Topic: Seed sowing in Drills

[Garden Manager]

I guess many of you experienced lotties will know this already, but i have to share a good tip that i have started using, concerning drillsown seed and germination.

I have often struggled in the past to get seeds to germinate sown direct in shalow drills, and after yet more failure earlier this year i decided to try pre watering the drills before sowing the seed. i have to say this has been highly sucessfull and produced a better germination rate than simply making the drill sowing and then watering.

One thing to bear in mind is that you need to let the drill drain before sowing - the soil must be damp not soggy. The way i get around this is to make the drill, water it, then do the next drill before coming back to the first one to sow into it and so on.

I have even taken this technique and tried prewatering before broadcast sowing - ie when the seed is scattered it is onto damp and not dry soil.

I hope someone finds this tip usefull

[Roy Bham UK]

Yes I have always used this method as I thought this was the norm, as I was told always to puddle the hole you place your seedlings into, plus always water your compost before use, I tend to place the garden hose into the bag and let it run for a while then give it a good stir. ;D

[Garden Manager]

Yes I always (when i can remember ;)) soak potted plants in a bucket of water for a bit before planting too. I sometimes even water planting holes before putting in the plant if the soil is very dry, using the pot (empty) as a mould to keep the hole intact.

It all helps doesnt it?