Spring officially started 1st September here in the Southern Hemisphere, but the signs of spring started weeks ago with blossoms and green shoots bursting out on every corner. Growing vegetables and flowers from seed is an exciting and rewarding process and is top of our agenda each Spring.
For those of you who are new to gardening or who have struggled with growing seedlings in the past, here is our step-by-step guide to planting seedlings.
You will need:
- Flower, veg, fruit or herb seeds
- Seed tray
- Small garden spade
- A good quality seedling soil mix
- Watering can & water
- Tags for labelling (you can cut them out of old ice cream or yoghurt cartons)
- Permanent marker pen
Method:
- Fill your seedling tray with seedling soil, taking care to not overfill. Tap it lightly on each side to ensure soil gets into each compartment properly
- Lightly water the soil in the tray, ensuring soil is moistened throughly
- With a stick or finger make 1cm deep holes in the centre of the soil in each compartment. Slightly deeper for larger seeds.
- Carefully place a seed into each of the holes. Write the name of the seed/plant with permanent marker on a label and insert in soil at end of each different row.
- Carefully cover the holes with soil, using your finger, when you are done. Press gently on top of the soil.
- Lightly water the seedling tray once more
- Seedling can be placed in sunny or shady area but ensure soil remains moist, especially if in sun. Moisture & warmth will encourage the growth of your seedlings.
- Once seedlings have produced and established their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to pots or your chosen garden space.
***Please drop us a message below if you have any further questions about growing your seedlings or you have any problems. We are happy to help and enrich your growing knowledge! You can also mail us on: info@freedomfarms.co.za