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Re: SQFT beds drying out too fast?

Nancy Roberts, Statistics Geek wrote:
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping the soil more
> moist while waiting for the seeds to sprout?  Carrots in
> particular have been a big problem for me, last year not a
> single one germinated!!
>
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
>
> Nancy
> nancyr@cc.usu.edu

I've made some open bottom acrylic (about 0.10" thick) boxes that work
like a miniture greenhouse.  Make them a little less than 12" x 12", and
about 3" or 4" tall.  Use an "Acrylic Solvent Cement" (methylene
chloride) to cement the edges, and then place them over your newly
seeded square.  Remove them when the seedling emerges and requires air
flow.

The water that does evaporate is trapped and collects on the inside of
the box, keeping the relative humidity high. They also protect the
square from the wind, hard rains, and seed eating pests.  It helps to
make the boxes different sizes, so they can be nested when stored away.
These boxes can be made for less than $2.00 each, and the cement can be
purchased at most Plastic Dealers.

Bill Kramer

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