Yesterday I wrote a blog on my seed propagation system.
The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how to prepare the planting mix and to also show how to plant the very small seeds.
I buy my soil mix in a large sack. I buy a propagation mix from Fayette Seed here in Lexington. In order to have the best success getting those little seeds to break out of their seed covering you do not want to use a normal growing mix.
I pour about two gallons of the mix into my a wheel barrow and then sprinkle it well with water. I mix the water in by hand because I want to be able to feel how moist the soil is becoming. The key is to get the soil wet enough that it mostly holds together when you drop a clump from about 16 inches. If the soil crumbles apart it is too dry. If if holds together and you squeeze but no water drips from the clump it is just right.
Getting the soil damp but not too wet will assure the seeds will not "dampen off." When the seeds come up but quickly topple over and die that is almost always because of too much moisture.
When you plant the very small seeds make sure to label them. I usually use the small popsicle sticks. Press a few seeds between you index finger and thumb and rub the two fingers together slowly while moving your hand back and forth across the tray. Do not cover the seeds. You will cover the seed tray in order to keep the soil moist. You will notice if watching the video I do not use the small sectioned trays. Those trays do not allow for the soil to stay evenly moist when watering. Experience shows you will have much better propagation rates when using an open tray.
Best luck to you in your gardening endeavors this year and please do not hesitate to send me an email or call.
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