Easy way to start small seeds

[Denim Deb]

I can't claim this as my own. I was searching for something else on the internet, and came across this idea.

Planting small seeds can be a problem. First off, they're hard to see. Plus, if you're not careful, you can plant them too deep. This method should work both for starting seeds inside and out.

What you'll need:
Seeds
Paper towels
Ruler
Pen
Glue
Toothpick, or sharp pencil, or something similar

What to do:
1. Check the seed pack to see what you're spacing is for the seeds.
2. Using the ruler and pen, mark on your paper towel where to place the seeds. The easiest way to do this is probably by drawing grid lines.
3. Place a small amount of glue on a dish.
4. Very carefully, using your toothpick, pencil or whatever to get a small amount of glue onto your seeds, then place on the proper spot on the paper towel.
5. Cover w/the correct amount of dirt and moisten soil.

I'll be trying this for things like carrots, radishes, lettuce, etc in the garden and will let you know how well it works. If anyone else tries it, please let me know how well it works for you.

 

[Wannabefree]

I just use tweezers Carrots, I spread the seed, then cover and water in. I thin them out as needed later. i'd probably wind up gluing the paper to myself trying this :/ It's probably a great idea for some folks though, just not me...I'm too clumsy and impatient

 

[Denim Deb]

I've tried just scattering them, then thinning, and they always end up clumped in one spot. And, I have problems w/my right hand from a car accident, and can't use the tweezers for that long. This sounds like something I can do. Of course, I might end up gluing myself to the towel as well.

 

[Wannabefree]

LOL! I can almost see myself doing it... I have seen this idea before, and thought yeeaaaaaahhh they haven't met me

 

[Emerald]

I've done it before and used tp instead of paper toweling as it disintegrates better. I also used a home made paste of thick cornstarch to glue them in place. I also cut the tp in one inch strips(wide) and I put the strips down on a tray and then put the dots of cornstarch glue on there and sprinkle the seeds on and then dump the extra off-kinda check for twofers so that there is only one seed for each "dot" of glue. They do work but it is too much of a PITA-maybe when the grand kids get bigger I'll make them do it..

 

[FarmerJamie]

I just use tweezers Carrots, I spread the seed, then cover and water in. I thin them out as needed later. i'd probably wind up gluing the paper to myself trying this :/ It's probably a great idea for some folks though, just not me...I'm too clumsy and impatient

This is why I consider you my sister. LOL. I am with you on this this one, I guess decades of practice count for something.

Deb, seriously, though, I'd like to know how this works out for you. Just another idea to put in the tool kit.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

If I thought that would help me grow carrots - I'd try it. I can't grow 'em....

But, the problem I'd have with that process is that I just don't have time! It's that time of year when I don't have a spare minute. I've still got bacon to get cooled and packed for the freezer tonight and I'm sooooooo sleepy!

 

[Emerald]

If I thought that would help me grow carrots - I'd try it. I can't grow 'em....

But, the problem I'd have with that process is that I just don't have time! It's that time of year when I don't have a spare minute. I've still got bacon to get cooled and packed for the freezer tonight and I'm sooooooo sleepy!

Look for a type called "little finger" that was the first carrot I really got a nice harvest out of.. they are tiny and yummy and very easy to grow. Now that my garden beds are a bit nicer and deeper (loamy wise) I have had good luck with Purple Dragon carrots too and one called(just a guess on spelling as it has been awhile) Kuroda. but the purple dragon ones were just so so in flavor-well till I found about 6 that I had missed that fall for harvest in the spring while getting the beds ready they were the sweetest best flavored carrot then.. so if I grow them again(and I might lol) I am going to sow them in early August in raised beds and then put cold frames over them in fall and harvest all winter(aka like the Four Season Harvest book by Elliot Coleman) as they were the best I'd ever eaten harvested in the early spring.. same with parsnips.. they are better dug all winter for eating..
And good luck with the getting the bacon in the freezer! there is nothing like home made/cured bacon!

 

[Denim Deb]

If I thought that would help me grow carrots - I'd try it. I can't grow 'em....

But, the problem I'd have with that process is that I just don't have time! It's that time of year when I don't have a spare minute. I've still got bacon to get cooled and packed for the freezer tonight and I'm sooooooo sleepy!

For me, it's something I'd be doing in the evening since I have time then. Then, I'd have it all ready to go for either the next morning, or next evening depending on the forecast. I try to plant when there's going to be cooler temps, and hopefully some light rain.

 

[nelson castro]

It's probably a great idea for some folks though, just not me...I'm too clumsy and impatient

We share the same trait. LOL.. Well, starting seeds using this method is great as this method gives the seeds the correct conditions to be able to germinate into young seedlings and thrive.