To cover, or not to cover

[NoTWHaTiTWaSNT]

Hi Guys,
Somewhat confused over whether to to cover planted seeds with a plastic bag so as to keep moist / damp? and if not, then how do I tell when to water?

Had problem in past where top of pot is dry, making me think needs water, and then have over watered.

Any tips here please

TIA

[redser]

Yes. I always cover my pots, modules and trays with cling film. It will keep the moisture in and stop the compost drying out. But keep checking for germination. Once you see the first seed germinate, take it off. The rest of the seeds should follow soon.
Always water seedlings from the bottom by sitting the container in a dish of water and let the compost soak it up until the surface glistens. Then drain off any excess water and you should be good for a few days. You'll get to know when more water is needed by the weight of the container.

[NoTWHaTiTWaSNT]

Thanks for that redser

[Alison]

I think it depends on the seed. I never bother with salad stuffs, hardy annuals, French / runner beans or brassicas and I only do for my first peas, the last couple of rows I've sown gave just been straight into guttering in the coke greenhouse. It depends really on if the seed needs additional warmth provided by the cover.


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[MrsCordial]

I tend to plant in lidded cell trays and remove the lid when germination starts. From doing that this year I've learnt to plant trays of similar things, so that you're not worrying either that the germinated things will rot with the lid on, or the ungerminated won't germinate with the lid off

Currently I have two germinated aubergine seedlings I'm terrified of killing, and the rest of the tray of various other things ungerminated. This is what comes of giving children a free hand with what they sow

[Greenleaves]

When I first saw the title I thought it was a new Shakespeare play

I use lidding on my seed trays but drill holes in them to allow good air circulation but moisture is still retain.

for pots I use pop bottles with the bottom cut off and can regulate humidity by opening or closing the cap

[NoTWHaTiTWaSNT]

for pots I use pop bottles with the bottom cut off and can regulate humidity by opening or closing the cap

Thanks for that tip

[Two_Sheds]

Had problem in past where top of pot is dry, ...and then have over watered.

The soil surface should be dry.
Stand your pots in a container of water and let them drink for about 10 mins.



If the soil is soaking wet, you risk rotting and sciarid flies

[messygarden]

Great pic twosheds, i water the plants from the bottom too and yes covering the sown seeds in plastic helps germination

[NoTWHaTiTWaSNT]

Always water seedlings from the bottom by sitting the container in a dish of water and let the compost soak it up until the surface glistens. Then drain off any excess water and you should be good for a few days. You'll get to know when more water is needed by the weight of the container.

The soil surface should be dry.
Stand your pots in a container of water and let them drink for about 10 mins.

Bit confused here guys, Is it the surface should be dry and then water - oR - The surface should be dry all the time??

[Alison]

I've never noticed any glistening but if you do as TS says and let them soak up for about 10 mins then they'll soak up what they need so you'll be fine. After you've been doing it for a while you can feel by the weight of the pot how much in need of watering it is.