[Totty]

hi all,

 have just put my kelsae seedlings out into my frost free greenhouse, but was wondering as to the best way of watering them. I have read on here that its best not to get the plants wet, and even carefully pouring water direct to the module seems to dislodge the seedling and cause a dip in the compost!

totty




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[Kristen]

I use a "posh" Haws watering can. With the rose pointing upwards the water falls like gentle rain - it really does work!



And if you want to soak something you can turn the rose to face down, and water with more force.

Haws seem to be relatively expensive, but they are nicely balanced, and the rose is made of brass, so not going to wear out in a hurry ... although the in-laws dog ate my last one 

[mumofstig]

stand them in a tray of water (I use lukewarm at this time of year) and let them absorb as much as they need. Then leave them to drain

[robbodaveuk]

Always better to bottom water with young seedlings, as Mumofstig suggests.

  Robbo.

[Totty]

Thanks,

Do you suggest just leaving them in the water until the surface of the compost feels damp, then letting it totally drain then? Basically letting the soil become saturated. How often do you suggest watering them at this stage?

Totty

[mumofstig]

That's the way to do it, as long as they can drain freely afterwards they will not be saturated.

Water them when they seem dry, I couldn't tell you how often, though, it depends on compost, heat how much the plants are growing etc. etc

[Trillium]

Definitely bottom watering for me too - nothing shifts about and fungi are less likely to start up.

[Totty]

That just about covers that then!
Cheers!










Edit: title for searchability

[Kristen]

That just about covers that then!

Just to add then! that I use tap water for seedlings, not rain water (algae / disease / etc. collected on the roof, gutters and water butt)

[Kleftiwallah]

Just to confuse you !  I disagree with Kristen.  I believe rain water is always preferrable to tap water for young plants .   Cheers,   Tony.

[DD.]

I'll side with Kristen.

So do these:

http://www.freegardeningplants.com/how-to-sow-seeds.html

and these:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Growing-Vegetable-Seeds-Indoors-For-an-Early-Start&id=3790246

If you're bothered about chlorine in the water, let it stand overnight.

[JayG]

I use tap water which has matured for at least a day in a small indoor watering can (if I need more I always have some in old plastic milk bottles (uncapped) as a standby.

Chlorine in tap water is potentially injurious to plant tissue but most of it will evaporate within 24 hrs of drawing off if allowed access to the air. If you are in a real hurry you could use something like "tapsafe" which is used to make tap water safe for aquariums and does the same job (but instantly.)

Once upon a time I did try to research whether collected rainwater contained harmful pathogens but never really came up with a definite answer (don't think I really want to know but it's better to be safe than sorry with new seedlings.)

[Kristen]

Just to confuse you !  I disagree with Kristen.  I believe rain water is always preferrable to tap water for young plants .   Cheers,   Tony.

I use rainwater for all my greenhouse plants - except seedlings. But as the saying goes, ask Two gardeners and get Three opinions!