Topic: Seed beds

[jammyd]

Hi all, there may be an obvious answer to this question, but I can't find it!
Why the need for seperate seed beds? Looking at the instructions on my Kohl rabbi seeds, it says to plant in a seed bed, the transplant when big enough...
I wondered if they could be sown where they're to be harvested from, and if that could apply to other plants that require a seperate seed bed.

All replies welcome!
james :)

[kenkew]

The main point of a seed bed is free up space in the plot proper. Also you get to choose the healthy plants for moving. I sow KR like I sow radish and thin later. That is; sow where they grow. (Or start them in seed trays.)

[cleo]

I agree

Stephan.

[Mrs Ava]

I have sown some in modules, which I planted out yesterday, and I plan to sow a row direct and thin.  Hope I like it, this is one veggie I have never tried  :o, but it looks soooo pretty!

[jammyd]

Thanks all, your help is, as always, much appreciated!  ;D

jams

[aquilegia]

I also thought seed beds were supposed to be extra fine and well drained soil that you keep specially for helping the youngsters along.

Personally I never bother - I always start things in pots or modules as my soil is far too heavy.

[tim]

- and don't forget - after you've fluffed up a wonderful seed bed - horror of horrors - tread it down, and water well before sowing. . = Tim

[Hugh_Jones]

The trouble with a carefully prepared seed bed is that there is always a neighbouring cat who gets to use it before you do, or (even worse) immediately afterwards.

[tim]

SO? ALWAYS cover immediately with a 'guard' of Twilweld. We've had our 24"x18" bits for 20+ years. Or fleece. of course. = Tim

[aquilegia]

Hugh - I keep all my woody prunings in a pile by the compost heap and then scatter them fairly thickly over any bare soil (i mean not so it's all totally covered - just enough so it doesn't look inviting to a cat!). It also helps remind me that I have actually sown something there. (labels? what are they?!)

[Mrs Ava]

Tim, I have come to the decision that you either invented fleece or are being paid commission by fleece manufacturers!  ;)  Is there anything fleece can't be used for?  ;D

[gillianbc]

My husband built me 3 raised seed beds in the narrow bit that runs down the side of the house.  Just two gravel boards high and 3 ft by 3ft.  I sectioned them off with string so that each has 9 square feet (I'd just read a book on square foot gardening).  I filled them with good compost and they are never empty.  I grow annuals and veg ready for moving on into permanent positions and keep a section spare for popping in cuttings in. In summer I sow my biennials and they overwinter in there ready for planting out in spring.  I've always got something ready to fill in a gap.  They're so useful and I wouldn't be without them.