6. Working with Seeds and Seedlings

With an existing greenhouse we commence with the propagation of seeds. Everything starts in the greenhouse and is moved out into raised beds when the seedlings are big enough to look after themselves. Our seeds are mainly heirlooms from The Diggers Club, although after a recent two week holiday in Tasmania we discovered another, Southern Harvest at the Salamanca Market in Hobart. Both are promoters of heirlooms.

So, why do we only grow heirloom seeds? Heirloom seeds are untouched, unaltered, and unmanipulated by large multinational corporations. They have been collected over decades by small organisations who believe that the protection of our seed heritage is vital. We also collect seeds at the end of each crop to continue this heritage. As a result we produce a greater variety of each vegetable and they taste much better.

Most of our seeds are raised in segmented seed punnets consisting of between four (4) and twenty (20) sectors. Seeds are sown by pouring seed raising mixture into each segment to about three quarters of the height of the segment, then shaking a few seeds into that sector and covering them with a little more seed raising mixture. It doesn't require a thick covering on the top, just a modest covering and gently press the soil down. Mist spray the punnets, don't use the shower setting on your watering head (or anything similar). Many seeds are tiny and are easily disturbed.

Only shake a few seeds into each segment. Remember, you are only trying to feed yourselves, not the rest of the neighbourhood. Also it is handy to keep some seeds in reserve. For example, these radish seedlings will develop very quickly and will be fully grown in as little as thirty (30) days. If you eat them as quickly as we do you will need a follow up crop. If you sow radish seedlings every month you will have plenty of radishes for as long as you need.

We have learnt through trial and error that a four (4) segment punnet is all that is required for each different vegetable we eat. We don't need any more immediately and it means we retain much of our seed. But it also means that once we have planted these out we can use the same punnet to plant the next crop.

So, when is a seedling big enough to transplant. The first leaves created by a seedling are called the seed leaves and are not true leaves. They are there to get the plant started. Do not plant out your seedlings if they are only showing the seed leaf. The next layer of leaf is the true leaf and then at least the seedling is beginning its true growth. I usually wait until the third layer of leaf has developed and then plant out the seedling;

These cucumber seedlings have been planted out, but in this case have been transferred to polystyrene boxes to be developed in the greenhouse. Radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, most herbs, and strawberries grow particularly well in a greenhouse. Just remember to mulch them very well and water often.

Some seeds can be planted out immediately including these peas and garlic. Pumpkin, beans, zucchini, corn and potatoes can also be planted out immediately. Mulch as soon as you have planted; seedlings will find their own way of reaching the sunshine. Water them in as soon as you have mulched. Remember that climbing plants will need to be staked before the seedling has appeared. If you do it afterwards you run the risk of driving a stake through your root system.

If planted out correctly and heavily mulched your result should look something like these potatoe seedlings. A promise of things to come. By the way I recommend pea straw or sugar cane mulch. Please don't use wood chips!