Pre-cultivation - what kind of equipment do you need?
The Norwegian summer is fantastic, but oh so short. By pre-cultivating seeds indoors, we can still succeed with most flowers and vegetables. But what should we grow them in? Here we guide you through everything from seed trays and plug trays to seed and cultivation pellets.
Plug board and seedbed
- Definition of seed trays:
Seed trays are trays with multiple small plant pots integrated. - Materials and sizes:
You can get them in different materials and sizes; they take up little space and are suitable for sowing seeds as well as cuttings. - Cell size considerations:
The size of the "cells" depends on what you are going to grow. Larger plants, such as squash and melons, are best grown in larger cells, while lettuce and summer flowers can start life in smaller cells. - Transplanting needs:
Many plants need to be transplanted into larger, separate pots one or more times before it is time to plant them outside, but some can stay in the seed tray until they are ready to be planted in the garden or ground. - Importance of drainage holes:
Seed trays and pots with drainage holes in the bottom are smart to reduce the risk of overwatering. - Watering technique:
Water preferably from the bottom or with thin, small streams so that you do not damage the delicate shoots.
Plastic plug board
Plug board and pots in biodegradable material
Seed trays and pots made from materials such as cellulose, paper fiber, or coconut fiber are environmentally friendly and can easily be divided and buried in the soil when it's time to plant in the garden. This can be gentle on the roots, allowing them to continue growing undisturbed. One disadvantage may be that seeds and young plants may have a slightly easier time drying out in such materials compared to plastic, but regular watering is all that is needed to avoid this.
Extra equipment to help you succeed
- Mini Greenhouse:
Place what you grow in a mini greenhouse to reduce the risk of seeds and seedlings drying out and withering. The mini greenhouse also helps maintain a more consistent temperature. - Watering Mat:
By placing pots or trays on a watering mat, a kind of self-watering solution, the risk of plants drying out decreases, while excess water can drain away. - Heating Mat:
Some types of seeds need warmth to germinate. Eggplant, chili, and bell pepper are all examples of seeds that benefit from a heating mat. - Plant Lighting:
The light in Norway is rarely sufficient for early spring cultivation. Plant lights provide extra bright, plump, and robust plants - and can also be used to give a little extra love to light-loving indoor plants in the winter.
Planting boards and planting boxes for wide seeding
Growing trays, seedling boxes, and plant trays are best if you want to broadcast seeds, that is, to scatter the seeds over a certain area before covering them with a thin layer of soil and pressing lightly with your hand.
Basil, various types of grass, salad, and microgreens are examples of seeds that can be broadcasted advantageously. The plants can later be moved individually or collectively. By using trays or boxes with drainage holes, you reduce the risk of overwatering.