I've started transplanting out my first seed trays, both at home and at the allotment. Recall I've been trying out a new-to-me method using waste wool sheets under a layer of compost in my trays. I have been playing around a little with this, as it's kind of awkward to cut the wool sheet apart once the seedlings are growing in it; I've tried putting a little ball of wool inside individual pots, and also have tried tearing up the sheets into smaller wispy bits and using these as the first layer in a tray. I haven't yet transplanted any of these additional experiments.
However my first transplants, a small row of lettuces growing in wool, have taken remarkably well and seem to have begun growing immediately upon planting out--no sign of transplant shock. Perhaps I helped them along slightly by covering the row in mesh (to protect from bird damage), but I think it was probably more due to the wool.
I have transplanted my first tray of corn too, but these I did slightly differently; they were sown into modules instead of trays, with no space for wool. When planting out, I put a little wad of wispy wool in the bottom of each hole before placing the seedling on top. These are also covered in mesh until they find their feet, but I hope they'll be up and running by the end of the week. I have one more tray of corn to go up at the allotment (within a few days hopefully).
There are lots more trays to go, including beets, kale, cabbage and more; plus the indoor grown modules/pots such as beans and tomatoes--like the corn, these have been gradually hardened off outside as it's grown warmer; they are ready to go as soon as I can snatch a few minutes.
No comments:
Post a Comment