Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
(k)
(h)
(i)
(f)
(c
(c)
(e)
(d)
(g)
(b)
(a)
(j)
(j)
(j)
Figure 11.3
Range of containers for growing plants: (a) traditional clay pots; (b) standard seed tray and half tray;
(c) standard plastic pots in range of sizes, compared with (d) 'long toms' and (e) half pots; (f) biodegradable pots;
(g) compressed blocks; (h) square or (i) round pots in trays; (j) various 'strips' in trays; (k) typical commercial
polystyrene bedding plant tray
X
seed trays
X
half trays
X
standard pots (as deep as wide)
X
pans ('half pots')
X
'long toms' - longer pots, i.e. deeper than the
standard size.
useful for the planting out stage. For production
horticulture, where cost and presentation of the
plants becomes the main consideration, there is a
wider range of materials including polystyrene for
once-only use.
Too large a container is a waste of compost and
space, whereas one that is too small can lead to
the seedlings having to be spaced out before they
are ready; if left, they become overcrowded and
susceptible to
damping-off diseases
(see p. 254).
Throughout the whole process of sowing seeds, care
should be taken to ensure
hygienic
conditions starting
with:
X
clean containers
X
clean growing environment
X
'sterile' growing media (see p. 181).
Sowing density should be appropriate for the size of
seed, but a thick layer of seedlings should always be
avoided as this makes damping off diseases more
likely.
These must have adequate drainage to allow excess
water out or for the water in the capillary matting
or sand to be drawn up into the compost. Square
shapes utilize space better, but it is harder to fill
properly in the corners. Although more expensive,
rigid plastic trays are easier to manage. Rims on
containers give yet more rigidity and make them
easier to stack and clean. Gardeners can make use
of plastic food containers so long as they are given
sufficient drainage holes. All containers should
be clean before use (see hygiene p. 194). There
are also disposable pots made of compressed
organic matter, paper or synthetic 'whalehide'
through which roots will emerge which makes them
