck and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your vegetables from seed!

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