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In 'ask the experts' (p.71 of the June issue of GYO) there was a box on the technique of Fluid Sowing. This works well with small seeds which are difficult to space accurately and often don't germinate well.
The article mentioned that one difficulty with fluid sowing is that starch-based wallpaper pastes which were initially recommended, frequently contain fungicides and should NOT be used for this technique. Wallpaper pastes without fungicides can be hard to come by and may be one reason why the system has fallen into disuse.
For what it's worth, culinary agar (derived from seaweeds and used in oriental cooking) forms a safe and satisfactory substitute. Though it is a bit more expensive, I have used it for years to fluid sow carrot seedlings in the open with excellent results.
Anyone else have suggestions?
Gandalf
The article mentioned that one difficulty with fluid sowing is that starch-based wallpaper pastes which were initially recommended, frequently contain fungicides and should NOT be used for this technique. Wallpaper pastes without fungicides can be hard to come by and may be one reason why the system has fallen into disuse.
For what it's worth, culinary agar (derived from seaweeds and used in oriental cooking) forms a safe and satisfactory substitute. Though it is a bit more expensive, I have used it for years to fluid sow carrot seedlings in the open with excellent results.
Anyone else have suggestions?
Gandalf
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