Growing Veggies from Seed Watch those little suckers grow! www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs It’s very satisfying and fun to raise seedlings Raising your own seedlings is economical Wider variety of vegetables available from seed Efficiency – you only put in plants that have germinated Headstart – The plant you put in are up and growing, with a jump on pests Better Germination – you have more control over the germination conditions Why bother? www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Direct Sow – Large seeds like peas, beans, corn, pumpkin etc Root crops like carrots, turnips and beetroot that don’t transplant well Punnets – Everything else! Direct Sow Vs Punnets www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Viruses and bacteria can carry over from crop to crop They can be devastating Wash all punnets, implements, trays and tags in disinfectant solution – Dettol Bleach Household disinfectant Or expose to heat and sun Wash your hands! Hygiene www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Making your own potting mix Add together 1 part coarse washed river sand 2 parts compost or worm castings 3 parts cocopeat Keep components wet and/or use dust mask (Legionella) Mix with hands and it’s ready for use Versatile for seed raising, potting on or microgreens Making your own potting mix www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Fill punnet or container with seed raising mix. Press down lightly to compress mix and make a planting depression Plant seeds as deep as twice the diameter of the seed Cover with mix a tamp down, ensure a flat surface on the mix Sowing the seeds www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Conditions for germinating Warm and moist! Make a capillary bed by putting coarse sand in a plastic container then fill with water. Plenty of light Protected from pests Conditions for germinating www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Pricking out and Potting On Not until the four leaf stage at least Use the high tech tool to remove the seedlings (paddle pop stick) Break apart retaining as much soil as possible Fill the receiving pot and push a hole in the top Place the seedling and backfill with potting mix Pricking out and Potting On www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

Hardening Off and Planting out If seedlings have been greenhouse grown, move them outside for a few days before planting out Plant out later in the afternoon Dig a hole and loosen soil Put in seedling, water and mulch Don’t forget snail pellets if required Hardening Off and Planting out www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs Eating The Suburbs - Session 2

For more details check our website www.underthechokotree.com Sustainable Living in the Suburbs For more details check our website Eating The Suburbs - Session 2