Seed Guide 2007 pgs 01/41 - McKenzie Seeds

G R O W I N G I N F O R M A T I O N
The important thing is that the seed
should be in good contact with the soil.
In dry conditions it is advisable to
moisten the drill thoroughly before
sowing, and some gardeners believe that
lining the drill with moist peat is an aid
to even germination.
After sowing the seed, rake soil over the
drill or cover with peat and firm it with
the flat face of the rake. The final touch
is to mark the drill with a plant label
giving the type of seed variety and date
sown.
Where birds are Iikely to be a nuisance
they can be deterred by stretching
strands of black cotton along the rows or
by covering the drills with wire-netting
guards.
Annual flower seeds can, of course, be
sown directly into those parts of the
garden where they will flower.
For best results choose sunny areas that
are well drained. At sowing time the soil
should be moist and at a minimum
temperature of 50F (10C). Annuals don't
need a nutrient-rich soil, so dressings of
artificial fertilizer aren't necessary. All
soils and plants benefit, however, from
organic matter that has been dug in to
the top few inches of the soil early in the
year.
Hanging baskets add a whole new
dimension to gardening, helping to
utilize all the available space. With
hanging baskets you can not only
brighten up a sunny wall, but with the
right choice of plants,use them to
brighten up shady areas, for porches,
conservatories and even provide fresh
herbs through the winter with an indoor
basket next to a sunny window.
There are several different types of
basket available from the old favourite
wire mesh type, which is almost
16
Hanging Baskets
The most effective technique when
sowing a range of annuals is to sow the
seed in patches, rather than in regimental
lines.
It's helpful to draw a plan of your
intentions, placing the various varieties
according to their height, spread and
colour scheme you are aiming for.
Prepare the soil as described above, then
mark out the groups with a trickle of fine
sand or flour. Sow the seed by sprinkling
it as evenly as possible. One way of doing
this is to put the seed into a triangular
wedge of paper, held in one hand while
tapping it with the fore-finger of the
other hand.
Annuals need only a light covering of soil
which can either be sieved over the seed
or the soil can be raked gently after
sowing then firmed with the flat face of
the rake.
When the seed has germinated it will be
necessary to thin out any seedlings that
are overcrowded. Do this as soon as
possible after emergence, but a further
thinning out might be needed when the
plants have developed several pairs of
true leaves. Remember that in the early
life of the seedlings adequate space is a
key factor in determining the plants'
subsequent development, so weeds must
also be kept under control.
indestructible, to solid plastic types which
are almost like a large pot. Wire types
can be planted through the sides and
bottom to give a floral ball effect,
whereas solid plastic ones hold water for
much longer and you don't need to line
them.
When planting your basket first make
sure the young plants or seedlings are at
the correct stage. They should be sturdy,
well rooted and at the stage for
transplanting.