When it comes to growing vegetables from seed (or any leafy plant come to think of it) the key point is providing the correct conditions to germinate, followed by the process of pricking out the seedlings and growing on to crop stage. The Crafty Gardeners CIC are highly skilled in all these matters, and it is a real privilege to volunteer with them monthly. So what was our horticultural endeavour in March ?

In February we chose seeds to sow.
We then filled out our planner , to keep track on what we are sowing.
A month later – True success !

Monday 24th March , really was a biting cold day, however the polytunnel was the perfect place to be. With a great seed germination success from my last visit (Planning, seed sowing and mole hills with the Crafty Gardeners . ) we started the next stage – pricking them out.

As we garden, we discuss all sorts of things related to the task in hand. The hot topic was how do we prick out leek seedlings ? After explaining that leeks don’t like their roots disturbed, The Crafty Gardeners were on the case. As the images below explain.

We filled our recycled trays with compost
We then make a small indentation in the compost and carefully inserted the leeks. Once the tray was full we carefully watered the leeks in . The dampened compost naturally settles around the transplant without us potentially damage the leeks roots.

The trays were then put into the unheated greenhouse. In about two months once they have reached about 20cm in height, they will be planted outside.

Why not join me in April to read my next blog about the Crafty Gardeners busy and productive gardening year ?