How to Sow Tomato and Chilli or Pepper Seeds

Описание: Equipment you need for sowing seeds is:
– seed sowing trays with good drainage holes in the bottom (make sure you sterilise these containers in a bleach solution each time you sow a new crop)
– labels and a marker pen
– something to make rows with, for example a piece of dowel or angle iron
– newspaper
– organic compost
– garden sieve
We prefer to make our own seed-raising mix by sieving organic compost.
Add a spoonful or two of fertiliser. We like Natures Organic Fertiliser because it has more phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) than nitrogen (N) in it, so is good for root growth.
Lay newspaper in the bottom of the tray.
Fill the tray to the top as it will reduce in height when watered.
In a regular seed-sowing tray you can make 4-6 rows. Use a piece of dowel or angle iron to make neat indents.
Next, write labels for the seeds you’re sowing and put the date on the back.
Using your own seeds means they have acclimatised to your conditions and grow into stronger plants year after year.
Sprinkle seeds evenly into the rows. Tomato seeds are hairy, so will lock together. It’s best if they’re separated from each other at this stage as that ensures less root disturbance when you’re pricking them out for transplanting.
Then sprinkle a couple of handfuls of the seed-raising mix over the seeds in the rows.
It’s best not to water the tray from above as that can dislodge the seeds and compact the soil, making it harder for the seeds to push through.
Instead we fill a tub with water to about ¾ the height of the tray and add a capful or two of liquid seaweed to the bath. Seaweed helps prevent any damping off.
Leave seed tray in the bath for about 15 minutes or until it’s fully moist, then take out and leave in a light, warm position. Seeds should germinate in one to two weeks.