Sowing in modules:simple tip

[BertieFox]

When sowing in modules for planting on, especially with plants where root disturbance might be a problem, always put a couple of centimetres of vermiculite in the bottom of each cell before filling up with compost.

Not only does the vermiculite retain moisture which helps keep the cells damp, but the roots will easily grow into it and make removal of each seedling far easier without damaging them. Usually the entire root ball comes away intact with the vermiculite encasing it, while with compost I have often found the tiny roots get broken off at this stage.

This works particularly well with things like beans and other pulses which like deep modules, and sweetcorn where root disturbance is not good.

[Chef_uk]

Great tip. I resorted to cutting my modules this year thus rendering them useless afterwards

[rustylady]

There are drainage holes in the bottom of modules, right?

Make sure there is a good root system before attempting to remove the plants, then poke the blunt end of a pencil up into the hole. Simples.

[lottie dolly]

as RL says,if you do it when slightly drier,they are easier,a good tip is,remove them all before you tranceplant,saves time and frustration,

[Two_Sheds]

Vermiculite isn't a good choice from an environmental perspective*, and it really isn't necessary. I did use it one year, didn't find any particular benefits, and now I don't buy it.



Mining Journal - Vermiculite - 2005

* it has to be mined, mostly from S.Africa. It has to be shipped, using fossil fuels. Miners aren't necessarily getting the best pay & conditions

[SarzWix]

You took the words right out of my mouth TS

[Stacey Steve]

Looks pretty though

[BertieFox]

So I guess you guys don't use petrol or diesel, which both have to be transported around the world after very dubious mining or drilling operations and terrible pollution records, not to mention using other minerals like copper? And you never use any peat but stick entirely to peat free composts made in the UK using no imported products? I wonder?

I was suggesting the use of a tiny amount of this completely inert and harmless material in a few seed modules, not using it in sackloads on the allotment, and in fact, a sack full (which would insulate less than two square feet of loft) lasts me a year or more!

I DO find it enormously helpful in seed sowing of all kinds not to mention taking cuttings and rooting many things that don't succeed in compost alone or sand. Nothing else retains moisture in the same way without causing rotting.

However, we should all stick to what we prefer but I really don't think I am some kind of environmental vandal just because I use a small amount of this stuff, the main purpose of which is to provide house insulation by its use in vast quantities!

[SarzWix]

I think giving a balanced view is always a good idea, and most people don't know where or how vermiculite is produced. If one is trying to minimise one's impact on the planet, then it's good to be informed.

[Two_Sheds]

So I guess you guys don't use petrol or diesel

No need to jump down anyone's throat. This is an open forum, and an exchange of views is the whole idea.

You put forward a suggestion: someone else points out why this might be a good or a bad idea. eg, I say you can compost human poo: someone else disagrees with me. I don't jump up and down and accuse them of being a Nazi.

There's no need for you, or anyone else, to take it personally.

So I guess you guys don't use petrol or diesel

Actually I do, when cycling or walking isn't an option. I always try to use the least-damaging option, eg voting Labour when UKiP or Tory are the only other choices on the ballot card.

[veggiechicken]

Sounds like a good tip and I'm going to try it as I have a large bag of vermiculite that was left over after the Aga was installed. Thank you Bertie

[Alison]

Personally I've never got on with vermiculite at all, it's never given me any advantages and it's another thing to bother using. Also never had any problems getting things out modules so long as you wait until the plant fills the pot and the roots hold it together but if it works for you then fair enough.