Do's and dont's of propagation?

[Cue the Toms]

An idiot proof guide would be handy for us learners

It seems that this is the way most start out with seeds in a propagator of some description... so how should it be done? From sowing the seed to planting in the ground info?

Can anyone oblige with this please?

Or post a link to somewhere that can tell us newbies.

Chris

[Two_Sheds]

Well it depends on each individual seed, what you do with it ...

Does this help? UK Gardening - Basics of Gardening - Seed propagation

Don't try to do it all right the first time, you really do need to learn as you go, and by your mistakes

[Bigmallly]

Check the packet as not all seeds need covering. i.e Petunias.

[dominic10]

Thanks for the link 2S. Learned something from t'link. e.g. water compost with tap water rather than buts before planting seeds to avoid possible disease problems and here I am trying to save water. Would suggest research before doing anything and try differing methods. For example, seed packets don't always tell you to soak various seeds before planting to help germination. Also hygiene - to wash out pots, and trays before using is so important. There seems to be an abundance of slugs and snails around this year all waiting to eat our crops. My pots are washed at the end of the summer and stored on high shelves but still manage to have creepies lurking in the spring. I am sure the experts on here have lots of other suggestions.

[veggiechicken]

Think of a seed that you want to grow, then do a Search on here and you are certain to find that it has already been discussed. Different seeds have different requirements and you cannot give an answer that is best for all of them. Its fun finding out!!

[snohare]

seed packets don't always tell you to soak various seeds before planting to help germination

D'oh ! Would you believe, it has never occurred to me to do that with any seeds other than peas and beans ?!
Thank you very much for that pointer Dominic, much appreciated, with a bit of luck the humiliation will help me remember this small but potentially vital tidbit in future. As ever, the devil is in the detail...

[Two_Sheds]

seed packets don't always tell you to soak various seeds before planting to help germination.

The ONLY seeds I soak are peas, beans, sweetcorn and parsnips. nothing else

[dominic10]

Sweetcorn and asparagus spring to mind. Never head of soaking parsnips but that is what research and experiment is all about.

[Two_Sheds]

Never head of soaking parsnips

They're notoriously hard to germinate, so now I sow them onto a wet paper towel (on a dinner plate) then cover it all with clingfilm until germination. Then sow the chitted seed into the ground

[pauco]

Don't do this is as starter Plant Radish seeds in small pots, cover with plastic
then leave for 5 days in greehouse Then wonder why they curled up & died
Hey-Ho Next time i will check seedlings, next time i will check seedlings repeat
after me

paul.

[Jeanied]

Use new seed compost, not some that is old and has fungus gnats in it! Grrrr - I lost some seedlings to the little beasts which ate the new roots.

[Cue the Toms]

Lots of interesting tips guys... Keep em coming?

I must be doing something right as all my beetroot popped up overnight!

I've kept all of my seed trays on the 2 fridge's during the nights and transferred them to the window sills as and when the sun comes out (not very often lol) when they have made an appearance.. This seems to be working on most of the trays except the pumpkin and pepper trays, although 1 pumpkin has grown to about 2 inches since yesterday! The other 7 pumpkin seeds have done nothing, yet!

Chris

[Two_Sheds]

The other 7 pumpkin seeds have done nothing, yet!

They need moisture: put a plastic lid or even clingfilm over the seed tray, until the first seedlings appear

Then whip it off

[Cue the Toms]

They need moisture: put a plastic lid or even clingfilm over the seed tray, until the first seedlings appear

Then whip it off

To do this should I prick out the one that is growing first, or just cover that one also? It's about 2-3 inches tall.

The kids are now arguing that as it's the only pumpkin so far that they all want it!

Chris

[MyLifeWithAndrew]

UK Gardening - Basics of Gardening - Seed propagation

So...wait until the 2nd set of leaves before transplanting and this is pretty much the basic rule for all plants?