Sophie takes the challenge out of planting very small seeds, and shows us how to make our own seed tape at home – a fantastic activity for a rainy winters’ day.
Background
Not everyone is a garden perfectionist, but with some crops, you just have to be. Take carrots for example – if they aren’t well-spaced in their beds, we end up having to thin crops, or, even worse, we end up with stunted and deformed crops that haven’t had sufficient space to do their thing.
Carrot seeds are so small that it can be really challenging to get the spacing just right, which is why seed tapes are a great idea. Seed tapes are essentially a biodegradable tape with perfectly spaced seeds “impregnated” inside. Simply roll them out into prepared garden beds, cover with soil, water in and wait – you’ll have spaced seedling popping their heads up in np time.
But, instead of heading to the nursery and buying pre-packaged seed tape, why not make your own at home? It’s easy, simple, and allows you to use any variety of smaller seed you desire, rather than the varieties the seed manufacturers tell you to!
To Do
The list of things you'll need:
• Flour
• Water
• Scissors
• Toilet paper (non-bleached, non-fragrance is better)
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Small paintbrush
• Seeds
• Small bowl
• Plate
Optional: Tweezers, Airtight bag or container
Procedure:
1. In a small bowl or container, mix the flour and water until a thick paste forms. You're aiming for the consistency of white craft glue or syrup. It should be thick enough to sit on the end of your brush or pencil without dripping.
2. Cut the toilet paper in half, at the length you need. The toilet paper is twice the width you need, so by cutting it in half down the middle, you'll have 2 tapes already measured, or 4 tapes if the paper is two-ply.
3. Use a pencil and ruler to draw marks on the paper according to the seed packet's spacing recommendations.
4. Place the seeds you'll be using on a clean plate and spread them apart so they're easier to pick up.
5. Using the small paintbrush, put small 'dots' or dollops of the paste along one side of the toilet paper strip, on the marks you made.
6. Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to stick one or two seeds to each dot.
7. Fold the other half of the toilet paper over, on top of the seeds. This will seal the seeds inside your seed tape until they're in the ground and ready to germinate. The paste will also keep the paper sealed.
8. Allow the tape to dry, then write the plant and variety name on it.
At this point your seed tape is ready to go. If it's not planting time when you're finished, you'll need to store it in an airtight container, preferably in a cool place. Roll the tape up into a coil, or simply wrap it around an empty toilet paper roll.
To plant the seed tape, prepare your growing area as usual and lay the tape down. Cover it with the appropriate depth of soil and water as usual. The toilet paper will gradually dissolve in time as the seedlings grow.
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