Germination Failure
P.J.
Posts: 4
In late spring of this year I planted about 12 seed trays totalling around 600 seed cells in the attic. The trays were placed on a table beside a west facing window and close to the chimney where the temperature would not be too low. I used a compost mix that was probably of the wrong type as it was enriched with seaweed etc. and perhaps more suitable for established plants rather than seed germination. I watered the trays twice a day using a spray container and I do not think that they were over or under watered. The seeds were mostly of plants that are to be found in the wild but that may be used as a food source. Some were said to be easy to grow and some others described as more difficult. The seeds were bought from a reputable seed supplier. A few types were set in vermiculite as advised by the supplier.
The result of my work was almost 100% failure. Three plants germinated and one of the three died. I later threw some of the trays outside and neglected them completely and a few plants actually grew on their own through the summer. What did I do wrong? I intend to try again next spring, perhaps with the aid of an LED grow light and proper seeding compost. Any advice would be appreciated.
Posts
A few ideas.
The loft is not a good place, not enough light, a window sill would be better.
Seeds should not be watered that often, water when you sow them and then not again until they germinate [ as long as the trays are covered ]
Seed compost is fine, but MPC will do as well.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Attics are not my first thought of a good growing room. How much light did they get? My attic is dark and has huge temperature variations. If they are easy grow seedlings, they should germinate readily in a seed bed outside. Maybe you could get a cold frame or mini greenhouse up against the house wall.What were the seeds of?
Hi P.J.I wonder if the light was not strong enough for the seeds to germinate - what was the temperature - I would aim for 15 degrees plus for germination and was the compost mix too enriched for the seeds. Those are my thoughts. I germinate my seeds in full light (during the day) but no extra artificial light either in Autumn or late winter/early Spring. You must have been hugely disappointed with so many seeds going to waste. However I am pleased to see that it hasn't dampened your enthusiasm to try again.
Mostly seeds found in the wild? Wild in the UK (if you're in the UK)
You threw some trays outside and they germinated? That should give you a clue
Copy nature. No heat, no messing about. Sow seed outside somewhere shady at the end of summer or as soon as they are ripe and you can get them. Gritty compost so they don't get waterlogged. Grit on top so they don't get disturbed. Some will germinate within days, some after a winter's cold will germinate on spring. Don't bury them deeply, nature doesn't.
No native UK plant EVER needs artificial heat to germinate, if it did it would die out.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Mostly natives, sowed end of September, left outside with no attention other than a watering when I sowed them. this pic taken 12th October
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thanks to all who have replied for your helpful advice.
I have now ordered a Vitopod propagator and am looking forward to learning from past mistakes. Some experts may disapprove but I have also ordered a MarsHydro LED Grow Light as it was available at a much reduced price on Black Friday. I will use the grow light sparingly as it is rated at 300W and the electricity bill would be a concern.
The total cost will be worth it if I can raise plenty of plants from seed as opposed to buying from expensive nurseries.
Make sure you don't sow too early. It's a long time until Spring.
What are the seeds you plan to sow?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
my method isn't for streptocarpus and lobelia aym.
PJ mentioned plants found in the wild
In the sticks near Peterborough
The hardy eryngiums would be fine sown now aym
In the sticks near Peterborough