Watering newly sown seeds

[cazp]

I know this is a basic question, but when it comes to watering newly sown seeds in propagators at home, what is the best way of avoid over/under watering?

I had a low germination rate on the last batch on a variety of seeds and suspect I overwatered. I sat the modules in water after sowing until there was quite a lot of moisture on the surface - the soil stayed quite damp for several days afterwoods.

Last night I sowed more and after covering the seeds with compost fresh from the bag I generously sprayed the surface with a fine plant sprayer - I'm confident the water got to the depth of the seed but no water came from the bottom of the pots.

[Jeanied]

Maybe you let them soak a bit too long cazp? I have seen on Gardeners world - Monty waters from the top with a very fine rose, and Carol prefers to put the seed tray in a tray of water - apparently this method helps to draw the seeds into the compost at the same time. I usually put a dribble of water on the top.

[Two_Sheds]

when it comes to watering newly sown seeds in propagators at home, what is the best way of avoid over/under watering?

how to water seedlings - YouTube

[piskieinboots]

I do a mix of Monty/Carol's method - for big seeds (courgettes etc) I water from the top - for small seeds (carrots etc) I do a Carol and stick 'em in a bowl of water til the compost just appears damp.

[cazp]

I think I did let them soak to long...

so if watering from the top (as I did with my sprayer yesterday) is it correct to say I don't need to see water running out of the bottom of the pot to know they are watered sufficiently? does the soil need to be just "barely" moist.

[Florence Fennel]

In my propagator, I put water in the bottom, put in trays of compost. When compost is damp, I pour out any excess water in the bottom of the prop, put trays back in, sow seed and replace lids.

[cazp]

Just seen the extra two posts... thanks for the extra advice... will check out the video too.

[Two_Sheds]

does the soil need to be just "barely" moist.

The soil around the seed needs to be just moist. Too much water causes all kinds of problems

[Potstubsdustbins]

I water the compost and leave it for 1/2 hour, then set the seeds and cover with cling film or similar. They then should not need watering until germination.

Colin

[hamesy]

I think I'm over watering too. I've had some rocket germinate, but I'm having problems with my beans.

[Madasafish]

Too cold for beans at present here..

[rustylady]

If your seed trays or pots or whatever seem really wet after you've sown your seeds then sit them on kitchen towel or newspaper to absorb the excess water.

[Two_Sheds]

Too cold for beans at present here..

My last frost is in about a fortnight: so my beans have been sown and are in the cold gh, ready and waiting

[hamesy]

Too cold for beans at present here..

I'm got them in a propagator to give them an early start, but nothings come up yet. I'll sow some more at the end of the month and see what happens with them.

[CimaDirapa]

how to water seedlings - YouTube

Did anyone try the watering method of the third clip in this youtube page