5 tips for successful pre-cultivation

If you are like me, you already imagine lush plants and wonderful harvests when you buy seeds. The dream of a bountiful cultivation makes your fingers itch as soon as the light returns. And you don't need a lot of space to enjoy growing your own. You can easily manage with a little cultivation on the windowsill, on the balcony, in the allotment garden, or in your own garden. And with my tips, you'll have the right conditions to succeed.

We start with the most important thing; the soil!
Soil is nutrient-poor, fine-textured, and well-drained. Because it is airy and has small particles, it is perfect for the roots of small plants. With the right soil, it becomes easier for plants to reach down into the depth, spread out in the soil, and simply establish themselves. And since the soil is nutrient-poor, you don't have to worry about the roots of the seeds getting stressed or burned - which can cause the young plant to wither and die. Therefore, soil is a safe choice for most seeds. But remember to train the plants to tolerate more nutrients as soon as they emerge from the soil. Once the plants have their first true leaves, the leaves that come after the very first seed leaves, it's time for a richer plant soil and a larger pot. However, not all seeds actually need soil.

Plants that can be sown directly in the open ground, such as cabbage, tomatoes, and artichokes, can be sown directly in plant soil - even though this soil contains fertilizer and has a coarser structure. If you are unsure about what is suitable for the seeds you have chosen, you can also choose a middle ground; use plant soil at the bottom of the pots, and top off with soil on top. I usually fill up with plant soil and finish with about 2-3 cm of soil on top.

When it comes to pre-cultivation, it is important to keep the sowing moist, but definitely not too wet. If there is too much water, you risk the seeds rotting before they have a chance to germinate, especially if it is a bit cool where you have sown. I always recommend watering from the bottom. Let the pots sit on a tray, and water the tray instead of directly into the pots. Water well and let the soil absorb what it needs before pouring out any excess water. The soil in the pot will soak up the water so that the moisture reaches all the way up to the seeds. This way, the seeds can also stay undisturbed, without being washed around by a stream of water that could harm the new fresh roots.

There is nutrition in the plant soil, but to get big and beautiful plants, extra nutrition is needed as the plants grow larger. I have a little trick I like to use; adding some pellets of Plantasjen vegetable fertilizer at the bottom of the pot when sowing. The fertilizer is organic and naturally slow-release, as the nutrients are released as it breaks down in the soil. It acts as an extra reserve for the plants.

For a quick nutrient boost, I supplement with Plantasjen liquid fertilizer. This fertilizer is fast-acting, as water transports it directly to the roots of the plants. Plantasjen liquid fertilizer is made from green organic waste and fermented locally. It contains live photosynthesis bacteria that fix CO2 and nitrogen and stimulate plant growth.

It is easy to think that the light from the window is sufficient for the plants, but for them to become strong and healthy, they often need more light than we think. Without enough light, the plants quickly become elongated and weak, because they stretch out and struggle to reach for all the little light they can get. In addition, photosynthesis struggles to get properly started, and the plants' development is hindered – especially if they are plants that need some time indoors before being planted outside.To ensure that the plants develop as well as possible, you should use plant lights for 12-16 hours a day.

The lamp Crencendo from Plantasjen is perfect for this! It is flexible with its stand and also has a built-in timer for 16 hours to ensure the optimal amount of light. I especially like that it fits nicely in smaller spaces, like on the windowsill or on the bench in the laundry room.

The seeds must absolutely not be allowed to dry out! This is especially important for seeds that are planted shallowly or right on the soil surface. If a seed has started to germinate due to the moisture in the soil, but then dries out, the seed will die. That's why I always use a mini greenhouse for pre-cultivation. I have a tray to water in, while the pots and greenhouse part retain the moisture and allow light in.

It's perfect for the seeds, ensuring they get consistent moisture and avoid drying out. I use the mini greenhouse from Plantasjen along with these seed trays. I can use them again year after year, and they also help keep the soil evenly moist.

The heat mat is one of my very best tools for gardening! What did I do before I got a heat mat, I can wonder about sometimes. Bottom heat stimulates both seeds to grow better and cuttings to root faster. I save so much time by having a heat mat. And the risk of seeds like chili or corn rotting because it's too cold for them is just forget about it. Once the seeds have sprouted and peeked up, I just turn off the heat mat. This way, they get a cooler temperature to grow in, just like most plants prefer.

With these tips, both I and Plantasjen wish you good luck with this year's gardening!