The germination of a seed is a process that, although it appears to be simple, it’s actually very complex. There are many challenges that must be overcome to become a healthy and strong adult plant: the different variations of the climate, insects (or herbivorous animals) that can affect it, the fungi that are always lurking waiting for it to weaken.
Fortunately, in cultivation they have it somewhat easier, but it is still difficult to ensure that all the seeds that germinated can grow and develop without problems. For this reason, I’m going to give you some tricks so that planting in pots is an incredible experienceboth for you and for your future plants.
Where do I plant them?
The first thing to think about is the hotbed. In the nurseries you will find different objects that can serve as such: flowerpots, peat tablets, trays. Depending on what you choose, you will have to proceed one way or another. Let’s see it in detail:
Peat pellets
Peat tablets are very practical. In each one of them a single seed is sown, and since it maintains humidity for a long time, it can germinate without having to take risks. Also, if we opt for them, once they germinate can be planted directly in a potsince they are made with biodegradable material.
There are different sizes, the ones you see in the image are 2cm high. It doesn’t look like it, does it? And is that you have to put them in water for a few minutes. Then, you will see how they have ‘swollen’:
Finally, you just have to put the seed inside. By the way, I recommend that you put them on a tray or on a plate; so you can water them all at once, saving water.
Seed Trays
Made of plastic, they are very cheap. They are commonly used to sow seeds of horticultural plants, although they can also be used to sow flowers, trees, shrubs or palm trees. To do this, the steps we must follow are:
- Fill it with substratewhich can be composed of black peat and perlite in equal parts.
- Water generously to moisten it well.
- Place a maximum of 2 seeds in each alveolus.
- Cover them with a little substrate.
- And go back to to water.
Flower pot
Finally we have the pots. When we want to grow very fast growing plants they are the most suitable, since having more capacity than peat tablets or trays, you can grow more in less time. And how is it sown? A) Yes:
- Fill it with substrate almost completely. You can use universal garden substrate, or mix black peat and perlite in equal parts.
- Give it a good irrigation.
- Put a maximum of 2 seedsseparated from each other.
- Cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
- Finally, go back to to water.
The fungicide, your best ally
Regardless of the seedbed you choose, it is highly advisable to do fungicide treatmentsotherwise the seed is likely to germinate, but the probability that it will not succeed is very high.
In nurseries and garden stores you will find two types: chemical and natural (copper or sulfur). The first ones will be very useful when we see that they have appeared, but as long as the seedbeds are fine, with the natives we can be sure that everything will go well.
With these tips you will have healthy and strong plants .
