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TIPS
Save time and expense by using soil mix only in the row or planting hole where
you'll sow the seeds.
To
make outdoor germination easier for seeds directly sown in a garden, fill each
planting trench or hole with a small amount of packaged potting mix. This gives
you a finer growing medium which holds moisture and usually contains some nutrients.
Row planting
For straight rows,
stretch a string,
For deep planting furrows, use the corner of a hoe blade.
For shallow furrows, use the handle.
Firm the soil over a seed row with the flat side of a rake.
Thin out seedings when they come up, leaving only the
strongest ones. Feed seedings, wheather indoors or out, every other week with
Foliar fertilizer or Groplus complete plant food of the recommended label rate.
Increase the strength gradually as the plant grows.
Space
small seeds evenly by rubbing a pinch between fingers.
...
or tap them directly from the packet.
Sowing
For the best distribution
of seeds, mix plenty of sand with the seeds when broadcasting so that you can
see the seeds (and sand) when they hit the ground.
The
reason for using sand is so you can see the seeds (and sand) when it hits the
ground.
Small/colored
seeds
For small
seeds, space evenly by rubbing a pinch between fingers or tap them directly
from the packet.
When small or coloured seeds makes it difficult to see
while sowing, lay sheets of tissue paper (which will decompose quickly when
covered and watered) in the trench.
Thinning
Thin seedlings with
scissors to proper spacing carefully to avoid disturbing the roots of the plants
left behind altogether.
