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Seed Starting
Comparing modules, propagators & pots
& how to get your plants started earlier

Cold, wet spring days delay growth outdoors, but you can get a march-on by seed starting in pots and modules indoors. Your plants will be going into the ground when outdoor seed is only just being sown.

USEFUL TYPES OF MODULES AND PROPAGATORS

Conventional plastic modules with inferior design SEED STARTING MODULES HAVE IMPROVED
Conventional modules (e.g. picture: top right) cause long thickened roots to grow around the outside. These have low water absorbtion and increase the distance to plant leaves.

More improved growing modules (e.g. picture: bottom right) stimulate an absorbtive fibrous root system and vertical growth. They do this by 'air pruning' - more pictures & details on recommended modules click here.

Biodegradeable modules are an organic gardener's favourite. They eliminate unsightly plastic. When plant-ready they are planted out whole; the roots grow out while the pot decomposes in the ground. They virtually eliminate the disturbance and shock of transplanting - more on biodegradable modules starts with this link.

Why Have Modules Become So Popular?

  • Seed starting in a warm situation undercover gives an earlier start and a longer season,
  • Sowing in seed compost usually gives higher germination rates and some protection from pests,
  • The no-dig gardener doesn't need to prepare a seed bed.
    • So it's no surprise that modules are very popular among gardeners nowadays.

    For comparison: seed starting compost is an important constituent of unit cost. But: Biodomes, Pre-filled pots, and Jiffy Blocks don't require compost .    ^ Top of page

    ROOTRAINERS

    Root Trainer modules open like a book to reveal a growing fibrous root system Rootrainers are available in different sizes and can provide a deep root run. Hinged at the bottom, they open out like a book, so you can easily check on root development - that's great for inquisitive children and the gardener who's impatient for growth. When ready the whole plug slips out easily for planting.

    Rootrainers work by 'air pruning' the roots to grow vertically both up and down. They stimulate branching fibrous roots.

    A plastic frame to hold the modules and a Perspex cover is included. Note that the roots should not be stood for any length of time in a tray of water. Rootrainers available in the U.K. on this link

    click here for Rootrainers available to American gardeners

    Jiffy Block expands from a small disc into block for sowing a single seed JIFFY BLOCKS - available in America.
    Very popular and very useful. Made of compressed peat in a biodegradeable net bag. Note that fertilizer and lime are added to the peat. Simply stand in shallow water for pot to absorb and expand. Then sow a seed in each block. Keep the blocks standing on a moist surface. Works even better under perspex propagator cover.
    Jiffy Blocks & Window Sill Tray/Propagators to carry Jiffy Blocks are available here icon.

    When roots begin to show, plant the whole block with plant to a new position: into larger pots, grow bags, hanging baskets... to grow on.

    PAPER POT SYSTEM - available in America.

    Paper Pot System is good for growing tomatoes, peppers... ...
    For tomatoes, peppers... seed starting or cuttings
    Another attractive choice for the organic gardener. These bottomless pots, air-prune roots into dense healthy root balls. They pull out like a concertina from a flat pack.

    Stretch sides and fix to opposite edges of a tray by a paper clip. Fill the corner pots first, keep pots resting on tray and firm down compost. Ensure the bottomless pots are directly onto the tray, not resting on compost spreading out from the bottom.

    When packed together on tray moisture loss is reduced. When plant-ready, the glue binding adjacent pots is softened and they separate for individual planting without disturbing roots. The cost per pot is the lowest by far. Try the paper pots system on this link - America

    Simple organic seed starting with the Paper Pot System

     
    ^ Top of page

    BIODOMES

    Vegetable Seeds & Seed Starters From Park Seed Another seed starting system, also useful for striking cuttings. You get Styrofoam modules that allow you to pop out plant plug when ready for transplanting.

    Bio Sponges of highly absorbtive sphagnum moss and, ground fir bark, come with the complete kit. Soak them to expand; seed is popped into hole at one end; place in modules. The kit ensures seeds are regularly spaced for upright growth. The Jumbo Kit does it all better. Bio Sponges Refills at same price as kit do 2X the number of blocks.

    Neater than messing with compost and the bio sponge makes good root growth. They do take some time to decompose completely. But unless you make your own seed compost the Biodome kit looks good value.

    Find more on Biodomes & seed starting equipment in America, (click here). icon

    Deep fibre pots, compost filled, ready to sow beans DEEP FIBA GROW TUBES
    These are the best for beans, sweet peas etc... They provide the sowing depth needed for larger seeds and a deep root run. I will also use Fiba Grow Tubes to improve germination rate from carrot seed and reduce thinning before planting out. As they biodegrade in soil, the whole Fiba Grow Tube can be planted without disturbing or shocking the roots. This also saves time and mess.

    For carrots fill tube with garden compost but top off with 1 inch of fine seed compost. Thoroughly moisten tube contents then, cover with perspex or clear polythene during seed starting and pack together to retain moisture.

    The top picture shows my deep Fiba Grow Tubes placed in a cardboard box and filled ready for sowing beans. Get Fiba Grow Tubes available in the U.K. on this link

    BIO-DEGRADABLE POTS PRE-FILLED WITH PREMIUM SOIL
    - available in America.

    A favourite of organic gardeners because they are totally recycled in the garden. They consist of fibre casing filled with good soil, capilliary taper and tray with water resevoir. Good for growing special plants and flowers. No need to buy seed compost.
    American gardeners get Biodegradeable Nest Pots & Tray on this link

    ^ Top of page

    PEAT JIFFY POTS - available in U.K. and America

    Fill the bottom with garden compost, multi-purpose compost or fine soil, and gently firm. Fill the top half with seed compost. Alternatively, fill the whole pot with fine leaf mold. Pack them together on the bench to reduce moisture loss. Square Jiffy Pots are better than round.

    A tray and propagating cover are best used when seed starting. The peat pots will soon need to be transferred to larger pots, containers, or soil, as they start to breakdown when moist.
    Jiffy Peat Pots available in the U.K. - click here.
    Jiffy Peat Pots in America are on this link with other seed starting gear icon

    Seed Trays

    Trays are for mass sowing for bedding plants, for small easy flow seeds, and very tiny seeds. The larger number of seedlings often need to be thinned and teased out before transplanting. Most trays are shallow.

    ROW TRAYS

    Specialised Row Tray An alternative method used by some gardeners is to fill guttering or half a drain pipe with compost. But I don't have any spare, so a specialised Row Tray is worth considering. It's easy to dig out a wide furrow and simply slide plants from the open ended tray directly into the rows.

    You get:

  • improved germination from your own good compost,
  • earlier transplants from sowing indoors or undercover,
  • reduced weed problems, plus...
  • well-suited to No-Dig gardening where seed bed preparation can be difficult

    • Row Trays in America on this link   --   Row Tray for U.K. gardeners here

    Seed Starting When You Can't Spare the Time

    APS 24
    This propagator system is designed to keep your seed starting modules moist even when you're not present to top check on them.

    A lower compartment stores liquid water which is carried to the tray and modules above it by capillary matting. Always ensure compost is moist before seed starting.
    Get the complete APS any accessories & compost here. icon

    Propagators

    They have 2 main advantages: the control of temperature and humidity. Homemade propagators are more vulnerable to temperature extremes. See heated propagator equipment…

    HOME-MADE PROPOGATORS
    You can easily cobble together a few bits and pieces: pots, trays; seed compost, grit; a glass sheet, newspaper, or plastic bags to cover; and a draft-free site or airing cupboard for seed starting.

    Geoff Hamilton described how to build a simple propagator: a wood box with cover, insulating lining and filling; a metal can is located inside and filled with hot water twice daily. For handypeople and active gardeners in cold greenhouse. Details in 'Organic Gardening' by Geoff Hamilton.

    Another suggestion involves heating from a 100W lamp regulated by a thermostat.

    After germination ensure seedlings get plenty of light – remove domes off propagators, position pots or trays on windowsill – all around light in a conservatory or greenhouse is better.

    Artificial Heat

    Ordinary propagators protect seed starting modules and so help to maintain steady temperatures with increased humidity. But artificial heat facilitates earlier seed starting in a cold greenhouse and provides the extra heat needed by some special plants. It can be an expensive option.

    For American gardeners the website on this link offers all you need:
    Heat Makes The Difference Collection

    The next link is for U.K. gardeners and goes to a range of propagators from windowsill trays with covers, to heated propagators, soil warming cables and thermostats.

    ^ Top of page

    More Information & Links On Seed Starting

    ON OTHER WEBSITES:

    BioDome180x150

    MORE ON THIS WEBSITE:

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