Seed mats are pieces of fabric or paper with seeds embedded in them to make the seeds easier to plant . They are standardised in concept to sow tapes , but are generally wider and are design to cover a larger area . There are many grounds why gardener may pick out to use seed mats . They can be used for almost any type of seed : veg , prime , and even turf and lawn . you’re able to bribe them quick - made or make your own .
The Benefits of Seed Mats
The big benefit to seed mats is time savings . They allow you to lie down down a bed of come very quickly . They are especially effective for tiny seeds like moolah or carrot that are a pain sensation to sow . Using source lusterlessness , a gardener can establish a 100 - square - foot orbit in about an time of day . Sure , if you make them yourself you do have to invest time organise them , but that is time pass well seated indoors . Seed mats also define seeds being wasted due to them being planted too close together or at the wrong astuteness . A peripheral benefit that can be drop is their moderate weed control ability . The mat can help keep some sens at bay because they temporarily ( until they biodegrade ) cover the ground and smother any weed seeds hear to come forth .
Making Your Own Seed Mats
buy ejaculate mats add up in many varieties . They are usually bought by the roll or rag in specific straightforward - inch or square - foot size . However , semen choices are special and they are generally more expensive than make your own .
Homemade seed mats provide you with straight-out options . you could purchase or save the semen of your selection and then specify them out on mats at your leisure . They are normally made using paper towels as the base . Any lightweight paper that easily disintegrates in weewee will do — just forefend colored ink or glossy report which could have toxin in it . First , apply a pencil to mark the emplacement of the seed on the paper , harmonise to the length between seeded player signal on the come mailboat . Next , make your glue by amalgamate flour and water supply into a thick library paste and put a splatter of mucilage on each bull’s eye . eventually , place 1 - 3 source ( just one for larger cum , several for tiny seeds ) on each tap of glue and wait for it to dry exhaustively . Once dry , tag the theme , mark which side should align with the front of the planting bed , hustle it up and then lay in it until quick for planting .
Seed Choices and Placement
When select several seeds to share the same mat , be sure to choose industrial plant that have comparatively similar sprouting and ontogenesis rate . Otherwise , the faster - farm plant may smother out the others . If you select flowers of varying heights , be sure to plant the shortest one in the front of the bottom and taller unity in the back . Consider whether you bid for your plants to appear in straight rows or be staggered for a more natural appearing .
How to Use a Seed Mat
Using a prepared seed mat is easy . merely rake the earth and pull aside some soil or have some compost quick . Lay the matte out in the preference you ’d like , then cover with the urge amount of dirt or compost for the seeds on the lusterlessness ( commonly 1/4 inch or so ) . piss lightly and then cover to water day by day as you would any freshly - plant seeds .
More DIY Seed Mat Resources :
Construct Your Own Seed Mats
University of Minnesota – Homemade Seed tapeline
