Creating seedbeds Seedling trays are a fundamental step for successfully starting many types of crops, whether in a small urban garden, a home garden, or for larger-scale production. Seed trays allow seeds to germinate under controlled conditions, allow for earlier sowing times, select strong seedlings, and achieve more staggered harvests. In this article, you'll learn how to make effective homemade seed trays, what containers to use, how to prepare the substrate, and all the essential tips used by both amateur and experienced growers.
What is a seedbed?
A seedbed is a small, conditioned container that provides optimal conditions of humidity, temperature and light for seed germination before transplanting to their final destination. Not all plants require a seedbed to germinate, as some root species such as carrots, beets, or radishes prefer to be sown directly in the ground, while species such as tomatoes, lettuce, eggplant, or ornamental flowers develop better if the cycle begins in a seedbed. You can also learn more about how to make seedbeds to optimize your results.
Advantages of using seedbeds
- Progress in sowing, taking advantage of the interior heat of the home or greenhouse before the outside temperature is ideal.
- Improves germination with temperature and humidity control, even in unfavorable times.
- space optimization in the garden by reserving the ground while the plants are still growing in trays or containers.
- Allows you to select the most vigorous seedlings and healthy.
- Possibility of experimenting with local varieties or less commercial.
- favors learning and the participation of children or amateurs in the germination process.
Where and when to prepare the seedbeds?
The ideal place must ensure good lighting and stable temperature. It can be used anywhere from a greenhouse to inside the house, near south-facing windows. It's also common to use boxes, plastic tunnels, pots, trays, or even the protected soil itself. In temperate zones, it's possible to sow spring crops early in the seedbed, germinating them weeks before transplanting, to take advantage of the full growing cycle. For more tips, check out the seedbeds.
Types of containers and materials for homemade seedbeds
- Alveolar trays: ideal for germination, they allow each plant to be separated and avoid competition for space.
- Biodegradable pots: suitable for plants with delicate roots (such as cucumber, zucchini, etc.).
- Egg cartons and egg cups: ecological and biodegradable option, easy to transplant into the ground.
- Recycled packaging: yogurt cups, cut bottles, cartons or small plastic containers, ensuring drainage holes.
- Eggshells: eco-friendly, they provide calcium to the transplant and are planted directly.
- Diary paper: individual cones, very easy to make.
- Cardboard rolls: Simple and biodegradable cardboard tubes for toilet paper or kitchen paper.
- Portable boxes and seedbeds: made of wood, plastic or metal for larger quantities.
How to prepare the ideal substrate for seedbeds
The substrate is key to successful germination. It must be light, airy, moisture-retaining and nutrient-richMany stores offer specific substrates for seedlings, but you can also prepare your own mix at home, including humus and improving aeration with perlite and vermiculite. These proportions provide a substrate with excellent germination capacity, good drainage, and easy handling for tender roots.
Steps to make your own seedbeds
- Clean thoroughly the container chosen to avoid diseases.
- Make drainage holes sufficient at the base (no less than three) to prevent waterlogging.
- Fill with substrate slightly moistened, without caking.
- Sow the seeds at the recommended depth for each species (usually shallow, although this can vary). You can also learn how to germinate seeds at home with tutorials like how to germinate seeds at home.
- Spray with water to ensure humidity, using a spray to avoid displacing the seeds.
- Place the seedbed in a bright location but without direct sunlight., preferably with at least 8 hours of light a day.
- Label each seedbed to differentiate species and varieties.
Key care for obtaining strong seedlings
- Keep humidity constant but avoid overwatering. Using a bottom tray allows for capillary watering.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature that could paralyze development.
- Provides good ventilation and check for the appearance of fungi or pathogens; if you need help, visit how to remove fungus from plants.
- Provide sufficient lighting to prevent the thinning of the shoots.
- Thin the seedlings leaving the most vigorous ones when more than one seed has germinated per space.
- Protects against night frosts using straw, non-woven fabrics or plastics that retain heat and prevent leaks.
- Weed regularly to prevent the invasion of weeds.
Common mistakes to avoid in seedbeds
- Sowing too many seeds per cell, causing difficult thinning and competition between plants.
- Use low-quality substrates, with poor aeration or pathogens.
- Burying seeds too deep, preventing germination.
- Lack or excess watering, generating root asphyxia or desiccation.
- Lack of adequate sunlight, causing weak plants or even their death.
Taking care of all these details ensures robust seedlings ready to transplant at the right time. Working in seedbeds is patient, artisanal, and, in addition to being practical, represents a unique opportunity to experiment, recycle, and enjoy the entire life cycle of plants. Make your own seedbeds and get the best results in your garden!
