January 31, 2024 • 18 mins
Ever wondered why those carefully planted seeds never blossom into the garden of your dreams? Fear not, green thumbs and budding gardeners alike, as we unpack eight common seed sowing blunders—and how to sidestep them. Our latest episode is a treasure trove of tips, from nurturing the perfect soil temperature for your seeds to striking that elusive moisture balance. Say goodbye to the confusion of unlabeled plants and the heartbreak of contaminated pots; we're here to guide you through the intricacies of raising resilient seedlings.
Stroll down the garden path with us as we delve into the art of plant care post-germination. You'll learn to read the warning signs of overwatering, wage war against weeds, and fortify your fledgling greens against pests. Don't let leggy seedlings dampen your horticultural spirit—we've got the know-how to help you cultivate sturdy stems and balanced nutrition for your plant babies. Plus, join the conversation with our vibrant Seed Collection community, where shared knowledge blossoms into lush gardens. This episode isn't just about growing plants; it's about growing your confidence as a gardener.
'How I Grow' is produced by The Seed Collection Pty Ltd.
Find out more about us here: www.theseedcollection.com.au
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You're listening to how I Grow with the Seed
Collection, and today we'll begoing over eight of the most
common mistakes that harm yourseed sowing success.
If you've ever been frustratedby germination failures or
mysterious seedling death, thisepisode's for you.
Growing an adult plant from atiny seed can often feel like a
(00:24):
form of magic, and while natureis amazingly productive, it's
not infallible.
Many first-time gardeners sowtheir seeds and expect
full-proof germination in a fewdays.
This only leads them to becomefrustrated if seedlings fail to
appear.
Thankfully, most of theproblems preventing healthy
germination are well known andeasy to combat.
(00:45):
Get the conditions right foryour seeds and nature will step
into work its magic.
First I'll list the eight mostcommon mistakes that gardeners
make, and then we'll delve intomore information and methods to
counter each one.
Number one is sowing in theincorrect soil temperature.
Number two over or underwatering.
(01:08):
Three poor soil quality.
Four using contaminated pots orseedling trays.
Five sowing your seeds tooearly.
Six using the incorrect sowingmethod.
Seven failing to protectagainst pest damage.
(01:28):
And number eight forgetting toproperly label your seedlings.
So let's start with the mostcommon mistake of them all
sowing into the wrong soiltemperature.
Did you know that thetemperatures listed for
germination on your seed packetare referring to the temperature
of the soil required for theseed to germinate, and not the
(01:50):
weather or air temperature.
This is the most common causefor germination disappointment
that we've come across withfellow gardeners.
All seeds have a preferred soiltemperature which acts as a
starter for germination andhelps the plant to time its
growth with the season.
If your soil is too cold forthe seed you've sown,
(02:10):
germination simply won't happen,no matter how long you wait.
At the other end of the scale,if the soil gets too hot, your
seeds will bake and die eitherbefore germination or shortly
after.
This is particularly helpful tokeep in mind if you're sowing
under glass.
This means that it may not beideal to sow all the varieties
(02:31):
you have in the one seedlingtray or area.
What's good for some mightn'tbe good for others, so be sure
to check this prior to sowing.
In most cases, a soiltemperature of 15 to 25 degrees
Celsius is required, but checkeach seed variety packet for the
exceptions and a more precisefigure.
(02:51):
The really important takeawayfrom this is to not confuse air
temperature with soiltemperature For outdoor sowing.
Only in the year the soil canbe significantly cooler than the
air, while the compostingcontainers can heat up and even
overheat surprisingly quickly indirect sunlight.
Then we have watering issues.
(03:12):
A certain level of dampness inthe soil is essential for seeds
to germinate.
What's more, after germination,the seedlings' immature root
system needs continuous moisture, and even just a few hours of
dry soil can be fatal, while, onthe other hand, waterlogged
soil can set the seed rottingbefore it has a chance to
(03:33):
germinate, as well aspotentially foster many other
harmful moulds and diseases.
If you have seedlings in aseed-raising tray or punnets,
spray them with the misty waterspray each day and, as required,
ensure they are constantlymoist, but never sopping, wet or
dry.
Blasting or drowning them withthe hose will wash out the seeds
(03:56):
you have sown and is a step inthe direction of disappointment
With seeds and seedlings.
Watering a little and often isthe surest way for successful
germination and good health, sotry to make it a part of your
daily routine.
After, over or under wateringis poor soil quality.
(04:16):
Poor soil quality or soil thatlacks vital nutrients is another
of seed germination's enemies.
Using a good quality soil givesyour seeds the best start they
can have In the garden.
Rake the soil to a fine textureso that it's light and airy.
Remove as many stones and otherdebris as you can, then ensure
(04:38):
there is plenty of organicmatter in the soil.
It's best to do this a fewweeks before planting so as not
to burn your seedlings withfertilizer.
If sowing in containers, use afine-grade potting compost
rather than soil brought in fromthe garden, and for
particularly tiny seeds, it canbe useful to mix vermiculite
into the compost to furtherlighten its texture.
(05:00):
Doing this ensures that theseeds meet less resistance as
they sprout, and, in either case, use fresh, weed-free soil
whenever you can.
This avoids competition fromuninvited guests.
If you re-use last year'scompost, you risk sowing your
seeds into soil already packedwith wild seeds, not to mention
(05:21):
the eggs of slugs and otherpests.
Another common mistake is notusing clean pots and containers.
This one's often overlooked,but it's really important to
plant into vessels that areclean and not harbouring any
nasties.
Ensuring the pots, seedlingtrays or containers are clean is
one of the best ways to preventdisease and pests from building
(05:44):
up when sowing under cover.
Aim to make an annualspringtime ritual of sorting
through your pots and seed trays, thoroughly cleaning the ones
you want to keep.
Have your seedlings ever beenreally long and leggy.
Perhaps you've sewn them toosoon.
A lack of light can causeproblems even after successful
germination.
(06:04):
Plants grown in shadyconditions like indoors will
raise upwards and try to catchthe extra sunlight they need.
This can lead to thin, spindlyplants which lack strength and
vigor.
These leggy seedlings caneasily collapse under their own
weight, usually killing theplant.
But even if they do survivelong enough to be transplanted
(06:24):
to a sunnier location, theyoften fail to thrive.
Leggy seedlings are most oftenthe result of sowing indoors too
soon, which results in theseedlings having to wait too
long to be transplanted.
In general, plants are ready tobe moved to their final
location between four and eightweeks after germination.
So time your sowing to takethis into account.
(06:48):
Now let's talk about sowingmethods.
Seeds can be sown direct intoopen soil or started off under
cover in seed trays or smallpots.
Sowing indoors can make iteasier to control conditions
like temperature, but it isn'talways the best choice.
Some seedlings, particularlyroot vegetables, quickly develop
long, fine roots which areeasily damaged when the time
(07:11):
comes to transplant them.
Other plants simply prefer tobe sown in their final location,
going into a form of shock ifthey're transplanted, with
growth, sowing or halting untilthey recover.
Then there are other seedlings,such as chilies.
They develop a stronger rootball when they're sown in a
small container first and pottedinto a bigger or more final
(07:31):
home as they grow.
Always check the information onthe seed packet for the
preferred sowing instructions.
This way you won't get caughtout by assumptions Next up.
We have not protecting againstpest damage.
Even with your most carefulsowing precautions, there are
plenty of pests which can undoall your work in just a few
(07:51):
minutes.
Birds, snails, caterpillars andeven household pets can destroy
seeds and seedlings in moments,so take all the precautions you
can.
One such precaution is to coverexposed seed beds with netting.
This will protect them frombirds.
Another is to patrol yourgardens daily or nightly to
collect slugs and snails.
(08:12):
You should also keep a lookoutfor caterpillars, aphids and
other pests on establishedplants nearby.
These can threaten yourseedlings too.
If unprotected seeds that weresown outdoors are stubbornly
overdue in showing their faces,there's a good chance that
they've already sprouted butbeen demolished by pests before
you've even noticed.
(08:34):
Now let's talk about why youshould label your seedlings.
Whenever you sow a seed, it'simportant that you add a
readable weatherproof label tothe pot or row.
You won't necessarily recognizewhich seedling is which after
germination, and this can makethings difficult for not only
ideating them, but also fordeciding how far apart to
transplant them.
(08:54):
It's wise to include the sowingdate on the label too, so
you'll know if germinationbecomes seriously overdue.
Plants want to grow, andthere's no great mystery to
starting them from seed.
Don't make things hard for themor yourself by falling into
these common sowing mistakes,and your seeds will reward you
with a clutch of thriving youngplants.
(09:17):
Now I'm going to go over some ofthe most commonly asked
questions we hear on this topic.
How deep shall I sown my seeds?
Sowing too deep can also harmyour seeds chances.
Some seeds need more light thanothers to germinate.
This affects the depth.
A seed should be sown at toodeep and it won't get the light
(09:38):
that it needs to burst into life.
In general terms, a seed shouldbe sown about two or three
times as deep as it is wide, butindividual seed packets will
give a more precise sowing depthto follow.
If you're sowing more than acentimetre or so below the
surface, don't press the earthdown too hard afterwards.
Seedlings are surprisinglystrong, but heavily compacted
(10:00):
soil may strangle their growthbefore it's even begun.
And if seeds need to be sown onor near the surface, such as
with oregano or strawberry,gently tamp them down after this
ensures they make good contactwith the soil.
How do I know if I'moverwatering my seedlings?
Well, besides checking in onhow wet or dry the soil feels,
(10:23):
some other telltale signs willinclude things like mould or
stunted growth.
Excessive moisture creates anideal environment for mould and
fungus.
If you notice any mould orfungus on the soil surface, it
could be a sign of overwatering.
This can lead to root rot, acondition where the roots are
damaged by fungi that thrive inwaterlogged soil.
(10:43):
If you gently pull a seedlingout of the soil and notice a
foul odour or mushy, dark roots,it is likely experiencing root
rot.
Another sign is stunted growth.
Seedlings that are consistentlyoverwatered may exhibit slow or
stunted growth.
The excess water can disruptnutrient uptake and inhibit the
(11:04):
development of a healthy rootsystem.
Look out for droopy seedlings,too.
Overwatered seedlings will showsigns of drooping, similar to
underwatered plants.
However, the drooping inoverwatered plants is usually
accompanied by wet orwaterlogged soil.
To help avoid this, be sure toprovide proper drainage.
(11:25):
Make sure your seedlingcontainers have drainage holes
and, if you're using trays,empty excess water from the tray
to prevent waterlogging.
You can also adjust the waterin frequency.
Seeds often need less waterthan mature plants.
Adjust your watering schedulebased on the specific needs of
the seedlings and theenvironmental conditions they're
in.
(11:45):
I planted flowers or vegetablesand nothing but weeds grew
Because I saw the incorrectseeds.
This can happen when sowingdirectly into a garden bed.
Gardeners sometimes findunexpected or unfamiliar
seedlings in their carefullytended gardens, often in just
the same spot where they've sownsome seeds.
(12:06):
The explanation usually liesnot in a mislabeled seed packet,
but in what's hiding within thesoil.
All soil has what's called asoil seed bank.
This is a reserve of viableseeds hiding within the soil.
These seeds can be dropped bybirds, blown in off the wind
from compost or in soil broughtinto the garden from elsewhere.
(12:28):
Dropped fruit left to rot onthe soil is another source, and
they can also be transported bydomestic pets, either on their
fur or in their tummies.
Worm castings and evenpurchased soil mixes are all
possible sources of seeds inyour soil seed bank.
It's similar to how more weedspop up even after you've
carefully plucked every singleone from a particular area.
(12:50):
These seeds are there justwaiting for the right conditions
to thrive.
When along comes a gardener wholovingly tends the soil and
plants their seed of choice, thegardener tends to that patch of
garden with careful wateringand, before they know it,
something entirely different hassprouted.
But why didn't their seedssprout?
Most weed species are designedto outgrow other plants.
(13:13):
While requiring less time andless care and nurture to
germinate and reach maturity,these weeds suffocate the seeds
the gardener has planted beforethey even sprouted or shortly
after.
It's for this reason that werecommend raising your seeds in
trays or punnets whenever a seedrequirement allows for it.
You can then transfer themsafely to the garden when
(13:34):
they're strong enough.
How can I protect my seedlingsfrom pests?
One of the most effective waysto do this is to raise them as
seedlings in a miniaturegreenhouse, but if you're so
indirectly into the garden, thenclonches can help.
This is a little plastic domewith ventilation that cover a
young seedling in the garden.
They're not entirely infallible.
(13:55):
They go a long way in helping.
In addition to this, you can dothings like set snail traps,
net garden beds and introduceinsects that prey on the bugs
eating your garden.
You can do this by introducingplants that attract the
beneficial insects, and alsocompanion planting.
How can I help a leggy seedlingthrive?
(14:16):
If your seedling is alreadyleggy and you want to help
support it to stronger growth,but can't yet transplant it, the
following tips can assistProvide adequate light, place
the seedling in a location wherethey receive ample natural
sunlight, and ensure theyreceive at least 12 to 16 hours
per day.
This mimics the long days ofsunlight that plants experience
(14:38):
during the spring and summer.
Regularly rotate the seedlingtray to prevent them from
leaning toward a light source.
This encourages more evengrowth, and you can also provide
support by gently staking themwith small sticks like
toothpicks or icipol sticks.
This can help prevent them fromcollapsing under their own
weight.
Good air circulation will alsostrengthen the seedling.
(15:01):
Use a fan on low setting tostimulate a natural breeze.
This helps prevent the seedlingfrom becoming too tall and weak
.
And if you're transplantingleggy seedlings, bury the stem
deeper than it was in theprevious container, even up to
the first set of leaves.
This promotes a more supportiveroot system and can help
stabilize the seedling.
You should also be careful toavoid over fertilizing.
(15:24):
Excessive nitrogen cancontribute to leggy growth.
Use a balanced fertilizer andfollow the recommended
application rates.
But remember, prevention is keyto avoiding leggy seedlings.
Start with proper light fromthe beginning to encourage
sturdy and compact growth.
If you address legginess earlyon, the seedlings are more
(15:44):
likely to recover and developinto healthy, robust plants.
How can I increase the soiltemperature?
Ensuring that the soiltemperature is right for your
seeds is essential for theirgermination.
You can do this by placing yourseed raising setup in a sunny
location and regularly check onthe temperature with the soil
thermometer.
Keeping your seed raising setupindoors in a sunny location can
(16:08):
also be beneficial, because itallows you to keep a closer eye
on them and check more regularly.
Just be sure that theirsunlight requirements are met.
And there are some less timeconsuming methods too.
For example, you can purchase aheat mat or a heated
propagation kit.
These allow you to set thetemperature and let your seeds
do the rest.
(16:29):
What can I clean my pots with?
Before sterilizing your pots,give them a wash in warm water
to remove any soil or otherresidue.
Use a scrubbing brush if youneed to.
Then you can soak them in asterilizing solution for at
least 10 minutes.
This will neutralize anyremaining pathogens.
One part of unscented bleach tonine parts of water is a common
(16:51):
solution used by lots of homegardeners.
Once this is done, you canallow the containers to drip dry
and then they're ready for use.
If you have any questions orwould like to discuss this topic
or any other garden relatedtopic, then please connect with
us and many other gardenenthusiasts in our group on
Facebook, the seed collectioncommunity.
(17:12):
You could also be sure to havea listen to one of our earlier
podcasts titled Seed Sewing aguide for success.
It's laced intricately withpractical advice, answers to
frequently asked questions andinformation to help you help
your seedlings thrive.
You've been listening to how IGrow, produced by the Seed
(17:32):
Collection in Melbourne,australia.
It is our aim to make gardeningmore accessible to more people,
and this podcast is one of themany ways in which we're doing
that.
If you don't already know whowe are, jump online and visit
wwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
You'll find a treasure trove ofgardening information, as well
(17:54):
as a huge range of seeds, gardensupplies and accessories.
That address, again, iswwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
Thanks for listening.
You're listening to how I Grow with the Seed
Collection, and today we'll begoing over eight of the most
common mistakes that harm yourseed sowing success.
If you've ever been frustratedby germination failures or
mysterious seedling death, thisepisode's for you.
Growing an adult plant from atiny seed can often feel like a
(00:24):
form of magic, and while natureis amazingly productive, it's
not infallible.
Many first-time gardeners sowtheir seeds and expect
full-proof germination in a fewdays.
This only leads them to becomefrustrated if seedlings fail to
appear.
Thankfully, most of theproblems preventing healthy
germination are well known andeasy to combat.
(00:45):
Get the conditions right foryour seeds and nature will step
into work its magic.
First I'll list the eight mostcommon mistakes that gardeners
make, and then we'll delve intomore information and methods to
counter each one.
Number one is sowing in theincorrect soil temperature.
Number two over or underwatering.
(01:08):
Three poor soil quality.
Four using contaminated pots orseedling trays.
Five sowing your seeds tooearly.
Six using the incorrect sowingmethod.
Seven failing to protectagainst pest damage.
(01:28):
And number eight forgetting toproperly label your seedlings.
So let's start with the mostcommon mistake of them all
sowing into the wrong soiltemperature.
Did you know that thetemperatures listed for
germination on your seed packetare referring to the temperature
of the soil required for theseed to germinate, and not the
(01:50):
weather or air temperature.
This is the most common causefor germination disappointment
that we've come across withfellow gardeners.
All seeds have a preferred soiltemperature which acts as a
starter for germination andhelps the plant to time its
growth with the season.
If your soil is too cold forthe seed you've sown,
(02:10):
germination simply won't happen,no matter how long you wait.
At the other end of the scale,if the soil gets too hot, your
seeds will bake and die eitherbefore germination or shortly
after.
This is particularly helpful tokeep in mind if you're sowing
under glass.
This means that it may not beideal to sow all the varieties
(02:31):
you have in the one seedlingtray or area.
What's good for some mightn'tbe good for others, so be sure
to check this prior to sowing.
In most cases, a soiltemperature of 15 to 25 degrees
Celsius is required, but checkeach seed variety packet for the
exceptions and a more precisefigure.
(02:51):
The really important takeawayfrom this is to not confuse air
temperature with soiltemperature For outdoor sowing.
Only in the year the soil canbe significantly cooler than the
air, while the compostingcontainers can heat up and even
overheat surprisingly quickly indirect sunlight.
Then we have watering issues.
(03:12):
A certain level of dampness inthe soil is essential for seeds
to germinate.
What's more, after germination,the seedlings' immature root
system needs continuous moisture, and even just a few hours of
dry soil can be fatal, while, onthe other hand, waterlogged
soil can set the seed rottingbefore it has a chance to
(03:33):
germinate, as well aspotentially foster many other
harmful moulds and diseases.
If you have seedlings in aseed-raising tray or punnets,
spray them with the misty waterspray each day and, as required,
ensure they are constantlymoist, but never sopping, wet or
dry.
Blasting or drowning them withthe hose will wash out the seeds
(03:56):
you have sown and is a step inthe direction of disappointment
With seeds and seedlings.
Watering a little and often isthe surest way for successful
germination and good health, sotry to make it a part of your
daily routine.
After, over or under wateringis poor soil quality.
(04:16):
Poor soil quality or soil thatlacks vital nutrients is another
of seed germination's enemies.
Using a good quality soil givesyour seeds the best start they
can have In the garden.
Rake the soil to a fine textureso that it's light and airy.
Remove as many stones and otherdebris as you can, then ensure
(04:38):
there is plenty of organicmatter in the soil.
It's best to do this a fewweeks before planting so as not
to burn your seedlings withfertilizer.
If sowing in containers, use afine-grade potting compost
rather than soil brought in fromthe garden, and for
particularly tiny seeds, it canbe useful to mix vermiculite
into the compost to furtherlighten its texture.
(05:00):
Doing this ensures that theseeds meet less resistance as
they sprout, and, in either case, use fresh, weed-free soil
whenever you can.
This avoids competition fromuninvited guests.
If you re-use last year'scompost, you risk sowing your
seeds into soil already packedwith wild seeds, not to mention
(05:21):
the eggs of slugs and otherpests.
Another common mistake is notusing clean pots and containers.
This one's often overlooked,but it's really important to
plant into vessels that areclean and not harbouring any
nasties.
Ensuring the pots, seedlingtrays or containers are clean is
one of the best ways to preventdisease and pests from building
(05:44):
up when sowing under cover.
Aim to make an annualspringtime ritual of sorting
through your pots and seed trays, thoroughly cleaning the ones
you want to keep.
Have your seedlings ever beenreally long and leggy.
Perhaps you've sewn them toosoon.
A lack of light can causeproblems even after successful
germination.
(06:04):
Plants grown in shadyconditions like indoors will
raise upwards and try to catchthe extra sunlight they need.
This can lead to thin, spindlyplants which lack strength and
vigor.
These leggy seedlings caneasily collapse under their own
weight, usually killing theplant.
But even if they do survivelong enough to be transplanted
(06:24):
to a sunnier location, theyoften fail to thrive.
Leggy seedlings are most oftenthe result of sowing indoors too
soon, which results in theseedlings having to wait too
long to be transplanted.
In general, plants are ready tobe moved to their final
location between four and eightweeks after germination.
So time your sowing to takethis into account.
(06:48):
Now let's talk about sowingmethods.
Seeds can be sown direct intoopen soil or started off under
cover in seed trays or smallpots.
Sowing indoors can make iteasier to control conditions
like temperature, but it isn'talways the best choice.
Some seedlings, particularlyroot vegetables, quickly develop
long, fine roots which areeasily damaged when the time
(07:11):
comes to transplant them.
Other plants simply prefer tobe sown in their final location,
going into a form of shock ifthey're transplanted, with
growth, sowing or halting untilthey recover.
Then there are other seedlings,such as chilies.
They develop a stronger rootball when they're sown in a
small container first and pottedinto a bigger or more final
(07:31):
home as they grow.
Always check the information onthe seed packet for the
preferred sowing instructions.
This way you won't get caughtout by assumptions Next up.
We have not protecting againstpest damage.
Even with your most carefulsowing precautions, there are
plenty of pests which can undoall your work in just a few
(07:51):
minutes.
Birds, snails, caterpillars andeven household pets can destroy
seeds and seedlings in moments,so take all the precautions you
can.
One such precaution is to coverexposed seed beds with netting.
This will protect them frombirds.
Another is to patrol yourgardens daily or nightly to
collect slugs and snails.
(08:12):
You should also keep a lookoutfor caterpillars, aphids and
other pests on establishedplants nearby.
These can threaten yourseedlings too.
If unprotected seeds that weresown outdoors are stubbornly
overdue in showing their faces,there's a good chance that
they've already sprouted butbeen demolished by pests before
you've even noticed.
(08:34):
Now let's talk about why youshould label your seedlings.
Whenever you sow a seed, it'simportant that you add a
readable weatherproof label tothe pot or row.
You won't necessarily recognizewhich seedling is which after
germination, and this can makethings difficult for not only
ideating them, but also fordeciding how far apart to
transplant them.
(08:54):
It's wise to include the sowingdate on the label too, so
you'll know if germinationbecomes seriously overdue.
Plants want to grow, andthere's no great mystery to
starting them from seed.
Don't make things hard for themor yourself by falling into
these common sowing mistakes,and your seeds will reward you
with a clutch of thriving youngplants.
(09:17):
Now I'm going to go over some ofthe most commonly asked
questions we hear on this topic.
How deep shall I sown my seeds?
Sowing too deep can also harmyour seeds chances.
Some seeds need more light thanothers to germinate.
This affects the depth.
A seed should be sown at toodeep and it won't get the light
(09:38):
that it needs to burst into life.
In general terms, a seed shouldbe sown about two or three
times as deep as it is wide, butindividual seed packets will
give a more precise sowing depthto follow.
If you're sowing more than acentimetre or so below the
surface, don't press the earthdown too hard afterwards.
Seedlings are surprisinglystrong, but heavily compacted
(10:00):
soil may strangle their growthbefore it's even begun.
And if seeds need to be sown onor near the surface, such as
with oregano or strawberry,gently tamp them down after this
ensures they make good contactwith the soil.
How do I know if I'moverwatering my seedlings?
Well, besides checking in onhow wet or dry the soil feels,
(10:23):
some other telltale signs willinclude things like mould or
stunted growth.
Excessive moisture creates anideal environment for mould and
fungus.
If you notice any mould orfungus on the soil surface, it
could be a sign of overwatering.
This can lead to root rot, acondition where the roots are
damaged by fungi that thrive inwaterlogged soil.
(10:43):
If you gently pull a seedlingout of the soil and notice a
foul odour or mushy, dark roots,it is likely experiencing root
rot.
Another sign is stunted growth.
Seedlings that are consistentlyoverwatered may exhibit slow or
stunted growth.
The excess water can disruptnutrient uptake and inhibit the
(11:04):
development of a healthy rootsystem.
Look out for droopy seedlings,too.
Overwatered seedlings will showsigns of drooping, similar to
underwatered plants.
However, the drooping inoverwatered plants is usually
accompanied by wet orwaterlogged soil.
To help avoid this, be sure toprovide proper drainage.
(11:25):
Make sure your seedlingcontainers have drainage holes
and, if you're using trays,empty excess water from the tray
to prevent waterlogging.
You can also adjust the waterin frequency.
Seeds often need less waterthan mature plants.
Adjust your watering schedulebased on the specific needs of
the seedlings and theenvironmental conditions they're
in.
(11:45):
I planted flowers or vegetablesand nothing but weeds grew
Because I saw the incorrectseeds.
This can happen when sowingdirectly into a garden bed.
Gardeners sometimes findunexpected or unfamiliar
seedlings in their carefullytended gardens, often in just
the same spot where they've sownsome seeds.
(12:06):
The explanation usually liesnot in a mislabeled seed packet,
but in what's hiding within thesoil.
All soil has what's called asoil seed bank.
This is a reserve of viableseeds hiding within the soil.
These seeds can be dropped bybirds, blown in off the wind
from compost or in soil broughtinto the garden from elsewhere.
(12:28):
Dropped fruit left to rot onthe soil is another source, and
they can also be transported bydomestic pets, either on their
fur or in their tummies.
Worm castings and evenpurchased soil mixes are all
possible sources of seeds inyour soil seed bank.
It's similar to how more weedspop up even after you've
carefully plucked every singleone from a particular area.
(12:50):
These seeds are there justwaiting for the right conditions
to thrive.
When along comes a gardener wholovingly tends the soil and
plants their seed of choice, thegardener tends to that patch of
garden with careful wateringand, before they know it,
something entirely different hassprouted.
But why didn't their seedssprout?
Most weed species are designedto outgrow other plants.
(13:13):
While requiring less time andless care and nurture to
germinate and reach maturity,these weeds suffocate the seeds
the gardener has planted beforethey even sprouted or shortly
after.
It's for this reason that werecommend raising your seeds in
trays or punnets whenever a seedrequirement allows for it.
You can then transfer themsafely to the garden when
(13:34):
they're strong enough.
How can I protect my seedlingsfrom pests?
One of the most effective waysto do this is to raise them as
seedlings in a miniaturegreenhouse, but if you're so
indirectly into the garden, thenclonches can help.
This is a little plastic domewith ventilation that cover a
young seedling in the garden.
They're not entirely infallible.
(13:55):
They go a long way in helping.
In addition to this, you can dothings like set snail traps,
net garden beds and introduceinsects that prey on the bugs
eating your garden.
You can do this by introducingplants that attract the
beneficial insects, and alsocompanion planting.
How can I help a leggy seedlingthrive?
(14:16):
If your seedling is alreadyleggy and you want to help
support it to stronger growth,but can't yet transplant it, the
following tips can assistProvide adequate light, place
the seedling in a location wherethey receive ample natural
sunlight, and ensure theyreceive at least 12 to 16 hours
per day.
This mimics the long days ofsunlight that plants experience
(14:38):
during the spring and summer.
Regularly rotate the seedlingtray to prevent them from
leaning toward a light source.
This encourages more evengrowth, and you can also provide
support by gently staking themwith small sticks like
toothpicks or icipol sticks.
This can help prevent them fromcollapsing under their own
weight.
Good air circulation will alsostrengthen the seedling.
(15:01):
Use a fan on low setting tostimulate a natural breeze.
This helps prevent the seedlingfrom becoming too tall and weak
.
And if you're transplantingleggy seedlings, bury the stem
deeper than it was in theprevious container, even up to
the first set of leaves.
This promotes a more supportiveroot system and can help
stabilize the seedling.
You should also be careful toavoid over fertilizing.
(15:24):
Excessive nitrogen cancontribute to leggy growth.
Use a balanced fertilizer andfollow the recommended
application rates.
But remember, prevention is keyto avoiding leggy seedlings.
Start with proper light fromthe beginning to encourage
sturdy and compact growth.
If you address legginess earlyon, the seedlings are more
(15:44):
likely to recover and developinto healthy, robust plants.
How can I increase the soiltemperature?
Ensuring that the soiltemperature is right for your
seeds is essential for theirgermination.
You can do this by placing yourseed raising setup in a sunny
location and regularly check onthe temperature with the soil
thermometer.
Keeping your seed raising setupindoors in a sunny location can
(16:08):
also be beneficial, because itallows you to keep a closer eye
on them and check more regularly.
Just be sure that theirsunlight requirements are met.
And there are some less timeconsuming methods too.
For example, you can purchase aheat mat or a heated
propagation kit.
These allow you to set thetemperature and let your seeds
do the rest.
(16:29):
What can I clean my pots with?
Before sterilizing your pots,give them a wash in warm water
to remove any soil or otherresidue.
Use a scrubbing brush if youneed to.
Then you can soak them in asterilizing solution for at
least 10 minutes.
This will neutralize anyremaining pathogens.
One part of unscented bleach tonine parts of water is a common
(16:51):
solution used by lots of homegardeners.
Once this is done, you canallow the containers to drip dry
and then they're ready for use.
If you have any questions orwould like to discuss this topic
or any other garden relatedtopic, then please connect with
us and many other gardenenthusiasts in our group on
Facebook, the seed collectioncommunity.
(17:12):
You could also be sure to havea listen to one of our earlier
podcasts titled Seed Sewing aguide for success.
It's laced intricately withpractical advice, answers to
frequently asked questions andinformation to help you help
your seedlings thrive.
You've been listening to how IGrow, produced by the Seed
(17:32):
Collection in Melbourne,australia.
It is our aim to make gardeningmore accessible to more people,
and this podcast is one of themany ways in which we're doing
that.
If you don't already know whowe are, jump online and visit
wwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
You'll find a treasure trove ofgardening information, as well
(17:54):
as a huge range of seeds, gardensupplies and accessories.
That address, again, iswwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
Thanks for listening.
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