|
If seed is to germinate, it needs
moisture, oxygen and the correct temperature.
Seeds cannot germinate if they are covered too deeply. Twice their own
depth is sensible.
-
Large seeds like those of beans, pumpkin,
etc. should just be pressed into the soil.
-
Peas and beans can be sown in 'drills'.
-
Root crops such as carrots, parsnips,
beetroot, radish, etc. should be sown in shallow depressions 1 cm deep.
Some people tap them from the seed
packet; I tip some seed into my left hand and then scatter it, a pinch
at a time, along the furrow and press down with the back of the rake.
Careful spacing at this stage will save thinning later. The ways seeds
are covered is important.
-
Crumbly garden soil will do, but fibrous
compost or spent mushroom compost is a better topping as it makes a
good buffer against disturbance by heavy rain and holds needed
moisture.
-
Vermiculite, which I like to use, is even
better. It is very tight, holds a surprising amount of water, allows
maximum air penetration to growing roots and is highly visible so that
not only is it easy to tell where the seed has been sown but it helps
to make identification of weeds easier.
We have all known the frustration of
decapitating seedlings under the mistaken impression they were weeds!
|