Novel approach to growing seedlings

Gardening is a lifelong process of learning and discovery. Just when you think you’ve mastered a technique, a new one arises that changes the way you grow your plants. Whether it’s a creative way to germinate seeds or an unusual way to increase flowering, these methods provide fascinating insights into plant behaviour and how minor changes may lead to big effects. In this column, I’ll discuss two such techniques: one for quickly growing seedlings and another for fostering abundant jasmine blossoms. 

I recently learnt about a novel approach to growing seedlings: the Seed-Snail method. This compact and effective idea provides the ideal environment for germination with minimal intervention, using only a modest amount of water to keep moisture levels stable. It works for almost all garden seeds, from vegetables to flowering plants.

The method involves using a long polythene sheet, typically around 15-20 cm in height and about two feet in length. If you can’t find a long sheet, you can join two smaller sheets using cello or masking tape. Once familiar with the process, you can adjust the dimensions to suit different seeds. To begin, lay the sheet on a flat surface and spread a thin even layer of soil about half an inch thick while leaving about half an inch of space at the top and bottom. Roll the sheet carefully, keeping the soil intact, and attach the ends using masking tape. When you place it vertically, the end product is a cylindrical structure that resembles a snail shell, with earth wrapped between the layers in a spiral pattern.Now it’s time to plant the seeds. Drop them at regular intervals along the spiral, top them with a thin layer of soil, and water until the excess moisture drains from the bottom. Place the cylinder on a tray and cover it with a plastic bag or newspaper for a few days to maintain optimal temperature. Water only if the topsoil feels dry. When the seedlings appear and have achieved an appropriate height, beyond their false leaf stage, unroll the sheet by removing the tape. The soil will reveal a complex network of healthy roots. The seedlings can then be carefully moved into larger pots or planted straight into the ground.

From my experience, this method produces more robust seedlings compared to traditional seedling trays. For legumes, I prefer germinating the seeds in a damp napkin before transferring them to the seed-snail cylinder. Initially, I used store-bought planting soil but later switched to pure red soil, which also proved effective.

Years ago, I discovered an unusual but effective trick to increase flowering in Jasminium sambac plants. While most gardeners are familiar with pruning before the flowering season, the secret lies in removing most of the leaves and temporarily reducing watering. It might sound counterintuitive — why remove the very leaves that feed the plant? When a healthy jasmine loses its foliage, it enters survival mode, redirecting the stored energy first into producing new leaves, followed by an abundance of flowers. This controlled stress, performed about 4-6 weeks before the expected flowering season (typically early summer), triggers the plant to produce a profusion of jasmine blooms. Like with any technique, balance is essential. I remove about half the leaves while keeping the healthy ones, especially near the bottom branches. This allows the plant to develop new shoots and foliage, giving it a bushy appearance. The spectacular display of jasmine flowers makes the garden come alive with fragrance.

Motley Garden is your monthly kaleidoscopic view into a sustainable garden ecosystem. The author posts as @all_things_in_my_garden.

Reader Query

Why do my tulsi plants (Ocimum Sanctum) wilt in winter? How can I keep them healthy throughout the year? - Bhawana

Healthy tulsi requires constant pruning and sufficient nutrition. It is crucial to remove flower heads before they mature. This practice prevents the plant from producing seeds, thereby extending its lifespan. For optimal growth, feed the plant with organic fertiliser during the growing season. The plant undergoes dormancy, sheds its leaves, and appears fragile during the winter months. To protect it during this sensitive period, move the plant to a sheltered location with indirect sunlight. Avoid root rot in winter by watering less. Spray a multipurpose insecticide to prevent infections such as powdery mildew.

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