What are modules?

[ClayGarden]

I keep reading this about ways to grow, but what does it mean? Are they special seed trays or something? I hear it cuts down the need for potting up, how come?

[Matt.]

It means sowing seeds into individual compartments rather than a large tray of compost. It means you can deal with individual plants from the outset rather than pricking out seedlings fom the masses to pot on individually.

Almost all the trays and propagators will be modular as will all plants you buy. You can also get mini peat pots as well as making you own paper pots. Some plants can really benefit from modular sowing as it can avoid root disturbance but mostly its about making it easier for you. I guess the downside is the extra soil and compost it uses plus you invest more time at the sowing stage. My guess is you're already using a modular method - you just don't call it by that name!

[Flummery]

You can get inserts for a standard seed tray that have 24 little 'cells' in them. Each of these will produce a plug plant ready to go out - if you sow your seeds one (or 2) per 'cell'. This means that instead of digging your fingers into the soil in the seed tray and disturbing the roots, you can lift the whole plant and its roots and soil out in one go. I find them very convenient - and they don't half save on seed!

[ClayGarden]

ah right i see. currently i have some 2" pots i've been using, same kind of thing i guess. Though i've been putting too much seed in those too - doh!