How to make a seedbed

A seedbed is nothing more than a small container that we prepare in order to plant the seeds in it, so that we can better control its germination conditions to optimize your chances of success. Virtually any small container that is at least 5 or 6 cm deep will work, as long as it is relatively waterproof and we can make drainage holes. It can be small individual containers in which we place a single seed per space or they can be larger containers in which we put several seeds per row.

The important thing is that, since it is something small, we can have it inside the house, thus offering the seeds a warmer climate and conducive to germination. Thanks to this, we can plant in winter when the temperatures are still cold, transplanting the seedlings a few weeks later when the weather is more favorable, and allowing us to gain all that time.

Buying a seedbed is very simple, and in most garden stores you can buy seedbeds of all kinds of materials, such as peat, which are biodegradable and you only need to plant them outside or in the new container when the season arrives. time of transplant. However, we advise using one of the many recycled materials that can be used. In this way, in addition to saving money, we will be reusing materials and we will be able to reduce our ecological footprint. These are some of the ideas to make a seedbed with recycled material what we propose:

• One of the simplest materials to obtain and at the same time more practical is polyexpan. Polyexpan trays, so common in shops of all kinds, are a great option for making a seedbed due to their lightness and ease of transport and, in addition, making drainage holes in the base is very simple.
• Another classic recycled seedbed is the one made with yogurt cups. They have the ideal size to sow seeds individually, so we can control each seed separately. In addition, making the drainage holes is also very easy.
• The Plastic bottlesthe containers tetra brik or even the eggshells They are also very valid options. In the case of bottles, the ideal is to cut their bases, or open them in half lengthwise, while with tetrabriks it is better to completely open one of their faces or sides.

Once you choose one of these ideas, follow these steps to make a recycled seedbed:

1. Wash the container well.
2. Make drainage holes in the bottom of each cup or container. It is better to make several and not just one, but do not pierce the whole base either.
3. Fill with the appropriate substrate for the germination of the plant you want to grow. You can also use slightly damp cotton or absorbent paper, to plant the sprout that emerges in the ground later.
4. Sow the seed, water a little and place the seedbed in an area where it gets indirect sun or in the shade (this depends on the type of plant and the climate of the place, so you can consult the professionals in gardening or horticulture in your area).

If you want to speed up the germination process of your seeds even more, a heated bed seedbed will work even better. You can buy one of these seed trays at any specialized store, but making one for yourself is very easy and you will only need to buy a heater or cable heater, such as those used in terrariums. Once you have the materials, follow these steps to make a hot bed seedbed:

1. Choose a container of the size you need. Any plastic tray several inches deep will provide enough space.
2. Make a hole in one of the walls of the tray to pass the cable through, and distribute it by making eses along the bottom of the tray so that it covers a good part of its surface. Secure the cable to the tray with strong, heat-resistant tape.
3. For proper heat distribution, cover a bed of at least 2 cm above the cable with kitty litter or river sand.
4. On this tray you can later place your smaller seedbeds, made of plastic or polystyrene, and you yourself will see the great improvement in germination time.

The process of plant in a seedbed It is the same as in any other case, with the difference that we can advance the times several weeks, transplanting the already germinated seedlings abroad and with several weeks of growth at the time when, under normal conditions, we would sow outdoors. Keep in mind these tips for planting in a seedbed:

• Yes it is important to prepare a substrate for seed germination. We recommend a mixture with part peat, part coconut fiber and part earthworm humus, to which we will then add a little perlite and vermiculite. These proportions result in a substrate extraordinarily rich in nutrients, and at the same time very light, loose and aerated, with excellent drainage. We recommend you consult these other gardening guides from EcologíaVerde about coconut fiber for plants: properties and how to make it and about how to make earthworm humus.
• It is also important to place the seedlings in a lighted location to prevent the seedlings from coming together.
• Also, look for a temperature as stable as possible.

To finish, we offer you several guides to learn how to germinate different types of seeds, whether you use a seedbed or opt for other techniques:

• Germinate lemon seeds.
• Germinate and plant a mango.
• Germinate grape seeds.
• Germinate apple seeds.
• Germinate peach seeds.

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