Seed sowing is still the most legitimate, assured, and rewarding way of growing new plants. The stages of seed germination and seedling formation are the most sensitive and vulnerable stages of a plant's life. For successful germination of seeds, the method of sowing should be accurate. Due to inaccurate sowing practices, many times seeds fail to sprout.
Many amateur gardeners make a mistake of sowing all their seeds outdoors, under full sunlight, directly on the ground. If the seeds are not suitable for such kind of sowing method, there is a danger of such seeds getting washed away, blown away by winds, getting buried under the soil & not germinating at all. Small, sensitive seeds with low germination rates should be sown in seedling trays to avoid all this trouble.
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Seedling trays or seed trays are made up of foldable plastic material. There are cells (holes) throughout the trays. These cells should be filled with sowing medium like soil, cocopeat or sand. Depending on the type of plants, 2-3 seeds are sown in each cell. Trays are watered regularly as the seeds germinate. Young seedlings can be kept in these trays safely for 3-4 weeks under semi-shade till they are ready to be transplanted on the field or in bigger containers.
But how to grow plants in seedling trays is a process we'll get to later. First let's look at why it's good to start seeds and plants in these trays!
• What is a Seedling Tray?
A seedling tray is a shallow, multi-celled container used to start seeds or propagate plants from cuttings. Each cell in the tray is designed to hold a small amount of soil or growing medium, providing a controlled environment for individual seedlings. Seedling trays are typically made of plastic or biodegradable materials and are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport. They help in managing seedling growth by allowing for proper drainage, root development, and spacing, making them an essential tool for gardeners who want to start plants indoors or protect young plants during early growth stages.
• Benefits of Seed Growing Trays
1. Controlled Indoor Environment
Seeds can be sown indoors, under the safety and watchful eye of a grower. This controlled environment ensures optimal conditions for germination and early growth. Temperature, humidity, and light can be regulated to maximize seedling success.
2. Protection from Harsh Weather
Seeds and seedlings are protected from harsh weather conditions. This protection is crucial during sensitive early growth stages when exposure to extreme temperatures or weather events could harm or kill young plants.
3. Year-Round Plant Starting
Plants can be started any time of the year by sowing seeds in seed growing trays. This flexibility allows growers to extend their growing season, especially in climates with short or unpredictable growing periods.
4. Portability and Convenience
Seed germination trays are easy to carry around and can be transported from one place to another without harming the plants. This portability is advantageous for gardeners who may need to move seedlings indoors or outdoors based on weather conditions or space availability.
5. Preparation Time Advantage
By the time seedlings are growing in trays, the grower has the luxury of preparing the primary field or containers where the plants are to be transplanted. This sequential planning ensures that plants are transplanted into well-prepared soil or containers, optimizing their growth potential.
6. Versatility in Propagation
Seed planting trays allow for more than just seed planting. Apart from seeds, even soft stem cuttings can be planted in these trays for induction of new roots, facilitating a vegetative way of plant propagation. This versatility expands the grower's options for multiplying plants.
7. Reusability and Sustainability
Seed germination trays are reusable and good for more than just giving your seeds space to germinate. After transplantation of seedlings, a new round of seeds can be sown in the same trays, allowing for continuous use. This sustainability reduces waste and cost, making seedling trays an environmentally friendly option for plant propagation.
• How to Germinate Seeds in Trays
1. Prepare the Seedling Tray
Fill each cell of the seedling tray with a quality seed-starting mix. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged, as this will provide the ideal environment for seed germination.
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2. Sow the Seeds
Place one or two seeds in each cell, depending on the seed size and germination rate. Lightly press the seeds into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of the seed-starting mix as required by the seed type.
3. Water Gently
After sowing, water the seeds gently using a fine spray or mist to avoid displacing them. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy throughout the germination process.
4. Provide Proper Lighting
Place the seedling tray in a location with ample sunlight or under grow lights. Seeds typically require 12-16 hours of light per day to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings.
5. Maintain Optimal Temperature and Humidity
Cover your seed growing tray with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect, maintaining warmth and humidity. Keep the tray in a warm spot, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
6. Monitor and Transplant
Once the seedlings develop a set of true leaves, gradually remove the cover to acclimate them to room conditions. When the seedlings are strong enough, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.
