Seed sowing equipment - what do I really need?

[Bluemchen]

My birthday is coming up, and I need some seed sowing equipment to fill my plot with 100% home-grown produce!

I was thinking of some root trainers, a few (how many?) trays of modules, some watering trays to soak them in, a bag of grit... is a potting up tray necessary for holding compost - I presume it does make for a much tidier job. What about 'pressing trays' (?? for firming compost)

I also only have one slatted bench (1.5m long, 45cm wide) in my 3x3m greenhouse. What kind of staging would you recommend?

What does everyone find indispensable?

Thanks
Bluemchen xx

[Capsid]

I find potting up and pricking out much better with a bench. I made one myself out of spare plywood; it only needs to have a base, a back and two sides. A stand is helpful but you can use the greenhouse benching.

Modules and pots are essential. Soaking trays are good although a fine rose is sufficient. To firm the compost, I'd use a home made piece of wood. Makes note to do so before next spring.

What is really indispensable is the potting compost, Wickes are doing a good deal at the moment. Come spring it might be dearer.

[Comfreyfan]

I have a folding potting tray - it's a small square of tarpaulin material, the corners popper together to form sides - I can do my potting wherever I choose, in the greenhouse, indoors or outside and when I've finished it folds up into a small square and takes up no room at all.

I treated myself to some root trainers this year and was really pleased with them, I'll get some more if Santa leaves some money at Christmas! I never seem to have enough modules (or enough windowsills to hold them all)!

[Alice]

A potting up tray is a godsend Bleumchen. It doesn't have to be an expensive, bought , thing, but something you can tip your compost into and fill trays and pots from there. Trying to work straight out of the compost bag is twice the work.
And a bench to work on is great. Likewise you don't have to buy, you can rig something up if you need to. Likewise a pressing tray you do need but can make from anything.
On the other hand, if you have birthday money to spend , you can buy lovely ones.
The other indispensable is something for lifting out little seedlings. You can use the handle of a spoon, a spatula or buy some lovely little gadget.
Enjoy your seed raising - I'm getting itchy little planting fingers just talking about it.

[zazen999]

Out of all my equipment, I'd go for root trainers and a big tray - anything else can be made/bodged/pilfered from around the house but a good big tray of compost and roottrainers gets things off to a fine start. Plus you can take it into the kitchen in the winter and sow your seeds in the warm with a coffee and the radio!

Don't forget I'm starting an Onion Thread just after Christmas, for those who have difficulty with the Allium family or who just want to join in sowing stuff over the festive season - everyone welcome [shameless promotion]

[lynda66]

Don't forget I'm starting an Onion Thread just after Christmas, for those who have difficulty with the Allium family or who just want to join in sowing stuff over the festive season - everyone welcome [shameless promotion]

i just wanna see what you're gonna do to my leeks to get them to grow lol i got 4 packets specially

the thing i really couldn't do without, is one of those spongey things you kneel on ...... so much less painful than a stone in the knee

[Two_Sheds]

What about 'pressing trays'

what about your hands?

For me, the basics are:
cells/modules (see pic)
loo rolls for longer-rooted things (parsnips, carrots, peas & beans)
a cat litter tray to stand them in for watering and for tidiness (£1)
multi-purpose compost (never used seed compost)
a dibber (or use a pencil or a finger)
some labels (about 1000, they don't last long)

... and a greenhouse.

[Two_Sheds]

A potting up tray is a godsend Bleumchen. It doesn't have to be an expensive

they are useful, and tidy. We got one from PoundStretcher

[Two_Sheds]

the thing i really couldn't do without, is one of those spongey things you kneel on ...

husband ?
.

[emilymup]

I bought myself one of those gardening buckets, the soft ones with handles that come in different sizes and colours. Used it all the time, just chucked a bag of compost in it and used it to fill pots etc without making a huge mess on the ground - I don't get on with filling pots straight out of the compost bags! I just keep the compost covered with the bag to keep it moist and stop any nasties getting into the compost. Plus, it is bright pink so I don't 'lose' it in the garden!

[Two_Sheds]

I bought myself one of those gardening buckets, the soft ones!

Bendy buckets!
I love 'em, so useful.

[MaureenHall]

For labels I cut up plastic containers (butter spread / margarine etc) and use a fine marker pen to write on. Best thing about this is it's FREE! and you can cut them to whatever size you want too

[zazen999]

bendy buckets are fab...not essential but fab.

[womble]

Has anyone tried those seed dispensers?

I saw on at the garden centre yesterday, seems a good idea for tiny seeds like carrots and lettuce.

If they work that is.

[Two_Sheds]

Has anyone tried those seed dispensers?

I avoid spending money if at all possible.
You can make tiny seed easier to sow by mixing it first with some sand.