general sowing tips

# Re-using milk cartons

& throwaway crates

Get the black plastic crates for FREE from your green grocer. These are normally scrapped !

# why milk

cartons ?

# Re-use of otherwise a useless milk carton.

# Narrow and space-saving compared to normal plastic pots with the same depth.

# Very deep which is ideal for tree saplings.

# Sturdy enough to last well more than a year or two.

# Folding milk

cartons

Check out this video to learn how to prepare milk cartons for reuse as pots instead of using new plastic ones. Remember that milk cartons have a thin plastic film on both the inside and outside. When you're done with the cartons, please don't dispose of them in the environment; instead, place them in a bag for mixed waste.

# check out this short video

on how to prepare, fill and sow in a milk carton.

# Fill to the top!

Fill the milk carton nearly to the top with soil, compost, or a mix. The advantage of using a milk carton is its depth, providing ample space for the roots to spread and grow.

# Collect seeds

This video shows a variety of seeds varying in shape, size and colour. Seeds are normally found in fruits or pods which need to be extracted, washed or cleaned and dried before storage.

# Place the seed at the top

and only slightly cover with soil or compost

Use discarded plastic containers or simply cover pots with a plastic bag to hold humidity and warmth. Do not leave in prolonged direct sunlight.

# Use greenhouses to stimulate growth

# Soil

or

compost?

# Compost is light and it's easier for the roots to grow in, but has very low water retention and thus needs very frequent watering in hot weather.

# Soil might harden and present an added difficulty for roots to penetrate. It has a higher water retention and thus needs less watering.

# Mix...you get the best of both worlds

# All options work fine as long as you know how to use them well.

watering frequency depends greatly on :-

# whether you are using soil or compost or a mix.

# whether the site is hot and dry or cold and humid.

# the type of tree or plant you are growing.

# the hours of direct sunshine on the pots.

# how windy the site is.

# and many many more...

# For best results keep the pots only slightly humid.

# watering

# what grows when

Although seeds have particular preferences as to when they should be sowed, what might work for one site might not work for another, even if using the same batch of seeds during the same season. The microclimate of the site dictates what and when to plant.

# so what do i do?

The best thing is to experiment with various seeds at different times of the year (generally avoiding the hot seasons) and see what works best for you. Sowing is generally done between October and March.

# if in doubt !!

Ask on our facebook group and you will definitely get an answer. Find the link in the 'CONTACTS' section here.

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