[Robin Redbreast]

doing things from seed for the first time this year! just wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how much water a seed should be getting once sown before germination??? :blink: I have planted a few things such as cabbage,leeks,courgettes,cauliflower,tomatoes,strawberries,peas,some have germinated but others are showing no signs could i have over or under done it? All seeds are this yrs stock!

[DD.]

Just enough to keep them moist.

Best to water from the bottom, let the pot absorb the water, then remove the pot.

Seeds germinate at vastly different rates, so it often just a question of patience.

[fatcat1955]

I fill the pot or tray and then thoroughly wet the compost. Left to stand for 20 mins to let excess water to drain and then sow the seeds . This method prevents washing the covering of compost off of the seed. Subsequent waterings are then carried out by standing in water as DD stated.

[A Reyt Tayty]

I've tried the watering from underneath bit, but my pots/compost seem to retain a lot of water and I think I may be losing a lot to "damping off".

[Hampshire Hog]

I have my seeds growing in my conservatory and find covering with a clear plastic bag can help minimise loss of water from soil and hence reduce need for water.

Cheers HH

[Growster...]

I've tried the watering from underneath bit, but my pots/compost seem to retain a lot of water and I think I may be losing a lot to "damping off".

Damping off is a fungal condition Areyt, you may have too much moisture there, but the process of damping off is not entirely connected with watering.

This time of year, especially in greenhouses, whether they're heated or not, some seedlings just don't like the conditions and keel over. I happens, believe me!

IOf I was a seedling in weather like this, I'd get pretty fed up as well...;0)

[bazh]

I've tried the watering from underneath bit, but my pots/compost seem to retain a lot of water and I think I may be losing a lot to "damping off".

Are you sure it's damping off? damping off doesn't just mean to much water it's a fungal disease. Usually but not always occurring in high humidity.

Just as an example my 2nd sowing of brassicas are outside in modules and absolutely sodden with the weather we have been having but growing away happily and just about ready for potting on.

[bazh]

snap!!