After your nursery have been constructed and everything is in place be ready with the other activities to follow. You should gather the materials in preparation for the sowing of the seeds.

Sowing of Seeds

Prior to seed sowing, have your tools and materials prepared.

The following materials should be at hand…

rice hull charcoal coco coir dust chicken dung (soil media/growell medium) growing/germinating trays shovel hand gloves measuring cans seeds.

If your soil media mentioned above are not available you can use the old soil media mixtures with a ratio of 1:1:1 ( e. g. garden soil, animal manures and sand).

The garden soil and animal manures should be properly sterilized before mixing together.

The quality of your seeds is the determining factors for the success of your business.

Select the best quality seeds to be sure you can get the most profit you want to achieve.

Characteristics of Good quality seeds

1) Damage free. Seeds should be free from any physical or chemical damage that will affect its viability.

2) Free from mixture with other varieties. Seeds must be totally pure and no other seed mixture.

To avoid mixture with other varieties the isolation distance when producing seeds should be at least 45-360 meters for pepper, 400-900 meters for eggplant and 30-60 meters for tomato.

3) Free from seed borne diseases. Seeds coming from parents affected with the diseases will be carried down to its offspring and affects the whole population thereby reduces its yield. Select disease-free seeds for a maximum return on investment.

4) Good vigor and germinating capacity. Select seeds that are viable, high germination percentage (at least 85%  germination) and healthy.

To be sure buy the seeds you desire only in reputable seed producers and certified stores.

Factors in Germination of seeds

Viability. Look into the expiry date, brand and storage. Store seeds in sealed glass container with desiccants like; fresh wood ash (absorbs moisture), charcoal (prevents pests attack), and naphthalene balls.

Place your stored seeds in cool dry place especially in an ordinary room temperature.

Soil medium. Germination of a vigorous seeds will depend on the kinds of growing medium you’ll use.

This is critical since  the seedlings solely depend their food to nourish from the mixture you’ve prepared.

Recommended Growing Medium

1)  rice hull charcoal (60%)

2)     coco coir dust (30%)

3)     chicken dung (10%)

Coco coir dust and chicken dung must be sterilized property to kill some harmful bacteria, fungus and virus that may affect your seedlings.

You can still follow the old soil medium preparation in the absence of the above ingredients such as; one part sand, one part compost, and one part garden soil.

But just the same, you have to sterilize all the medium to avoid the above diseases occurrence.

Sterilization can be done by heating all the above soil medium above the fire heating for around 30 minutes to one hour, or exposing to direct sunlight for at least one day.

Sowing Technique. Seed germination can be carried out

by following these methods; sun drying, soaking in top or lukewarm water, scarification, this will be discussed later.

Temperature. Different seeds varies in their temperature requirements.

Temperature requirements of different vegetable seeds…

1) Cucurbits – 30 – 35 °C for 3 -7 days

2) Solanaceous – 20 -30 °C for 5 -10 days

3) Brassicas/Crucifers – 15 -20 °C for 3-4 days

Seeding Rate Computation

Computing for seeding rate will be based on the standard plot size (1 x 20 linear meters). To give you the right number of seeds to be planted in a single 1 x 20 linear meter plot size, below are example how to compute the right amount of seeds:

Formula:

Plant pop’n. =  length of plot X   (No. of rows x No. of plots)

Planting Distance

Example: Eggplant

Given: Plan size – 1 x 20 linear m.

Planting distance – 60 – 70 cm

No. of rows – 2

No. of plots – 14 plots

Mortality rate – 30%

Seedling capacity – 104 holes

Computation:

Plant Pop’n. =       20 m x   (2 x 14)

70 cm/.7 m

=      28.57 x  ( 2 x14)

=     800 x .3

=      240 + 800

=      1,040 seeds

=      1,040

104 seedling/germinating tray cap.

=      10 Seedling trays needed

Based on the computation following the formula, we  came up with the number of seeds needed for a single twenty-meter plot size.

At a distance of 60-70 cm (70 cm was used) and two rows per plot.

We assumed a 30% mortality rate and the seedling/germinating tray to be used has a 104 holes capacity.

We need fifty seven seeds per plot multiplied by fourteen plots, therefore we need 1,040 seeds and ten seedling/germinating trays are required to germinate the seeds.

Different crops varies in their planting distance, so you can compute the number of seeds based on the distance requirements.

The wider the distance of planting the lesser is the number of seeds needed.

Sowing Techniques

The germination percentage of vegetable seeds depends on how they are handled before placing on the germinating trays. This includes the quality of growell medium to be used.

Before the seeds are sown to the germinating trays  some activities  should be made:

Soaking. Usually the seeds are soaked in water for thirty minutes to one hour before sowing (Ampalaya, Upo, Patola, Squash, Cucumber, Honeydew, Muskmelon and Waterrmelon). Cutting. Using a nail cutter the tip of the seeds near the embryo is cut after soaking and sow to the germinating tray at one seed per hole (Ampalaya, Upo and Patola). Pinching. This process is applicable only for squash.

After soaking the seeds for 30 minutes to one hour, pinch the tip near the embryo and sow to the seedling tray at one seed per hole.

Be careful not to pinch the seed too hard. Pinch the seed  lightly just to open the end portion. Pinching enhances the easy coming out of the plumule.

Incubation. For Watermelon only (seeded and seedless).

After soaking for thirty minutes to one hour, incubate the seeds with the use of a moist cotton cloth and place in an improvised cartoon for 24-36 hours then sow at one seed per hole in the tray (seeded Watermelon).

For the seedless variety the same procedure is applied but the tip near the embryo is cracked before sowing.

Direct sowing/seeding. Directly sow the seeds to the germinating tray at two seeds per hole (Pepper, Tomato and Eggplant) and two to three seeds per hole (Lettuce, Pechay, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower).

For Carrots and Radish directly sow the seeds to the field at two sees per hill. Carrots and radish are not sown in the germinating tray since their roots are damaged during transplanting and becomes abnormal or deformed – not good for market.

Bush/Pole  Sitao, Asparagus, Snap Beans 1-2 seeds per hill.

How to Construct the  Beds

After you’ve done with the nursery operations especially the germination of the seeds, follows the construction of plots or beds in preparation for the transplanting of the seedlings.

The ideal size of your plots should be 1 X 20 meters. But you can use 1 X 10 meters if your area is not wide enough. A shorter plot size is easy  to manage and you can operate in a manner that it would be much easier to handle. It is understood that your field was already plowed and harrowed and ready for the construction of plots or beds.

With the use of a shovel and grub hoe make the plots following the desired exact measurement (1 x 20 m or 1 x 10 m plot size) depending on the size of your garden.

After you’ve constructed your plots, the next step is to cover them with a plastic mulch.

Plastic mulch is a new technology used in horticulture. It has the following Advantages.

Advantages of plastic mulch.

1)      Controls weeds growth.

2)     Retains soil moisture

3)     Prevents soil erosion

4)     Prevents soil leaching

5)     Provides soil aeration

6)     Insect repellant

7)     Prevents or limit the possible virus attack or infection.

Steps in Plastic Mulch Installation

1)      Excavate both ends portion of the plot with the use of a shovel or spade.

2)     Lay the end portion of the plastic mulch and cover with the excavated soil.

3)     Compact the soil by stepping it on to hold the plastic mulch in place.

4)     Insert a straight pole inside the plastic mulch just enough that 2 person can hold at both ends.

5)     With two people holding both end of the plastic mulch gradually lay on top to cover up to the plot end.

6)     Reserve one meter allowance before reaching the plot end.

7)     Stretch the plastic mulch to reach the plot end  extending up to the excavated portion.

8)    Cover with the excavated soil similar to the other plot end.

9)     Cut the plastic mulch at the end of the covered portion.

10) Fasten both sides of the plastic mulch with a 6 inches tie wire or bamboo slots at two feet distance between fastener.

11)  Fasten in a diagonal position covering up to the plot end.

12) Make holes on the plastic mulch in a triangle fashion using an empty sharp-edge big sardines can or tin can with heated charcoal. A string is also laid to make the holes straight.

13) The distance of the holes will vary according to the desired distant of planting for specific crop.

Transplanting and Planting Distance

Below are the different transplanting age and planting distance of vegetables.

Table 1. Transplanting Age and Distance.

CROP

TRANSPLANTING          AGE

PLANTING DISTANCE/HILL

Watermelon

Seeded

Seedless

Honeydew melon

Muskmelon

Cucumber

Squash

Patola

Upo

Ampalaya

Sweet Pepper

Eggplant

Tomato

Pechay

Lettuce

Chinese Cabbage

Cabbage

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Carrots

Radish

Upland Kangkong

Bush Beans

Pole Beans

Baguio Beans

Chicharo

Okra

10-15 DAS

12-17 DAS

7-12 DAS

7-12 DAS

7-12 DAS

7-12 DAS

7-12 DAS

7-12 DAS

7-12 DAS

27-30 DAS

24-27 DAS

21-24 DAS

12-15 DAS

12-15 DAS

12-17 DAS

12-17 DAS

12-17 DAS

12-17 DAS

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

Direct Seeded

80-100 cm, 2 rows triangle

80-100 cm, 2 rows triangle

60-80 cm, 2 rows triangle w/ trellis

60-80 cm, 2 rows triangle w/ trellis

40-60 cm, 2 rows triangle w/ trellis

80-100 cm, 2 rows triangle

80-100 cm, 2 rows triangle

80-100 cm, 2 rows triangle

80-100 cm, 2 rows triangle

60-70 cm, 2 rows triangle

60-70 cm, 2 rows triangle

60-70 cm, 2 rows triangle

15-20 cm, 4 rows triangle

15-20 cm, 4 rows triangle

40-50 cm, 2 rows triangle

40-50 cm, 2 rows triangle

40-50 cm, 2 rows triangle

40-50 cm, 2 rows triangle

15-20 cm, 4 rows triangle

15-20 cm, 4 rows triangle

15-20 cm, 4 rows triangle

30-40 cm, 2 rows triangle

30-40 cm, 2 rows triangle

30-40 cm, 2 rows triangle

30-40 cm, 2 rows triangle

60-70 cm, 2 rows triangle

Methods of Transplanting

Seeds varies in its method of planting based on their ability to regenerate root development. Some are directly planted into the field while others are raised in the germinating trays.

Consider the following factors before planting:

Cost and availability of seeds. Root regenerating ability of crop. Growth rate of seeds.

All legumes have no regenerating ability in their root system so they have to be planted directly into the field, while small seeds should be raised in the trays before they are transplanted.

There are some seeds that are fast growers [e.g. Upland Kangkong (water spinach).

Carrot and radish should be planted directly to the field to avoid root deformation.

Distance of Planting

1) Squash – 80 – 100 cm. between hills single row and triangular in fashion.

2) Upo, Patola, and Ampalaya – 80 – 100 cm between hill single row.

3) Honeydew, Melon, and Muskmelon – 60 – 80 cm between hills two rows.

4) Cucumber – 40 60 cm between hills two rows

5) Pepper, Tomato, Eggplant, Okra – 60 – 70 between hills two rows; 60 – 80 cm distance per plots

6) Cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower – 40 50 cm between hills two rows

7) Lettuce (Head type) – 20 cm between hills three rows

Upland Kangkong (water spinach), Pechay & Lettuce (Leafy type) – 15 – 20 cm between hills four rows

9) Beans – 30 – 40  cm between hills two rows.

Techniques in Transplanting

1) Make holes on the plastic mulch film by the use of sharp-edge tin can or tin can with heated charcoal.

2) Irrigate the hole if the soil is dry for transplanting.

3) Dig the soil by the use of hole digger.

4) Transplant seedlings during cloudy and cool weather. During sunny days transplant in the afternoon.

5) Get the seedling carefully from the germinating tray by pressing the lower base to push the seedling upward, then transplant.

6) Irrigate seedlings frequently early in the morning and in the afternoon.

7) Monitor the seedlings regularly for missing hills and pests and disease occurrence. For missing hills, replant at once.

__________________

Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest ebook “How to get started in Flower Gardening”and  “Vegetable Gardening made Easy” and lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: www.crisramasasa.com

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Finally! After record snowfall and cold temperatures this winter, it’s about time we warmed up to the prospect of some decent weather. Looks like the darkest days are finally behind us and thankfully, spring has once again come to the UK.

The blossoms are out. Clocks have returned back (to ahead), where they should have been all along.

Surely, planning your summer holiday cannot be too far behind.

If you are anything like most people, you’ll feel slightly guilty from time to time that you have visited many exotic tourist destinations all over the world but you have sadly neglected to explore the delights of your own back yard. This summer, why not give your skin a much-needed break from its annual sun beating? (Your unsightly tan lines have only just faded from last year, after all). Why not avoid the miserable airline staff telling you your weight allowance only permits you to carry one pair of espadrilles and a bottle of Bacardi? Why not do your bit for the environment and decrease your carbon footprint? This year, shake off those recession blues and stay right here in the UK; explore those places you’ve been meaning to visit for years but haven’t quite got round to it…and have yourself a very merry “staycation.”

You won’t be alone. Much like last summer when over one third of the UK public said that they were switching their plans from a holiday abroad to a holiday in Britain, the very same trend is happening again.

Did someone say, Cornwall? Devon?

The south lays claim to some of the very best seaside resorts in England. If your only memories of the South-West coast are sand pails, plastic shovels and your parents’ 1982 caravan, it may just be the time to revisit. Only 2-3 hours away by train from London, it is no stretch to say that Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire make up some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the UK. And there is no lack of things to do once you get there.

From Land’s End to Hayling Island, spotted over entire the south-west coast are high end, yet affordable resorts to kick back and let your troubles melt in the best weather in the UK.

Here are 5 recommended places to rest your weary bones:

(1) Sea Acres Holiday Park, The Lizard

Sea Acres’ stunning cliff top position offers spectacular views over Kennack Sands. Spend days exploring the Lizard coastline or try something new and learn to dive at the park’s PADI Dive centre. In the evenings head to the Family Club House for some great light entertainment or enjoy a glass of wine on your veranda while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Sea.

(2) Torquay Holiday Park, Torquay

Torquay is set in a superb hillside location, surrounded by rolling Devon countryside with stunning views in every direction. This park is a great base for exploring the English Riviera, its stunning beaches and the nearby resorts of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay. Feel as tall as a giant discovering the amazing scale models at Babbacombe Model Village or choose from eight different flumes at Quaywest Water Park.

(3) Sandford Holiday Park, Poole

You’ll be spoilt for a choice of things to do at Sandford. There are superb indoor and outdoor heated pools, a choice of play areas plus fantastic live entertainment. Test your skills on the lanes with a game of mini ten-pin bowling or take in the scenery on the nature trail. For a day out, head to the Nearby New Forest and spot the famous ponies or visit the bustling resorts of Poole and Bournemouth.

(4) Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay

Ruda has it all. Golden sands, world class surfing and excellent park facilities set in the charming hamlet of Croyde. Learn to surf with the school on park, explore the coastal path to Baggy Point for stunning views of Lundy Island or ‘go wild’ in the park’s indoor Tropical Adventure Pool.

(5) Holywell Bay Holiday Park, Newquay

This park is ideal for beach lovers with the famous Gull Rocks of Holywell Bay beach just a short stroll from the park. Nestled in the Ellenglaze Valley, Holywell Bay is the perfect family retreat with an outdoor heated pool and a multi-sports court and fantastic evening entertainment in the Surfrider Club. There’s a great range of facilities at Holywell Bay Holiday Park, you can shoot down the giant waterslide and learn to surf with qualified instructors or enjoy a relaxing walk along the nature trail.

SOURCE: The Times | Cornwall.com | ParkdeanHolidays.co.uk

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