Have you tried sowing in vermiculite? Closest I can find is to what I mean http://www.seedsite.eu/zaaiinstructies.htm
We visited an open garden in Louth this year where the owners sow 100s of different varieties in recycled clear takeaway boxes with lids. These are stacked up in a lean to all winter and inspected weekly for signs of growth. When germination starts the boxes are moved to the greenhouse and the lids are left off. The seedlings are pricked out as soon as big enough and those too small or not germinated left in box to grow on.
Sowing in vermiculite
- marshlander
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Sowing in vermiculite
Terri x
“I'd rather be a little weird than all boring.”
― Rebecca McKinsey
“I'd rather be a little weird than all boring.”
― Rebecca McKinsey
Re: Sowing in vermiculite
interesting. Is there a source online about which seeds need light and which need dark for germination i wonder. This method would really suit me as i have just seed up a greenhouse area.
- southeast-isher
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Re: Sowing in vermiculite
I've got an anxiety thing with vermiculite... isn't it supposed to be as dangerous as asbestos or something i think i read?
- marshlander
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Re: Sowing in vermiculite
Not unless you make a habit of regularly breathing in vast quantities of the dust over a long period. It's a natural mineral and is dampened to use. Here's a safety sheet http://www.dupreminerals.com/downloads/ ... e-msds.pdfsoutheast-isher wrote:I've got an anxiety thing with vermiculite... isn't it supposed to be as dangerous as asbestos or something i think i read?
Terri x
“I'd rather be a little weird than all boring.”
― Rebecca McKinsey
“I'd rather be a little weird than all boring.”
― Rebecca McKinsey
- southeast-isher
- A selfsufficientish Regular
- Posts: 1206
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:41 pm
- Location: Great Britain
Re: Sowing in vermiculite
oh okay i guess i am just a bit over cautiousmarshlander wrote:Not unless you make a habit of regularly breathing in vast quantities of the dust over a long period. It's a natural mineral and is dampened to use. Here's a safety sheet http://www.dupreminerals.com/downloads/ ... e-msds.pdfsoutheast-isher wrote:I've got an anxiety thing with vermiculite... isn't it supposed to be as dangerous as asbestos or something i think i read?
Re: Sowing in vermiculite
Apparently there was a health risk some years ago (pre-1990). The first vermiculite was mined at a place which also had a decent asbestos seam, and this adulterated the vermiculite. However, that was vermiculite destined to be made into sheet products (ironically, to replace asbestos sheeting). I can't find any reference to any health hazard concerning its use for gardens.
You're safe, I think.
Mike
You're safe, I think.
Mike
The secret of life is to aim below the head (With thanks to MMM)