Pricking Out: (2) Containers To Use.
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Pricking Out: (2) Containers To Use.
Traditionally, bedding plant seedlings were pricked out into fish or tomato boxes. There are nowadays many different types of trays available that are lighter, use less potting mix,(compost) and are more hygenic.
(A) Polystyrene Sectional Trays : This type of Tray is losing favour with the home gardener as they are difficult to clean effectively.
(B) Moulded Plastic Sectional Trays: Cheap and sold as disposable, but with care they can be reused.
(C) Moulded Plastic Seed Trays: Again , cheap and reusable. usefull for such bedding plants as Lobelia, Allysum, Nemesia, French Marigolds and Dianthus, that are happy in shallow trays
(D) Peat Pots: The peat content nowadays is greatly reduced , much of it replaced by paper and wood pulp. In general, these are expensive so use only for specimen plants of Geraniums, Begonias, Lavatera and Cosmea.
(E) Moulded Plastic Pots: Thin, brittle plastic and sold as disposable. These are ideal for larger specimen plants and can be reused. Square types are preferable.
(F) Paper Pots: Once sold as Whalehide Pots, they are generally expensive, but useful for sowing sweet pea seeds directly into.
(G) Plug Trays: Ideal for short term bedding plants such as those that you intend putting into hanging baskets.
(H) Multi- Cell Trays : These moulded plastic trays are divided up into individual cells.Each seedling has it's own individual growing space. Cheap, reusable and surprisingly economical of potting mix,(Compost). There are diffrent cell sizes available to suit most plant types. Far and away the best type of container to use.
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