seed germination (and experimental greenhouse systems)

Germination isn't necessarily difficult, but it takes a fair amount of precision in creating just the right conditions to reactivate the life stored within a seed. So far, I've had good success sowing radish and various asian green seeds directly into the soil; the snake beans have also germinated quite readily. But as for the long list of others, results have been mediocre.

Having learnt some pro tips at Northey St, I've adjusted my seed germination procedure in the following ways:

- seed raising mix

The medium used for seeds needs to have fine particles (i.e., no large chunks of bark), have good water retention, while also be airy enough for good drainage (i.e., the mix doesn't get waterlogged). Using garden soil directly in a pot is a bad idea simply because it's probably too dense and doesn't have decent drainage in a shallow pot - especially if it's high in clay content. Potting mix is made for use in pots because it has more organic material and not all that clay/soil. However, depending on the quality of the mix, it may not have a lot of nutrients. It's also most likely has lots of chunky bits in it. 

In the propagation mix I've made now, I've sifted some average potting mix, soil improver mix containing nutrients, a bit of perlite (replaceable by rice husks apparently), and a handful of coffee chaffs (only because I have it). According to the guys at Milkwood, using coconut coir can also be good (for moisture retention). Northey St just uses sifted compost and perlite, and I'd prefer to use homemade compost, but mine isn't ready yet. 

- moisture levels

I had been misting the greenhouse more or less 2 times per day but there was barely any signs of life, even after more than 2 weeks. I had seen the komatsuna cotyledons emerge, but to my disappointment, they dried out the day after. Poor little seedlings. With this batch of seeds, I didn't care so much about the properties of the mix (unsifted, too dry), I had just misted the seed trays after putting the seeds in place.

As it turned out, the mix itself was completely dry; the beans that were sowed had remained more or less dormant. Remember, moisture activates seeds, so the medium needs to be damp. Therefore, the mix should be sufficiently wet beforehand, and this can be done by spraying it down with water and leaving it for a day to diffuse evenly through the mixture. 

- greenhouse conditions

Greenhouses have two functions: keep in moisture and keep in heat. I've ditched the 'under the glass table' greenhouse for something that is easier to use. Not sure which system is best, but here they are.