Propagators

Read this @ridgiemum...

Hardiness Zones in the United Kingdom

Nick

 

Ok, broom being the pea family quite often have hard seed cases, so soaking before sowing can help, sow seeds that have swelled over night in warm water, if they dont swell leave them a bit longer to soak, but nature tends to make such plants a bit sporadic when it comes to germination.

Vetch again pea family, hard coated seed, so similar.

Poppy needs light to germinate, it will lie dormant in the soil for many years before getting exposed to light and germinating, which is why it often springs up in disturbed soil.

 

Broom runs riot up here in the wild like gorse, how much would you like @ridgiemum ?

It doesn't have a problem germinating here @pete

 

Very interesting thread.
Using a propagator. WHY? = A plastic propagator can be used indoors, within yje household. As such you are simply providing a micro/mini greenhouse. Inside of which, the compost tends to remain at a corresponding temperature.
Propagtors used inside greenhouses. Here their use is more favoured by the everyday gardener. Commercial growers rely upon, open propagation. Basically using a propagator, you are replicating a greenhouse in minature.

Some of the seeds mentioned, actually require soaking, chipping and even passing through fire. Anyway you have sown your seeds and provided the cover. You watch and learn. Think carefully. You sowed, 'how many seeds?' Suddenly half a dozen seedling appear. OK, depending upon the outside temp/enviroment. Go ahead and ventilate. Here a natural indicator asto when to ventilate is when the cover become choked with mist and evaporation. Reason here. Droplets of condensation actually are quite heavy in weight and also damaging to newly emerged seedlings.
Depending of course on your sowings. I prefer to wait until the the tray is like a turf. Those seedlings that have raced away, can easily be pricked out. You are the left with a good balanced tray of new prospective plants.

 

@Nikolaos - looks like I'm an h8...

 

@Sheal - gorse is a nightmare here. Takes over sooo fast.....

 

I was working out in the garden today and could hear seed pods exploding, both broom and gorse.

 

Strange you say that Sheal. One day in the GH, I suddenly came under fire. It was like being back at school and the kids with their straws, pelting others with split peas.

 

Those were the days Mike!