Sowing

there are three ways scatter sow, grid sow, container sowing, direct sowing.

Scatter sow

Pricking about

When seeds have been scatter sowed Prick out after first true leaves have appeared

Grid sow

Use a grid to reduce the effort of pricking out and potting on

  1. Fill tray to top
  2. Water down
  3. Sow seeds
  4. Sprinkle more soil on top
  5. Water well one pass for each of the rows sown

Container sow

Container is a usually plastic tray of separate cells with 32, 50, 72, 105, 128, and 200 cells

  1. Fill the container
  2. tamp down using other Container
  3. sow seed in each pot
  4. Sprinkle more soil on top
  5. Water well one pass for each of the rows

Only make sure to plant root ball

Watering

Do not allow to become leggy Water edges as this is where it dries out first Spray water upwards to it falls like gentle rain When watering in bed make sure hose stays in alleyway and does not drag across plants in the bed.

Transplant shock

Squashes need to be sown in separate pots, or seed blocks so when transplanted the roots are not disturbed and the transplant shock is minimal

Direct Sowing

If direct sowing then ensure the space between the seeds are at a minimum wide enough for the smallest hoe to make weeding possible. Failing that just scatter sow but be prepared to thin out afterwards/

Season Extension

basic principles of season extension and identify which strategy is appropriate for each context.