Page 15 - ALG 1.21

Understanding your seed packet
We recently asked our members where they got their growing information from and 70% of them said that the back of the seed packet was a useful place. Most packets use similar terms to describe how to sow and grow on seedlings and here is an explanation of some of the common terms used.
SOW
Seeds are sown into pots or trays of compost that has low nutrient levels
or are sown directly into open ground when the soil is warm enough. The compost or soil is watered well before the seeds are placed at the appropriate spacing. Small seeds are covered with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite; larger seeds can be pressed into the growing medium. Some seed packets will say to “sow under glass or in a propagator” and specify a preferred heat – this could be just a warm windowsill or a heated propagator.
DIRECT SOW
Once the soil is warm enough, some seeds such as French beans or sweet corn can be sown directly into the moist, prepared growing bed. The right time is usually considered to be when night temperatures have been more than 7°C for a week. Most seeds will not germinate in a soil temperature less than 7°C or 45°F.
GERMINATION
Once the seed receives the right amount of moisture and heat, it will start to germinate, growing first a root and then seed leaves. Some people like to chit seeds such as sweet corn; put the kernels on a sheet of damp kitchen paper at the bottom of a lidded container and cover with more damp paper. Place the lid back and put in a warm dark place. Check after a day
or two and you will see that the seed kernels have swollen, and a hairy root will have started to grow. These can then be placed carefully into deep pots of compost.
THIN OUT
Sowings of very small seeds often result in seedlings growing too close together. Water the compost and pull out some of the seedlings, leaving well- spaced-out seedlings that will thrive.
PRICK OUT
This is the process of moving seedlings, that have grown their second set of leaves, into individual pots to develop further. Always hold the seedling by
the leaves and never by the stem or root and insert the seedling into the compost so the seed leaves are almost touching the compost. This will create a sturdier plant and encourage more root formation from the stems.
Once the seed receives the right amount of moisture and heat, it will start to germinate, growing first a root and then seed leaves
HARDEN OFF
The foliage and stems of young plants grown indoors need to get used to the outside climate before they can be
left outside or transplanted into the growing bed. Move the plants outside during the day and in at night for a couple of weeks for them to harden up.
FROST RISK
Lots of plants that we grow, especially annuals, are tender and, once they
are hardened off, can be planted out when there is no chance that they will be subject to frost. The last frost varies depending on regional climate – ask other gardeners on site.
TRANSPLANT
This describes the process of moving the plant to its final growing space where it will flower and produce a crop.
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 15