Sowing in trays, crates or boxes

Sowing in trays is perfectly suited to growing plants in a sheltered place.

Thanks to small holes drilled at the bottom of the tray, drainage can be optimized and is very effective.

A great many plants, vegetables and flowers can be sown in this manner. Avoid this technique for taproot-type plants (like carrots) and plants that should be started directly in the growing bed.

Sowing in trays, broad pans & shallow crates

• Place clay pebbles at the bottom of the tray (in a layer about ½ to 1 inch (1 to 2 cm) thick) to ensure drainage.
• Fill the broad pan or tray up to ⅔ full with seedling soil mix or substrate prepared from peat or soil mix (one part) and river sand (one part). Don’t add any fertilizer.
• Flatten thereafter with a trowel or a slab of wood, and add soil mix until the tray is ¾ full.
• Press down again.
• Sprinkle seeds evenly throughout the tray.
• Press down lightly with a wooden board.

Read also on sowing:

• Other sowing techniques.