Six Seed-Starting Tips

The Organic Gardener, Sheena Adams, shares her top six seed-starting tips.

• Add 10 per cent ground fine corncobs to your seed-starting soil to increase germination and produce a stronger plant. As the meal breaks down, it ties up excess nitrogen, preventing premature growth in young seedlings.
• When watering be sure to use a spray bottle or mist nozzle so as not to damage young seedlings.
• For extra heat use a heating cable with thermostat set at 21°C, or use a seedling warmer mat.
• To reduce disease use only fresh sterilized soil when starting seeds.
• If your seedlings are long and leggy, provide extra light. There are many grow lights designed for household lamps that will do the trick.
• Use a gentle fan to add air movement; this will reduce damping off, as well as create a stronger stem.

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