A seedbed is a delimited plot of land in the garden in which to germinate various seeds, which can later be transferred. It can be an alternative to pots and is a great solution if you can control the temperature and quality of the soil and the amount of water. You can create an outdoor or greenhouse seedbed months before you start a garden.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: The Choice of Venue
Step 1. Study the climate of the area you are in well
If the growing season is short, you would do well to set up your own seedbed in a greenhouse where you will bring some soil and fertilizer from outside.
Step 2. Choose a place full of light
Seeds are in dire need of them, so you would do well to choose an area with lots of light and little shade.
Step 3. Choose an area that is sheltered from wind, animals looking for food and flooding
If your garden is prone to these phenomena, you would do well to build a small greenhouse in which to protect the seeds.
Step 4. Do not choose an area where you have previously planted tubers or are at risk of weeds, as both could spoil your seeds
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Ground
Step 1. Prepare the base for your seedbed
Break up the soil with a rake and allow the moist soil to dry out.
Step 2. Fix the ground
If the soil is sandy or low in nutrients, add fertilizer. If the soil is too wet and cool, add some sandy soil, which you can buy at the store.
Try to work the soil until you get the consistency of bread crumbs
Step 3. Clear the soil before using it for your seedbed
Eliminate debris and weeds. Sift the soil with a 6 mm mesh sieve.
Step 4. Carry enough soil to create a 20/40 cm seedbed
Spread it all over the area and level it. Use the back of a rake to level the soil.
Step 5. Water the soil
First superficially, then deeper.
Step 6. Cover the soil with a plastic sheet and let it rest for 10 days
Flies are attracted to fresh soil and will disappear when it is covered. Pull out the weeds if they arise.
The plastic sheet will heat the soil, to make the seeds germinate better
Step 7. Make a snail trap by hiding a yogurt pot in the ground, which you will fill with beer
The snails, attracted by the smell of yeast, will fall into the beer.
Check it often if you have problems with snails
Part 3 of 3: Plant the seedbed
Step 1. Make grooves in the ground with a hoe
You will need them to separate the seedlings.
This way you can also distinguish seedlings from weeds
Step 2. Water the seedbed to its full length
The seeds need moist soil to germinate.
Step 3. Spread the seeds in the soil, along the furrows
See sowing instructions on the seed packets.
Step 4. Rake a small amount of soil over the furrows to level
Step 5. Label the grooves
Step 6. Thin out the sprouted seedlings
This way you will avoid overgrowth before planting them in the garden. Recycle excess parts as fertilizer.
