Growing seedlings always looks so easy. But if anyone can do it, why isn’t everyone growing their own seedlings? Because there are a few steps to take to ensure that your seedlings survive and thrive from seed to crop.
First, select your seeds
“Great gardens start with good quality seed,” says Mikal Lambert from SEED. “Once you have selected the veggies you want to grow try to find some locally adapted heirloom varieties from places like Living Seeds.”
You can also try Seeds for Africa or Glen Seeds.
The packet will give you helpful information on germination time, sun-exposure preferences, time until harvest, and in which season to plant your seedlings.
Expert tip: Spinach, lettuce, coriander, tomato, eggplant, chillies and green peppers make for impressive results even for a first-time farmer.
ALSO READ: Young farmer inspires village youth with her backyard nursery
Next, prepare the ground for your seedlings
Once you have got the seeds of your most loved veggies you will need to create a good seedling mix.
“This can get very technical and expensive, but most times it’s a waste because all that the seedlings need are contained in the seed, so you really just need a good growing medium,” Lambert says. “This could a mix of coco peat, potting soil, compost and soil from the garden.”
Expert tip: Avoid sticky clay soil. The good drainage from sandy soil will ensure the seeds gets a nice mix of air and water.
Lastly, fill your seedling tray and place the seeds
“Once you have made a seedling mix fill your trays and make a small impression in the centre of each plug,” Lambert says. “Then drop in one or two seeds into each depression and cover with a light sprinkle of soil.”
Expert tip: Keep the tray raised so that water can drain through. Trays may need a fine mist of water more than once a day so keep an eye on the seedlings. Make sure they are not exposed to full sun all day and no strong winds are blowing on them.
“Most veggie farmers are starting seedling production from about 8 to 15 August and again from around 7 to 13 September,” Lambert says.
- Watch this video from Back Yard Growing SA on how to prepare seedlings in the winter season. They even show you how to reuse toilet paper rolls for cheap and environmentally friendly seedling trays!
