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keeping a seed bed moist-how?

• Message 1. 

  Posted by Grajean (U13953712) on Thursday, 19th May 2011

  The soil here in France is extremely dry, no rain for over 2 weeks. How can I keep my seedbeds moist in enable the seeds to germinate? I am watering morning and night but by midday the soil is dried out again. Any hints anyone?

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  Posted by thedogcody (U14659366) on Thursday, 19th May 2011

  Is the area small enough for you to to cover in black polythene after you have soaked the ground- this will stop evaporation until the seeds have germinated?-just a suggestion.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Grajean (U13953712) on Thursday, 19th May 2011

  Is the area small enough for you to to cover in black polythene after you have soaked the ground- this will stop evaporation until the seeds have germinated?-just a suggestion.   Well worth a try, need a rain dance as well!

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  Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Thursday, 19th May 2011

  I agree with the black plastic, but check for growth morning, noon and evening. The beggers will shoot for the sun if left covered and become elongated and weak. Cheers, Tony.

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• Message 5

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  Posted by Lokelani (U8896212) on Friday, 20th May 2011

  It's another reason I've stopped sowing direct, the top dries out in less than an hour probably!
  
  I've tried waiting until rain is forecast for a few days but then it doesn't always arrive!
  
  I"ve been pondering whether to sow in a seed tray indoors & then slide the whole lot onto the bed when germinated. Only possible for small areas though & they wouldn't come up looking very natural would they, more seed tray shaped!
  
  Good luck with yours.

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  Posted by Logissimo (U14020652) on Friday, 20th May 2011

  Hi GJ,
  
  I'd think twice about using black poythene, that might prevent a bit of evaporation but it will also absorb the heat and cook your seeds beneath. Keeping the poythene away from the soil though on wire hoops would be better I think
  
  We haven't had any worthwhile rain this year and today the "departement" banned irrigation, that means that the farmers' maize is finished!
  
  As punpun said there is always something to complain about!!!!!! But seriously this lack of rain is worrying.
  
  Take care L

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• Message 7

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  Posted by horththit (U13862695) on Friday, 20th May 2011

  Hi,
  I would definitely sow in trays or modules to give the seeds a chance. Once a decent root sysrem has been achieved, they will take in enough water every evening. Black polythene will likely cause condensation and dampening off. So heave to lads, and start again!
  
  Don't know about not enough rain, we've got too much here in Ireland and not enough heat. It's only 12C here this week and cold w winds. Such is the life of a gardener!!

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• Message 8

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  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Monday, 23rd May 2011

  We have had less than an inch of rain in three months in Dorset. so you are laughing!
  
  Since the beginning of March, but plenty of dew.

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  Posted by Lorea (U14415784) on Monday, 23rd May 2011

  I had the same question Grajean, then I saw Alys Fowler in one of her programmes giving the following tip:
  
  make the drill where you're going to sow the seed and water it very well before you sow, then after you've sowed the seed, cover the drill with DRY soil and don't water it. Apparently the dry soil locks in the moisture underneath it and stops it evaporating.
  
  So I'm giving it a go!

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• Message 10

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  Posted by Engineer (U3135859) on Tuesday, 24th May 2011

  I had the same question Grajean, then I saw Alys Fowler in one of her programmes giving the following tip:
  
  make the drill where you're going to sow the seed and water it very well before you sow, then after you've sowed the seed, cover the drill with DRY soil and don't water it. Apparently the dry soil locks in the moisture underneath it and stops it evaporating.
  
  So I'm giving it a go!  This method does work - I have 2 rows of carrot and a row of parsnip seeds which have germinated and are growing well despite having virtually no rain since they were sown. There is a scientific reason behind it: Capilliary action. If the surface of the soil is wet, water will evaporate from it and capilliary action will draw up moisture from the soil below to replace that lost to the air. This is the same reason why you should water before applying a surface mulch such as compost or bark rather than watering afterwards.
  The dry soil on top is effectively acting as a mulch.
  Hope that helps -- Bob

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  Posted by compostpope (U13912010) on Wednesday, 25th May 2011

  I would also use modules where possible and water the seed drills well before sowing where not - I did this for carrots and then didn't water for over 2 weeks. Despite my anxiety, they survived and are doing well...
  
  I would'nt use black plastic due to aforementioned problems - have you tried covering the seed beds with fleece? - it is supposed to moderate extremes of climate, and so should help reduce evaporation. I've not tried it myself, and would be interested if you find it useful!

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• Message 12

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  Posted by Grajean (U13953712) on Wednesday, 25th May 2011

  I would also use modules where possible and water the seed drills well before sowing where not - I did this for carrots and then didn't water for over 2 weeks. Despite my anxiety, they survived and are doing well...
  
  I would'nt use black plastic due to aforementioned problems - have you tried covering the seed beds with fleece? - it is supposed to moderate extremes of climate, and so should help reduce evaporation. I've not tried it myself, and would be interested if you find it useful!  I am now trying modules and also fleece. The fleece was also recommended by a french friend so hope it works.

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• Message 13

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  Posted by compostpope (U13912010) on Wednesday, 25th May 2011

  I forgot to add - you might also try filling your seed drills with universal compost ("Terrau universel" to you!) after sowing seeds - on the principle that it should hold more water. Again, I've not tried this as I use modules or pots...

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• Message 14

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  Posted by Lorea (U14415784) on Wednesday, 25th May 2011

  Thanks for that explanation Bob, I was wondering what the science behind it was.

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