PDC LESSON 3.26 NURSERY – SEED RAISING MIXTURES

  

                  

PERMACULTURE COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

PDC LESSON 3.26 NURSERY – SEED RAISING MIXTURES

 

Seed raising mixture

 

2 parts of sharp sand with 1 part of peat moss or coconut fibre peat

(well-prepared compost can also be used)

 

•         Vermiculite is good as it can absorb large amounts of water and nutrients. Vermiculite is expanded mica- and the tiny root particles can penetrate its particles.

•         Perlite is of volcanic origin and is mined from lava flows. It has no nutrients.

•         Add 1 part of vermiculite/ perlite to 2 parts of sharp sand

•         Use 50:50 vermicast with sharp sand

•         Fertiliser should not be added to seed raising mixtures as the seeds themselves do not use fertiliser to germinate. The young emerging roots may get burnt with it. (Although vermicast does not burn tiny rootlets so it is a very safe and beneficial ingredient to use in potting mixes

•         Garden soil is fraught with difficulties such as soil-borne disease and compaction in containers.

•         Water retentive gels or granules can be used as well.

 

A good potting mix should have a balanced pH, should be well aerated, drains well and is easy to re-wet after drying out.