Good hot morning! Would you like us to chat about what is the ideal substrate for seedbeds? Even if it starts to get hot, many types of seed can still be sown. The only thing that changes from sowing in spring is that we will have to water more often.
You dare? If so, keep reading and I will tell you a few secrets so that your seeds germinate without difficulty during the summer period.
As not all plants need the same substrate, we are going to see them separately.
Substrate for carnivorous plants
Carnivorous plants are very curious. They have evolved to the point where their leaves have become very well made traps to attract insects. They cannot be sown on any type of land, since its roots are not prepared to absorb nutrients directly from the soil Well, in their habitat they do not have to do so as they do not have them. Thus, they must be sown in a 60% unfertilized blond peat and 40% perlite or river sand. The latter will have to be washed with distilled or rain water.
Substrate for cactus and desert plants
Cacti, succulents, and plants in desert climates need a substrate that facilitates rapid water drainage and total. In fact, hobbyists often use vermiculite with a little peator that they even choose to substitute peat for perlite. You can also use specific substrates for bonsai, such as akadama.
Substrates for ornamental and horticultural plants
In the case of other plants, such as horticultural plants, trees, shrubs, medicinal plants, among others, you can choose to sow their seeds in peat and perlite (at 70 and 30% respectively). But if you want to improve the mix, take note of these tips:
- Palms: Peat with equal parts perlite and volcanic clay, and 10% coconut fiber. I am currently using this mixture with very good results. A highly recommended alternative is to mix garden soil, sand, and mulch in equal parts.
- Trees and shrubs: Taking into account that fungi are always on the lookout, from experience I will tell you that you choose to sow the seeds directly in perlite, or in peat mixed with river sand.
- Horticultural and flower plants (vivacious, annual, and bi-annual): In a universal garden substrate they will germinate in a matter of days.
Don’t forget to apply a fungicide just sowing the seeds, and always keep the seedbed with a certain degree of humidity. When the sun begins to be very intense, even if they are species that love direct sunlight, it is preferable to keep the seedbeds in a partially shaded cornerOtherwise the water will evaporate very quickly and the newly germinated seeds could be in trouble.
You have doubts? Get in contact with us.
