COLUMNISTs: KATRINA & CLAYTON
Sustainable seed starting not only ensures seedlings strong enough to be planted out from mid-May onwards after the frosts, it also helps to speed up the process with some heat and light. By reducing germination time, seedlings have more time to mature before being transplanted outdoors, leading to a longer and more productive growing season. Sustainable seed starting methods using heat mats, grow lights, and eco-friendly practices ensure healthy seedlings while minimising environmental impact.
Scotland's cool climate and frequent late frosts make it more difficult for many crops to thrive if sown directly outdoors. Starting seeds indoors gives plants a head start, ensuring they are strong and ready for outdoor conditions when the weather improves. This method is especially crucial for heat-loving plants like peppers and aubergines, which need a longer growing season, and even lots of the perennial flowers grown from seed need heat and extra light.
Heated propagation stations provide a consistent, warm environment that encourages faster and more reliable seed germination. Essential for early spring gardening, especially in colder climates, these stations maintain optimal temperatures for heat-loving crops. Incorporating heated propagation stations into your gardening routine not only extends the growing season but also promotes sustainable practices by reducing the need for repeated sowing due to failed germination.
Heat mats provide consistent, gentle warmth that speeds up germination, particularly for seeds that require higher temperatures. By placing seed trays on heat mats, you can maintain optimal soil temperatures, reducing germination time and increasing success rates. Opt for energy efficient mats to minimise electricity use, and use timers to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
Natural light in early spring can still be insufficient for seedling growth if you are growing on a windowsill or in a part shaded greenhouse. Full spectrum LED grow lights offer a sustainable solution by providing the necessary light intensity without excessive energy consumption. Position lights close to the seedlings and adjust as they grow, ensuring even light distribution to prevent leggy, weak plants.
Reusable Seed Trays: Avoid single use plastics by using biodegradable pots, recycled containers, or modular seed trays that can be reused annually.
Peat Free Compost: Choose peat free seed compost to protect vital peat bog ecosystems.
Water Wisely: Use collected rainwater to hydrate seedlings, reducing reliance on tap water and any extra chemicals added to them.
Use A Timer: Use a timer for the heat and lights so not to overuse electricity.
By using energy efficient heat mats and propagation trays, gardeners can ensure seedlings develop strong root systems and are ready for transplanting when outdoor conditions improve.
Happy Gardening!
Katrina and Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire and share their daily life in the garden on Instagram, practicing permaculture principles in the garden, reducing and repurposing waste whenever they can.
Clayton is 16, autistic, non-verbal, and has been home-educated for the last 5 years. Home-educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive: he has completed the 'Grow and Learn' course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and is working on Level 2 'Nurture'.
You can hear directly from Katrina on home educating in nature and on permaculture principles on the Scotland Grows Show.
Katrina and Clayton featured on BBC 'Beechgrove' (Ep23 2022, and Ep17 2023), and are authors of the children’s series 'Clayton's Gardening Adventures: Stories of Autism and Gardening' available on Amazon.
You can keep up with Katrina and Clayton on Instagram, Facebook, and on their website.