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Tree Project. Constructive Suggestions welcome.Volunteer Information - Setting up to Grow -
Collecting your kit> Filling the tubes> Preparing the seeds> - SOWING THE SEEDS -
Seed – Most seed has been treated with insecticide. While usually in very small amounts, insecticides are poisonous. Before sowing, store seed away from children, and wash hands after handling. Also wash hand between handling different batches of seed to avoid any cross contamination. If pre-treating seed with boiling water please ensure you dispose of the water carefully.
Pre-Treatment of Seed Before Sowing
Seeds of some species require pre-treatment to help break their dormancy. If pre-treatment is not done, the seeds will not germinate. Please refer to Appendix 1in the Growers Manual; particularly note species requiring several weeks of refrigeration.
Sowing
SOW THE SEED ON OR NEAR THE DATES SHOWN ON THE SEED PACKETS. Contact your co-ordinator if you are not able to achieve this.
Sowing dates may be staggered as species germinate and grow at different rates. We aim to have all of the seedlings ready at the same time. Check your sowing dates and plan ahead. The Grower Report will tell you how many of each species to grow. There will be one packet of seed for each box (48 tubes).
Step 1 Check to see is your seeds need any pre-treatment, and follow directions where required.
Step 2 Ensure the tubes are still wet all the way through by watering just prior to sowing. Test this by emptying out one tube from each box (then fill it up again).
Step 3 Write the species name and sowing date on the labels with a waterproof pencil (supplied in the growers kit). If the labels fade in time, write them again.
Step 4 Organise the boxes with labels.
Step 5 Place all the seed from the packet you are about to sow on a clean saucer and divide it up to give you an idea of how much seed per tube.
Step 6 Sow the seed onto the damp potting mix, using ALL the seed in the packet. Refer to Appendix 1 in the Growers Manual for any special requirements of different types and sowing depth for seed type. Avoid sowing fine seed outside on a windy day – there is nothing worse than your seed blowing away!
Step 7 The gravel mulch is placed in a fine layer (approx. 2 mm) depth on top of the potting mix and pressed gently to settle. The gravel is used to :
Collecting your kit> Filling the tubes> Preparing the seeds> - SOWING THE SEEDS -
Seed – Most seed has been treated with insecticide. While usually in very small amounts, insecticides are poisonous. Before sowing, store seed away from children, and wash hands after handling. Also wash hand between handling different batches of seed to avoid any cross contamination. If pre-treating seed with boiling water please ensure you dispose of the water carefully.
Pre-Treatment of Seed Before Sowing
Seeds of some species require pre-treatment to help break their dormancy. If pre-treatment is not done, the seeds will not germinate. Please refer to Appendix 1in the Growers Manual; particularly note species requiring several weeks of refrigeration.
Sowing
SOW THE SEED ON OR NEAR THE DATES SHOWN ON THE SEED PACKETS. Contact your co-ordinator if you are not able to achieve this.
Sowing dates may be staggered as species germinate and grow at different rates. We aim to have all of the seedlings ready at the same time. Check your sowing dates and plan ahead. The Grower Report will tell you how many of each species to grow. There will be one packet of seed for each box (48 tubes).
Step 1 Check to see is your seeds need any pre-treatment, and follow directions where required.
Step 2 Ensure the tubes are still wet all the way through by watering just prior to sowing. Test this by emptying out one tube from each box (then fill it up again).
Step 3 Write the species name and sowing date on the labels with a waterproof pencil (supplied in the growers kit). If the labels fade in time, write them again.
Step 4 Organise the boxes with labels.
Step 5 Place all the seed from the packet you are about to sow on a clean saucer and divide it up to give you an idea of how much seed per tube.
Step 6 Sow the seed onto the damp potting mix, using ALL the seed in the packet. Refer to Appendix 1 in the Growers Manual for any special requirements of different types and sowing depth for seed type. Avoid sowing fine seed outside on a windy day – there is nothing worse than your seed blowing away!
Step 7 The gravel mulch is placed in a fine layer (approx. 2 mm) depth on top of the potting mix and pressed gently to settle. The gravel is used to :
- · hold the seed close to the potting mix,
- · prevent the seed from being washed away,
- · act as a mulch during the heat of the day.
<Back to Previous Page< >To Next Section on Stages of Growth>If you have any questions that are not answered, situations that are not covered or suggested photos to add, please contact the office ph (03) 9650 9477 or email info@treeproject.asn.au Modified August 2006