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Re: Distribution of Fine Seeds for Germination


> From: Duncan McAlpine <dm2477@lab3.ca.boeing.com>

> I know most of novice gardeners like myself, receive a packet of seeds
> which are so small you wonder, "How do I distribute the seeds correctly on
> the media?"                                           
> When I pour the seed out on my media, I say "Well there is 20+ seeds in that
> corner. I need to focus on separating my seeds".
> So, this leads to a question....Do any of you have a special tool which you
> use for distribution of fine seeds or do you wing it like me?

I too would be interested in how this is done by those sowing tiny seeds which
are both quite rare and expensive.

In my opinion, the best control over distribution lies in management of the
number of seeds picked up for distribution.  To that end, I put the seeds into
the palm of my left hand.  Then I pick up precisely one, two, or three seeds
(as needed) with the tip of miniature penknife whose blade is all of one inch
long.  Then I dump that seed (or seeds) into each of the nine sowing areas in
my 3.5 in. sq. communal pots. 

Blessed with good eyesight and a steady hand, I can report that Begonia
sempervirens seeds are almost double the size of Begonia x tuberhybrida seeds.
I don't think any technique will work for seeds that one cannot see
individually.

tom
zone 5a, NE Illinois, -21ºF Min
http://www.anet-chi.com/~manytimes
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