Growing your own food not only makes you happy watching it...
It gives you free food, so you spend less money - Extra happy!
It doesn't come in plastic - Even more happy!
It tastes better - Happier!
It's healthier - I'm happy for you!
It teaches us lessons - Patience, happiness, gratitude, gratefulness, plus so much more!
It is better for the planet on so many levels - Happy for generations....
and this list could go on and on...
So... Let's find out... Does the secret to extra happiness start in your seed tray?
We will see!!
Below is a step-by-step guide on germinating seeds for beginners. (Don't miss step 8!!)
1. WHAT SEEDS SHOULD I PLANT?
When being a newbie at seed germinating... You want to start with seeds that germinate easily, readily and fast.
Veggies, peas, rocket and leeks are great to start with!
Collecting seeds from food you eat can also be fun and cheap to learn with... Such as avocado seeds, rockmelon, tomato and pumpkin seeds.
2. SEEDLING TRAYS OR POTS
Most seeds are best started in a shallow tray or small pot, rather than planted directly into the earth. It is easier to control the growing environment and for you to watch their magical progress - “a seed is alive while it waits.”
You can start by growing seeds in punnets, seed trays, small pots and even egg cartons.
Any shallow container works best for seedlings, just make sure the container has drainage holes in its base and nothing that contaminates your soil.
3. THE SOIL
The easiest option is to purchase an organic seed-raising mix.
This helps to avoid disease and is designed for seed growing. Once you get a little experienced, you can start getting creative with vermiculite, perlite or a homemade mix of coir peat and propagating sand.
4. THE ARTIST
Your organic seed packet usually gives you all the information you need about the desired soil, planting depth, water amount, sowing spaces, season and the expected length of time before seeing the first tiny shoots appear.
Some seeds may work better by being soaked in water first.
As a basic rule, larger seeds are usually planted a little more deeply than small seeds.
In saying all that... It is rather easy... Seeds do it without human help usually!
So... Make sure your container is clean, add the soil, press down the mix, sow the seed as directed, lightly cover it with soil and give it a light spray of water. Always use gloves.
5. WATERING YOUR SEEDLINGS
Keep your soil and seedlings moist, but not too wet.
Keep seed trays warm while you are waiting for germination. If you don't have a nice warm spot, put the container into a mini glass/greenhouse, you can buy mini greenhouses at garden nurseries or make your own with a foam box with a piece of glass over it.
Some seedling trays come with a plastic lid which will do the trick.
You can also cover the pots with a tupperware lid.
6. WAIT FOR THE MAGIC
No explanation is needed here. Patience is a virtue.
7. PLANTING THE SEEDLINGS
Once your seedlings are large enough to handle, either plant them out into well-prepared soil in the garden or a slightly larger container with potting mix.
Extra tip - When transplanting seedlings, water them with a seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock and encourage root growth.
I only use organic pest deterrents, fertilisers and soil nutrients - I love using neem oil and diatomaceous earth.
8. SOME LIFE LESSONS FROM A SEED
-“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” - Cynthia Occelli
-"I wanted to share these quotes about planting seeds with you today, not because it's the season for it, but because it's *always* the season to sow a little good karma."
-“When your heart is broken, you plant seeds in the cracks and wait for the rain.”
-"There's just something about seeing things grow, about seeing them sprout up from seemingly nowhere at all -- it's as close to magic as love is. Pretty close to it, anyway."
-“A seed knows how to wait… a seed is alive while it waits.”
-“The tiny seed knew that in order to grow it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness, and struggle to reach the light.” - Sandra Kring
-“To see things in the seed, that is genius.” - Lao Tzu
-"Anyone who has time for drama, is not gardening enough"
-"*You* need a certain level of self-awareness to understand your own impact on the world around you. To realise you have power over how you experience your experiences. And to see that you hold the seeds of all sorts of healing in your own hands."
-“When life hands you dirt, plant seeds.” - Matshona Dhliwayo
-"The future is in your hands, you just have to plant the right seeds"
I hope I inspired you to... Grow your own!
BETTER FOR YOU, BETTER FOR THE PLANET!
Let me know how you go!
Maddy :)
