You might be a passionate gardener or just starting your gardening journey and want to master the seedling process. Whatever the case is, seedling requires careful attention and proper nurturing from the start if you want fruitful results. You should create an optimal environment for seeds to germinate and sprout so you can transplant them in your garden.
While there are several ways to help you successfully start seedling and promote sprouting, seedling grow trays provide an optimal environment for the early stages of plant growth. To maximize their effectiveness, there are several essential aspects of using them to help you embark on your gardening journey with confidence.
What are Seed Growing Trays and What’s Their Purpose?
Seed growing trays, also known as seedling trays or propagation trays, are containers that offer a structured and controlled environment for seeds to germinate. They are shallow trays that come with multiple separated cells to accommodate various seeds or multiple seeds from the same plant. Each cell provides the seedling with the right balance of moisture and warmth, crucial for optimal growth.
Once the seedlings turn into sprouts and is time to plant them in the garden, seedling growing trays offer effortless and successful transplanting.
Size Selection
When it comes to the size of the seed raising tray, what size you choose depends on several factors, the type of plants you want to grow, whether will you be growing them outdoors or inside your house, how much space you have to accommodate the trays and your specific gardening needs.
If you have smaller seedlings, then you can choose smaller cells to prevent overcrowding. If you intent on growing larger plants, then opt for larger cells so you can provide the seedlings with enough space for proper root development. Additionally, depending on your available space, you can choose trays with as few as 6 cells or a higher count of divided cells if you have more space.
Tips for Succesful Seed Starting
Here’s what you need to know for a successful start of your seedlings.
Pick the Right Timing
The right timing is crucial for a successful seedling. If you plant the seed too early for its kind, you are off to a bad start. The seeds will either get damaged or if they do germinate, the plants will be stressed because they will be growing at the wrong time of the year, leading to poorly developed plants. Learn about the specifics of the plant you’re planning to grow so you know when it’s the right time to start the seedling.
Soil Preparation
You want your seeds to have a proper and healthy foundation for optimal and healthy growth. To achieve that, use a good quality seed-raising mix to fill the seed growing trays. As such, this foundation has well-draining properties that are significant for healthy root development.
Avoid using garden soil because it may contain pathogens that can be devastating to the seeds. A seed-raising mix is sterile so it doesn’t have any diseases that may negatively affect the seed growth. Before sowing the seeds, make sure to moisten the soil to ensure an even moisture distribution.
Sow the Seeds
Now, when your soil is well prepared and adequately moistened, you can sow the seeds. Follow the instructions indicated on the seed packaging for how deep you should place the seed. Place the seeds evenly in each cell to ensure the seedlings have optimal space for growth. Never sow them close to the walls of the cell because you will prevent the spread of the root.
Once you have placed the seed, press it very gently into the soil, and add more soil to cover the seed evenly.
Water Regularity
Now, here comes the tricky part. How much water do you need to put inside each cell? Here is the thing. You should maintain consistent moisture, but that doesn’t mean that you need to water them at all times because you risk over-drowning them and causing rotting.
Seedlings can dry out very fast, especially if you’re living in a hot climate. To ensure you’re maintaining the right balance between overwatering them and over-drying them, check the soil regularly. If the soil looks moist or when you touch it with your finger it feels wet, then you don’t need to water them. When you notice that the soil starts to slightly dry out, then make sure to water them.
Use a spray bottle or bottom-watering method to avoid over-drowning. If the weather is sunny and warm, the best is to water the seedlings every morning as this will keep them well hydrated throughout the day, without the need to water them again at night.
Heat Protection
Optimal heat is necessary for promoting seed germination. You can either place the seed propagator in a warm location, use a heating mat, or buy a small greenhouse propagator to help control the heat and humidity inside the tray. But if the weather is too hot, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. Consider placing them under a shadow or bringing them inside to a cooler place.
Light Exposure
The propagator should be placed where it gets ample light, but not direct sunlight. Rotate the trays regularly so they get even exposure to the light. You can also use grow lights if your house does not provide enough natural light.
Transplanting
Once you notice that the seedlings have developed strong roots, you can then transplant them into larger containers or the garden. Handle them gently and carefully, to avoid damaging the stems.
Here is where people often ask “How long do you leave seedlings in a tray?”. Don’t keep the seeds inside the propagator for too long. Ideally, you should leave them in the trays for about 3-4 weeks if you grow the seeds in larger trays. If the cells are smaller, leaving them for 2-3 weeks should be enough.