capping!

[Headfry]

how can I stop my soil capping.
and would this be why my spring sown red onion sets just are not growing?
in fact the seem to be 'un' growing
help please

[HeyWayne]

This any good to ya HF?

Soil Structure Breakdown & Compaction - Surface capping

[Headfry]

Yes that does help HW thanks......more organic stuff me thinks

[gojiberry]

Capping shouldn't be to much of a problem for onion sets. Get the hoe going and you will solve the problem. Don't use the hoe much myself as I chop into to many plants etc, I do use a hand fork an awful lot to keep weeds down and the top soil loose and aerated.

Ian

[snohare]

Any point in mulching, or are they too small ?

[Cutecumber]

Goji/ Snohare - capping occurs after sowing and prevents the seedlings from breaking the surface. You can't hoe until the seedlings are through and growing well.

If you have sown into a soil that has a tendency to cap, try covering it until the seedlings have germinated. A low home-made tunnel (a bit of fleece and some coathangers, for example) or a line of cloches will do. Otherwise, top the seed drill with compost rather than soil. Obviously you don't need much height, you just want to prevent rain from hitting the surface directly. If you really need to water before the seedlings are through, do it very gently and slowly to avoid compaction.

[Mrs Dobby]

One easy way to prevent capping is to cover the seedlings with a line of compost instead of putting soil back over them. Not only does this then allow you to see where to water and where to hoe, but also prevents capping! It was a tip I picked up from the 'vine last year I think! Hope it helps!

[gojiberry]

I was associating capping in relation to onion sets when I mentioned hoeing. I would agree that the use of compost or fleece is useful when seed sowing to prevent capping. I have had capping of MP compost in ind pots after seeds have germinated especially with brassicas. I just remove the firm bit of cap when planting out.

Ian

[Mrs Dobby]

Just thought I'd add this piccy, I managed to get it the other night on the plot, showing the use of compost for planting, make the seed drill, put the seeds in and then cover with compost to prevent capping and to show you where to hoe and where the seedlings should be coming up! Hope its of some help!

[Two_Sheds]

top the seed drill with compost rather than soil. .

Yes, this worked for my carrots this year. My soil is really crusty, and the carrot seedlings just can't break through it.