Raising Seeds into Seedlings

By Nicola Galloway

This year I decided it was time to get serious about my garden beyond the culinary herbs. I have planted seedlings in the past with varying degrees of success, likely due to unhealthy soil. But with my no-dig garden in full swing and its nutrient-dense soil, I decided to raise healthy plants from seed. Firstly, I planned what I wanted to grow from the selection of organic seed available*. After narrowing it down to a selection of plants suitable to my garden space and climate I eagerly awaited their arrival in the post.

Then it was time to get sowing. It is best to sow seeds early - mid spring for summer produce including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, beans, squash etc. Ensure they are kept out of any late season frosts as the delicate seedlings will not withstand the cold temperature. A glass house is helpful or a sunny sheltered corner of the garden.

You will need

• Planting containers (always hold onto empty seedling trays) - other containers that work well include mushroom boxes, styrofoam trays, icecream containers, milk cartons, even toilet rolls (excellent for peas and beans). Just make sure they are deep enough to fill with 4 -5 cm seed raising mix and punch some holes in the bottom for water drainage.
• Labels - always name and date seeds (a cut up container and a permanent marker works well)
• Seed raising mix - this can be purchased from organic stores and garden centers, or make you own:
• 2 parts organic compost plus 1 part fine sand (optional replace 1 part compost with vermicast - worm castings from a worm farm)

What to do

1. First decide what and how many seeds you are going to sow.
2. Next, get your containers and labels ready. Pour the seed raising mix into the containers to about 4 - 5 cm deep. Tap to distribute soil evenly and pack firmly. It is important the soil is packed well for even water distribution.
3. Use your little finger or a stick to mark out spacing by making a small indentation in the soil. If planting in trays to be later planted out, space seeds by 2-3cm.
4. Now carefully drop a seed into each indentation. Sprinkle with compost so to cover the seeds by 2 times their size (for fine seeds use sand as it is easier for them to push through) and gently press to smooth the top.
5. Once all the seeds are sowed and labeled, water them well and leave in a warm sunny place to germinate. Make sure the soil is kept moist, ideally watering in the morning to keep hydrated during the day.

Planting out

If raising seeds in trays they will need to be planted out into larger containers so to give the plant roots space and access to more nutrients. Ideally do this once the seedlings are 4-5cm high. Some vegetables such as vines or ground creepers - zucchini, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, cucumber, peas and beans - are best sown individually in small containers from the start as they don't like being replanted too many times.

Tip: peas, beans and corn germinate well in toilet rolls and can be planted straight into the ground still in the roll.

About the author

Nicola Galloway is a trained chef with a diploma in natural nutrition (Canada) who is passionate about the benefits of healthy and flavoursome food. Raised by two doctors, her focus on health was never far behind her love for creating good food. She is the author of two recipe books; Alive - Food for Health and Vitality, and Cooking for your Child - healthy recipes from first foods to school lunches.

Nicola's mission in life is to inspire others to make healthy food choices and enjoy the art of cooking. She lives in Nelson, New Zealand with her family.

For more information go to www.nicolagalloway.com