Propagating Tips

For me February is the month I start to grow my vegetable seedlings – starting first with my tomato plants. Propagating my own seedlings is one of my favorite parts of growing my own veggie garden.

Why to propagate?

• Very satisfying to see your seedlings grow.
• Cheaper - transplants can be expensive.
• It can make a positive difference to the outcome of your garden.
• Helps plants to get through rainy, cold weather.
• Will not bring in unwanted disease and pests to your garden.
• You know how many transplants will be put in your garden.
• Some plants will not grow it seeded directly into your garden ie tomato seeds.

How to start?

• Decide what you want to grow?
• How much space do you have, then choose the best options?
• How many plants will you need?
• When & where will you plant?
• Follow good rotation practices

What do you need?

• Seed cells – you can used almost anything that will hold a small amount of soil ie toilet paper roll, egg carton, milk cartons, rolled up newspaper, plastic seed trays,
• Seed trays – a tray or container to place the seed cells into so they can be easily watered and turned.
• Propagating mix – make your own or purchase a good quality potting soil mix
• Seeds

Vegetable Gardening Tip - The depth you plant your seeds is very important. Check the package for directions or a good rule of thumb is plant the seed to the depth of the size of the seed.

Where to place your trays?

Some good spots are on top of your fridge or in another warm area of your house. However once the seed breaks through the soil the seedling will need lots of overhead light so a greenhouse, cold frame or using grow lights is needed.
Note: A sunny window usually does not provide enough overhead light for the seedling to grow well.

Seeds need light, water, air circulation and heat in some cases.

Watering your seed cells

• Keep the soil moist by gentle sprinkling with water; do not let them dry out.
• Rotate the trays so they get an even amount of light and water.
• Once seedlings get bigger watering from the bottom will help the whole cell to stay moist

Here is more information on planting your vegetable seeds.

Tips to seeding tomatoes

• February and March is the time to plant your tomato seedlings.
• They need bottom heat to germinate.
• Start in large seed cells, then at 8 weeks transplant them into 4 inch pots.
• They will need another 3 to 6 weeks before you transplant them into your garden or containers.
• More tomato growing instructions.

Check out my picture gallery of my tomato propagation.

My new ebooks will help with your planning, check them out.

My 2012 Vegetable Garden Journal is a full package planning/journal book. You get the dates that are best for planting above and below ground crops, tips on how to grow 25 common vegetables, as well as tonnes more info to create a successful garden.

2012 Vegetable Planting Calendar gives you the best dates to plant your vegetable garden by the moon cycles. Learn more about planting by the moon cycles

All will make for wonderful winter reading and will assist in planning for next season. These are perfect gifts for any gardeners on you Christmas list as well.

Other vegetable gardening books written by Catherine Abbott, Your Vegetable Gardening Helper.

• Vegetable Garden Plans for Square foot Gardens
  
• Vegetable Garden Plans for your Rasised Beds
  
• Vegetable Garden Plans for Row Gardening
  
• The Everything Grow Your Own Vegetables Book
  
• The Everything Root Cellaring Book

If you have enjoyed this ezine please tell a friend.

Welcome to the world of vegetable gardening!