Using a Seed Bed

[MarkHackwell]

Does anyone use a seed bed? and what do you sow in it?

[Bigmallly]

I tried sowing Brassicas in a 3'x3' netted seed bed but found I over sowed & they just tangled together. I also should have spaced them out more.

[Alison]

I don't really sow much direct (only carrots, parsnips etc) so I suppose my seed bed is technically pots

[Penellype]

I much prefer sowing in pots or trays and planting out from there. You can keep a much closer eye on things and the seedlings are protected from slugs, snails and cats. Severeal previous attempts at seed beds for brassicas and leeks have resulted in total failure.

[Kristen]

My seedbeds is pots too. I raise everything I can in pots and plant out. Means I can "sow" evenings after dark, regardless of weather, etc. and sow a bit early - and a lot early compared to when my wet, heavy, clay would actually be ready for being worked in the Spring.

Olden days a seedbed would have been used for Brassicas, Leeks and so on. I grow my leeks in a polystyrene fish tray (cat litter tray would do), but the rest are in pots.

[heirloomsquash]

to learn use seed bed you need to find an old veg growing book pre 1950 " Specialization in the garden" by Hampshire is one such book.

[solway cropper]

I really can't see why anyone would want or need to use a seed bed for home veg production. As others say, sowing in pots/modules ensures you only put out healthy and strong plants and at the right spacing.

Before the advent of the plastic pot/module/tray it would have been difficult and expensive to grow individual plants so why go back to doing things the hard way. To me it's a bit like people who drive around in vintage cars. I'd always opt for a syncromesh gearbox and a heater that actually works!

[lottie dolly]

I tried it 1 year,some grew well,other not,i find it easier to sow seed in a small pot,and prick out into their own pots,i find using a deeper pot like cheap plastic cups brilliant,you can write direct onto the pot what it is,thus no labels to loose,and it wipes of clean for reuse with the aid of surgical spirit,this method suits brasica a real treat

[Kristen]

Seed trays and pots need watering and ventilation (e.g. if in greenhouse, so they don't cook). For anyone absent during the day maybe a seed bed would still be a good alternative? Watering when-you-can would be sufficient I reckon.