Читать книгу Home Gardener's Propagation (UK Only) - David Squire - Страница 67

1 Dig the soil in winter and in mid-spring use a wooden rake (or large metal type) to level the surface and to remove large stones.

2 To evenly firm the soil, systematically shuffle sideways over the entire area. Then, use a rake to remove the foot marks and to re-level the surface.

3 When the surface is level, use a pointed stick to mark individual sowing areas. Make them of differing sizes. An alternative method is to use sharp sand to define the sowing areas. Make corner areas large and dominant.

4 Within each sowing area, form 12 mm (½ in) deep drills about 20 cm (8 in) apart. If possible, form the drills in each sowing area at different angles to the ones next to it. This helps to prevent the entire bed appearing too regimented. There are two ways to form the drills: using a draw hoe (above left) and with a pointed stick guided by another stick (above right). Using a straight stick for guidance is ideal when sowing a small area.

5 Sow seeds evenly and thinly in the base of each drill. Label each sowing area with the name of the annual, together with the date.

6 Use the flat top of a metal rake to push and pull friable soil over the seeds. Then, employ the top of the rake again to tap down and firm soil over the drills.

7 When sowing is complete, lightly but thoroughly water the entire area without disturbing the seeds (use an upturned fine rose). Then, to prevent birds disturbing the surface, lay twiggy sticks over the area. As soon as seeds germinate, remove the twiggy sticks or lines of cotton.

8 When the seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully thin them without unduly disturbing the soil and loosening the roots of the remaining seedlings. Put the seedlings that are removed on a compost heap; do not leave them on the soil’s surface. Then, lightly but thoroughly water the whole area.