Seed sowing tools

Discussion in 'Propagation This Month' started by Fat Controller, Aug 16, 2013.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    I am pretty sure that someone on here has posted a link to a wee gizmo that is used for sowing really small seeds (like petunias) in ones, but I cannot for the life of me find anything - can anyone help?
     
  2. Fern4

    Fern4 Total Gardener

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    • Fern4

      Fern4 Total Gardener

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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Champion! Thanks @Fern4 - I think the Amazon plunger one might be the best bet?
       
    • Lolimac

      Lolimac Guest

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      If you ever get stuck you can use old Pepper pots or i tell you another gadget thats quite good....the old containers from sweetners that you just click:thumbsup: it all depends on the size of the seed ofcourse....
       
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      • Fern4

        Fern4 Total Gardener

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        I'm not sure FC seeing as I've never used one. I was thinking of getting one myself which is why I had a couple of links available. It looks ok though. Maybe an experienced user can advise us. :)
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          I tried the pepper pot idea last year, which let me sprinkle seeds a bit further than I would have by hand, but I was kinda hoping for a more scientific approach if possible to make the best of my cellular trays - pricking out the petunias this year was an expedition all of its own, and there was some root damage whilst separating them out; then end result was OK, but I am not convinced that the plants wouldn't have been that bit further on come planting time had they not been playing catch up building roots?

          The larger seeds such as tomato seeds weren't really an issue, although maybe the sweetner clicker might be a good idea for them and seeds of that size to make the job a bit less laborious.
           
        • Kristen

          Kristen Under gardener

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          I tried one a few years ago. From memory it was like the second link "The Magic Seeder". The plastic generated static electricity and the seeds clung to it as a consequence - and if you tried to push them the forces repelled each other and the seeds just jumped around and it was utterly useless for sowing small seeds.

          I also hate it when seed companies put their small seeds in zip-lock bags, for the same reason that the seeds are usually reluctant to come out.

          But I dno't have an alternative suggestion I'm afraid.
           
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          • HarryS

            HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              I noticed that The Real Seed Company sent the lettuce and endive seeds in those wee zip lock bags, and they are a bit of a faff to get the seeds out of.

              By the way @Kristen - thanks again for the recommendation to try them for lettuce seeds, the lettuce we got from them (Optima) is the best I have tasted in many years :)
               
            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              FC, I've not used one of these but I get the feeling you'll need the patience of a saint with seeds as small as petunias. :)
               
            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              They certainly tried my patience this year, that is for sure. I can see how some people would be deterred by them to be honest, however the monetary savings by growing them from seed are considerable, so if I can just take some of the labour out of the job I will be laughing.
               
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              • clueless1

                clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                The damp kebab skewer works for me.
                 
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                • Kristen

                  Kristen Under gardener

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                  Don't remember recommend them for Lettuce, per se, but happy to take the credit :) and I've made a not to try some of that variety next year :blue thumb:

                  Glad you got some good'uns :) You letting some go to seed to keep-your-own? (Actually "some" won't be necessary, "one" will be masses more seed than the whole of the seed parcel recipient list will need!
                   
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                  • Fat Controller

                    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                    It was definitely you that gave the recommendation - you might remember better if I said that I was the awkward swine that wanted to know which variety was the same as the supermarket 'round' lettuce? Thanks to you, I knew I was looking for a butterhead lettuce; I ended up getting a few more seeds from them too, and have already got my eye on some others for next year....

                    I won't need to save any this year, as I still have loads left in the packet that I bought - certainly enough to see me into next year.
                     
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