Whether you have little space in your garden and you want to be able to occupy it as little time as possible with your crops, or if you intend to advance the entire cultivation process and subsequent harvest a few months, or if you simply want to make sure that the seeds that you plant germinate, without a doubt, the seedbed is a great tool.
If you want to learn how to make your own seedlings at home to germinate the seeds , join us in this article in which we talk about how to make a seedbed step by step .
What is a seedbed
A seedbed is nothing more than a small container that we prepare in order to sow the seeds in it, so that we can better control its germination conditions to optimize its chances of success. Practically any small container that is at least 5 or 6 cm deep will work, as long as it is relatively waterproof and we can make drainage holes. It can be small individual containers in which we place a single seed per space or, they can be larger containers in which we put several seeds per row.
The important thing is that, as it is something small, we can keep it indoors, thus offering the seeds a warmer climate that is conducive to germinating. Thanks to this, we can plant in winter when temperatures are still cold, transplanting the seedlings a few weeks later when the weather is already more conducive, and allowing us to save all that time.
How to make a seedbed step by step with recycled materials
Buying a seedbed is very simple, and in most garden stores you can buy seedlings of all kinds of materials, such as peat, which are biodegradable and you only need to plant them outside or in the new container when the plant arrives. time of transplantation. However, we advise using one of the many recycled materials that can be used. In this way, in addition to saving money, we will be reusing materials and we will be able to reduce our ecological footprint . These are some of the ideas to make a seedbed with recycled material that we propose:
- One of the simplest materials to obtain and at the same time most practical is polyexpan . Polyexpan trays, so common in all kinds of shops, are a great option to make a seedbed due to their lightness and ease of transport and, in addition, making drainage holes in the base is very easy.
- Another classic recycled seedbed is the one made with glasses of yogurt . They are the ideal size to sow seeds individually, so we can control each seed separately. In addition, making the drainage holes is also very easy.
- The plastic bottles , packaging carton or even eggshells are also very valid options. In the case of bottles, the ideal is to cut their bases, or open them in half lengthwise, while with tetrabrik it is better to completely open one of their faces or sides.
Once you choose one of these ideas, follow these steps to make a recycled seedbed :
- Wash the container well.
- Drill the drainage holes at the bottom of each cup or container. It is better to make several and not just one, but do not pierce the entire base either.
- Fill with the appropriate substrate for the germination of the plant you want to grow. You can also use cotton or slightly moistened absorbent paper, to later plant the sprout that comes out in the ground.
- Sow the seed, water a little and place the seedbed in an area where the sun shines indirectly or in the shade (this depends on the type of plant and the climate of the place, so you can consult the professionals at gardening or horticulture in your area).
How to make a hot bed hotbed
If you want to speed up the germination process of your seeds even more, a hot bed seedbed will work even better. You can buy one of these seedlings in any specialty store, but making one is very easy and you will only need to buy a heater or cable heater, like those used in terrariums. Once you have the materials, follow these steps to make a hot bed hotbed :
- Choose a container the size you need. Any plastic tray that is several inches deep will provide enough space.
- Drill a hole in one of the walls of the tray to pass the cable, and distribute it by means of the bottom of the tray so that it covers a good part of its surface. Secure the cable to the tray with strong, heat-resistant tape.
- For the heat to be properly distributed, cover a bed of at least 2 cm above the wire with cat litter or river sand.
- On this tray you can later place your smaller seedlings, made of plastic or polyexpan, and you will see for yourself the great improvement in germination time.
How to seedlings
The sowing process in a seedbed is the same as in any other case, with the difference that we can advance the times by several weeks, transplanting the seedlings already germinated and with several weeks of growth to the outside at the time when, under normal conditions, we would sow abroad. Keep these tips for seedling in mind:
- Yes it is important to prepare a substrate for the germination of seeds . We recommend a mixture with a part of peat, another of coconut fiber and another of worm humus, to which we will then add a little perlite and vermiculite. These proportions result in an extraordinarily rich substrate in nutrients, and at the same time very light, loose and airy, with excellent drainage.
- It is also important to place the seedbeds in a lighted location to prevent the seedlings from coalescing.
- Also, find them a temperature that is as stable as possible.
