propagation week 2

First prac! We get our hands in the dirt at last. This morning it was propagation and correct seed sewing techniques with Marcus. We were shown some different types of media eg: perlite, round river sand, course sharp sand (arena sand), coir (coconut husk) and compost. We touched on the purpose and characteristics of each media (for example I learnt that perlite is very pourous, drains well but also absorbs water into it's hollow centre and then slowly releases it direct to the roots where it needs it) We also discussed which seed raising blends are best (or commonly used) for different plants and why.

The group keenly getting our hands dirty for the first time.

Next it was on to the punnet sewing techniques. Using a tamper (flat timber plate sort of tool) to press the soil flat and pinch sew the seeds evenly across the surface before a final scattering of soil on top and a final tamping down. Then watering techniques - using a fine spray attachment start with the water flow out to the side and sweeping across from side to side being careful not to flood the punnet anywhere which would result in the seeds pooling a the lowest point in the soil and clumping together.Which would in turn make pinching out reasonably difficult! (this has happened to me in the past but not anymore now i know better! - must get a better hose attachment.) I felt I picked up the technique quite easily and really liked the nice even neat "professional' appearance of our mornings efforts.

Finally it was correct labeling techniques and in the trays to head up to the nursery for some warm growing conditions and TLC. Hopefully we will have our first germination of the early lettuces by next week.

All our tiny baby seeds ready to burst into life!