New to Sowing Veggie Seeds....

[IslandAnne]

My first seeds have germinated....

.... and the winners are my 50p B&Q radishes

Next question - how long do I leave my germinated seedlings in their modules (40 module tray) before I transplant them?

[Two_Sheds]

how long's a piece of string? Radishes aren't going to like getting squashed, so get them in the ground pronto.

otherwise, I plant out modules when the plants look big enough to cope with life in the open, or when the roots appear out the bottom, or when space becomes available outside.

[MrsCordial]

Hi Anne,

I'm a semi-newbie, and this year planted things in cell trays for the first time. I started too early (March) and planted too much - cell trays are all fine and good, but imagine if everything germinates and then needs to go in its own 3" pot for a few weeks - you'll feel like you're living in Day of the Triffids! I'm fortunate to have space in my house, but I have no greenhouse and not many sunny patches, certainly not for the vast number of potted-on seedllings I have now.

So my only advice would be to sow in cells when you're sure you'll be able to plant things out within a shortish amount of time, and don't go crazy. You've had loads of good advice in this thread (I've found it really useful too) esp about sowing direct into the soil, which should help to keep things under control in the house

[Samurailord]

.... and the winners are my 50p B&Q radishes

Next question - how long do I leave my germinated seedlings in their modules (40 module tray) before I transplant them?

I would look to transplant from modules into larger pots as soon as the seedlings have produced their second set of 'true leaves' (the third set of leaves you get - the first are seed leaves).

For plants that will eventually be quite large (cabbages, cauliflowers, squashes, tomatoes etc) I would replant each seedling into a separate pot. (This is what is known as 'pricking out/on')

I would plant the radish straight into the ground where you want them - they dont really like having their roots disturbed so the sooner you can get them in the better, as long as the soil isnt too wet and cold still.

For plants like lettuce, herbs and spring onions I wouldn't try to separate the individual plants from the modules (as long as there are no more than 3-4 seedlings per module), I would just put the entire contents of the module into a larger pot, and let them grow on a bit more before planting out into their final positions in your garden.

Whenever you plant out, dont forget to protect the seedlings from slugs and snails.

Brassicas will also need some form of protection from the cabbage White caterpillars later in the season too.

The Square Foot Gardening book will give you loads of ideas.

However you do it, make sure to have fun and learn from your mistakes.

Andy

[MrsCordial]

Andy's comments about protection from pests reminds me - I usually put seedlings out under an old plastic milk or pop bottle (lid on - chop off the bottom) until they look established. It gves protection and warmth and reminds you where you planted things. If I'm planting seeds for something big that I want to protect individually then I'll put those under a bottle too, but if I'm sowing something like spinach or carrots I wouldn't bother.