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  • #1

    Watering newly sown seeds

    I know this is a basic question, but when it comes to watering newly sown seeds in propagators at home, what is the best way of avoid over/under watering?

    I had a low germination rate on the last batch on a variety of seeds and suspect I overwatered. I sat the modules in water after sowing until there was quite a lot of moisture on the surface - the soil stayed quite damp for several days afterwoods.

    Last night I sowed more and after covering the seeds with compost fresh from the bag I generously sprayed the surface with a fine plant sprayer - I'm confident the water got to the depth of the seed but no water came from the bottom of the pots.
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  • #2
    Maybe you let them soak a bit too long cazp? I have seen on Gardeners world - Monty waters from the top with a very fine rose, and Carol prefers to put the seed tray in a tray of water - apparently this method helps to draw the seeds into the compost at the same time. I usually put a dribble of water on the top.
    Last edited by Jeanied; 12-04-2012, 12:19 PM.
    Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

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    • #3
      Originally posted by cazp View Post
      when it comes to watering newly sown seeds in propagators at home, what is the best way of avoid over/under watering?
      how to water seedlings - YouTube

      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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      • #4
        I do a mix of Monty/Carol's method - for big seeds (courgettes etc) I water from the top - for small seeds (carrots etc) I do a Carol and stick 'em in a bowl of water til the compost just appears damp.
        aka
        Suzie

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        • #5
          I think I did let them soak to long...

          so if watering from the top (as I did with my sprayer yesterday) is it correct to say I don't need to see water running out of the bottom of the pot to know they are watered sufficiently? does the soil need to be just "barely" moist.

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          • #6
            In my propagator, I put water in the bottom, put in trays of compost. When compost is damp, I pour out any excess water in the bottom of the prop, put trays back in, sow seed and replace lids.
            Granny on the Game in Sheffield

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            • #7
              Just seen the extra two posts... thanks for the extra advice... will check out the video too.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by cazp View Post
                does the soil need to be just "barely" moist.
                The soil around the seed needs to be just moist. Too much water causes all kinds of problems
                All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                • #9
                  I water the compost and leave it for 1/2 hour, then set the seeds and cover with cling film or similar. They then should not need watering until germination.

                  Colin
                  Potty by name Potty by nature.

                  By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


                  We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

                  Aesop 620BC-560BC

                  sigpic

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                  • #10
                    I think I'm over watering too. I've had some rocket germinate, but I'm having problems with my beans.
                    An attempt to live a little more self-sufficient

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                    • #11
                      Too cold for beans at present here..

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                      • #12
                        If your seed trays or pots or whatever seem really wet after you've sown your seeds then sit them on kitchen towel or newspaper to absorb the excess water.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Madasafish View Post
                          Too cold for beans at present here..
                          My last frost is in about a fortnight: so my beans have been sown and are in the cold gh, ready and waiting
                          All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Madasafish View Post
                            Too cold for beans at present here..
                            I'm got them in a propagator to give them an early start, but nothings come up yet. I'll sow some more at the end of the month and see what happens with them.
                            An attempt to live a little more self-sufficient

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                              how to water seedlings - YouTube

                              Did anyone try the watering method of the third clip in this youtube page

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