Sowing in the nursery

Seeds are sown in a small area and in large numbers. Sowing in a nursery can be done in the ground, under cover or not, or above ground in containers (e.g., terrines, pots, etc.). The young plants will be transplanted in all cases. The specificities of sowing in a nursery: Space saving! Sowing in a nursery allows you to initially grow on a very small area while waiting for the plants to be sufficiently developed. It occupies a small space while the other crops in the vegetable garden are finished. Favorable conditions! The nursery can be installed in a fertile, well-exposed or sheltered location. The climatic conditions (rain, wind, temperatures, etc.) are more favorable, which ensures the plants get a good start to growth. Seeds can also be sown under cover. Easy maintenance! The small areas make it easier to monitor and care for the young plants. An additional step: transplanting: When the seedling has reached a sufficient size, it will be time to transplant the plants raised in the nursery. Young plants are concentrated in large numbers on a small surface area; their root and aerial systems have developed and now require more space. The seedlings have also used the nutrients present in the substrate for their growth. The substrate has therefore become depleted, and the seedlings need new mineral elements. Transplanting varies depending on the species. In all cases, the seedling must be lifted while minimizing damage to the root system. Top dressing is sometimes performed before planting. This involves reducing the root volume to limit water loss from the plant or the aerial volume to encourage the production of new roots. Then transplant the seedling into a new container or directly into place. Transplanting often occurs just a few weeks after sowing. It is important to choose the right time to transfer them outdoors. This operation is done in the evening, particularly in summer, to prevent the seedlings from suffering from the sun's rays. Do not hesitate to shade your rows after transplanting, either with a shade sail or with upturned crates. Sowing requires supervision, whether to limit weed growth or control the presence of possible diseases or pests. Sowing in a nursery, whether in the open ground or above ground, can be done in rows or in pockets, more rarely broadcast. Sowing in rows in a nursery Sowing in the open ground in a nursery is most often done as sowing in rows. However, it is intended to be completely pulled up to replant the young plants at a good distance. Sowing is carried out at a regular depth and maintenance is easier. Onions, leeks, cabbages, celery, lettuce, chicory, wild chicory, spinach, chard, etc., are suitable for this technique. The lines are drawn using a tool handle or a hoe along a string. The seeds are sown at regular intervals at the bottom of the furrow. The furrow is then closed with the tip of a hoe. With the back of a rake, firm down the soil. Broadcast sowing in a nursery Broadcast sowing consists of spreading the seeds on the surface of the soil as evenly as possible. They are then covered with a rake or a layer of potting soil and the surface is lightly compacted with the flat of the rake. Broadcast sowing is more difficult to achieve, it makes maintenance work difficult. Onions, leeks, cabbages, celery and lettuce can be sown this way in a nursery. Sowing in pockets in a nursery Sowing in pockets consists of placing several seeds together at the bottom of holes dug and spaced in a line. The pockets are opened with the tip of the planter, several seeds are placed in it and closed with garden soil or a mixture of potting soil and sand. Pack down with the palm of your hand. This method makes weeding and seed germination easier in difficult terrain. The 3 or 4 seeds placed per pocket will together lift any crust of beating formed on the surface of the soil. It also strengthens wind resistance, the plants will support each other. Finally, it allows for regular germination, without holes, with good air circulation between the plants. Sowing in pockets is used for large seeds: cucumbers, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, melons, herbs, perennials.... Sowing in container nurseries The same sowing techniques mentioned above apply to sowing in above-ground nursery beds. Sowing in pockets is suitable for cell trays and pots, while sowing in trays can be done broadcast or in rows. Firm and water Whichever technique is used, firm down lightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a rake if sowing in open ground to bring the seed into contact with the soil. Water with a light spray using the palm of the watering can. The seed should remain moist until emergence. If conditions become unfavorable (sunlight, drying winds, or heavy rain during emergence), protect the seedlings by covering them. Staggered sowing for regular harvests Do not sow the entire packet of seeds at once. By sowing small quantities several times, every two or three weeks for example, production will be spread out and gardeners will harvest vegetables at the best stage.