My Propagation Setup for Annual Vegetables - Compost, Watering, Space etc

Signed copies of my book are now available: huwsnursery.shop/home/8-veg-i...
In this video, I walk you through my entire propagating setup for starting annual vegetable seed indoors. This helps give a head start to the season and reduces wasting space if germination from direct sowing is poor. Hopefully you will get some ideas to apply in your own situation and in the video I outline what I have in close proximity to the potting bench and why, watering and reducing the need to water, the storage of the seedlings, dealing with half-empty seed packets, how I sow a module tray and what is the missing piece from the whole setup. Charles’ video on propagation: • Propagation: germinate...
Containerwise, the module seed trays I use and recommend: containerwise.co.uk/
Produced in Partnership with Eifion Jones from: www.torchydesign.co.uk/
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HuwsNursery is a channel which dedicates itself to teaching you how to grow an abundance of food at your home. Videos are uploaded every week and cover a vast range of subjects including; soil health, sowing, transplanting, weeding, organic tips, permaculture, pest control, harvesting and low maintenance growing to name a few.
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With thanks to the support of my top tier patreons; William Shidal, Ben Porcher, Namaste Foundation, Valeria Letelier and Mike Moore

[@aatt3209]

it's so great to see younger generations taking on farming.

[@chrisholmes8250]

It’s so great to see older generations getting into KZbin

[@KyriaNunNuit]

Seems to be a win-win situation all-round 😀.

[@MrVirkMedia]

Happy day

[@jeremyowen1]

Rare to find a young lad like yourself with so much knowledge. I'm 26 now and find it hard to make friends with similar interests. Seems like a lot of people got so used to everything being pre-packaged in supermarkets. They almost look at me like I'm weird for having an interest in growing my own food.

[@koribwrs1961]

Its okay. You're not alone. I'm 25 and we're changing the world my friend!

[@adelafox9365]

Dont feel weird. I am 24, have a kid and like gardening. You bet people look at me weird sometimes but I rather do all the hard work now while I am still young and then kick back later while my peers get overrun by having kids late. The same goes for gardening. I rather learn and build everything now and then literally reap what I sow when I am older lol. You are not alone. You just dont have people like this around you. Wait a few years and all of those people who look at you weirdly now will be jelaous of your knowledge and garden.

[@cec6071]

There's definitely ppl who think like you, we just aren't the norm anymore with the modern world and tech age. I'm 22 and still in school but can't wait to begin gardening.

[@thornbottle]

I am 38 and had an interest in gardening for years. I wish I was able to get into it when I was 24 but I lived in a 3rd floor flat at the time. Keep going and good luck

[@marbilleduaqui8534]

hi

[@EvelynJoy]

I'm so thankful that I am learning to garden at a time when KZbin exists so that I can see how other people garden and get good ideas! Thank you! This is my second season gardening and I'm planning a bigger and better food garden than last year!

[@theirishcailin333]

Hope it was a great success 😊

[@mlemoore]

you could cut soda bottles and put the top half on the legs of your shelves to prevent mice from climbing up them! also, a trick for watering is using a water bottle and using a tac to poke 6 holes in the cap to water seedlings!

[@1Thedairy]

It’s great to see such a young man (and a very handsome one too) taking such an interest in gardening and growing his own vegetables. With prices soaring in the shops and people becoming more concerned about how they are grown it’s definitely the way forward. A very helpful and informative video.

[@SgtSnausages]

I just want to say (unrelated to this specific viddie) - I've been watching you for years, my man. You've come a long way. You're all grown up and doin' your own thing now. Kudos. Respect. Your efforts online have not been wasted.

[@HuwRichards]

Ahh Jason thank you so much!!! That is very kind of you. I've been persevering for years and it is all starting to really pay off :)

[@andreajohnsMyPotteryBliss]

I really appreciate that Huw uses what he has without having to buy all the fancy gadgets. That’s what makes his advice so practical. I hadn’t considered mice as a problem but looking back on some of my planting failures that may have been the issue. Now I can take steps to stop the little varmints

[@delphinium5555]

Really pleased to see these deep propagation trays, long life ones hence avoiding the need for disposable plastics that break so easily. On my Xmas list, thank you!

[@AneShiroo]

I’m so glad you’re going to teach us how to do this .... because i need to learn everything, before i set up gardening in my Zone 6b raised beds. Thank you, for teaching and sharing all your experiences with us, your viewers.

[@50Street21]

I happened to stumble upon your video this evening and became hooked by your knowledge, dedication to gardening and your personable approach while presenting. There is just something about spring and days when the sun shines. For me, I have to get outside and into the yard as there is just something soulful about being in nature. You've inspired me, Huw. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks! Darryl

[@constablebentonfraser5014]

I am growing stuff for the wellbeing of my Mum and I this year and each stage I am learning from mistakes and finding out what requirements appear once you just start doing without knowing, which is great but I thank you so much for your knowledge and help, you communicate so well. I built my bench in the shed the other day and I have seen that compost thing on Monty Don before, I will be making that today. Your seed planting advice will alter forever more now how I will be planting, Thank you from Billy from SW London living with his Mum currently in NE Scotland.

[@tawanajeffries3610]

I love watching your vlogs. I live in the southern United States and am just starting vegetable gardening but I started all my plants including all my flowers from seed this year. I do hope to eventually have a high tunnel since I live in a mild climate it’s all I’d need. Thanks for all the great info.

[@punkbmx]

I have been watching you for a few years now and you have really come into your own as a presenter, always informative and a good teacher. Keep up the good work man.

[@HuwRichards]

Wow thank you very much!! :)

[@bmg2507]

I agree. Could get a job with countryfile

[@MsMariaSierra]

Great video Huw!! I’ve watched every single video of Charles Dowding and also James Prigioni! I consider them as the best. I also follow Jess from Roots and Refuge AND your dear friend Liz Zorab whom I recently found - I was recently hospitalized for 4 days and had nothing but time and watched about 2 years worth of Byther Farm videos!! Liz should be in entertainment - I truly like her. But I wanted to thank you because your knowledge and hands on experience is very valuable. Keep up the great work and sharing your ideas. What a great inspiration you are for the younger generation.

[@HuwRichards]

They are both such awesome gardeners! Hahaha wow that is amazing she will be so happy to know that! Thank you for your kind words Maria.

[@gloriaa3652]

Maria Sierra I bet you came out of that hospitalization raring to go and a great gardener. Hope all is well.

[@beautygrowshope]

@@gloriaa3652 gardening has helped me after my cancer treatments - I really understand how powerful it can be to encourage healing!

[@aaroncort8460]

Thanks, going to make me a potting bench for sure, been potting up last weekend and back is sore from all the bending,,,love to build stuff, thanks for your videos.

[@beverleyriddell7951]

Watched your video this morning 10th may,for the information for seed trays,you gave out,I have phoned container wise up and ordered 9 trays ,for my husband ,I told him we got the name from you ,we are new subscribers thank you from Wolverhampton 👍👍

[@dbmable7]

I started planting for the first time when I was at your age 10 years ago. but I must amid lots of things I have to learn from you! keep it up young lad. hope you get 1 million subscribers soon! x

[@WuesteGobi]

You are so well organized and your videos are excellent. I really love watching them and I‘ve learned a lot from them. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@inguracka]

Watching two of my favourite gardening guys Charles and Huw for this season inspiration. Pity I live in zone 5, so i will have to wait a month more adapt your suggestions and plantings. Would love to have a longer growing season

[@soultrekcentral]

Man, it's simply a joy to watch all those gardening videos! fantastic.

[@HannaARTzink]

Beautiful to see how you match nature with organization, excellent methodology. Really helpful in veg gardening where efficiency matters. Thanks for inspiration.

[@suzannahmiller8441]

I know how you feel Jeremy. At my tender age of almost 40! hehe. Being an environmental activist and in love with my garden. Find Huw really inspiring. Until seeing this video I didn't realise how disorganised my gardening is. I realise how much time and energy I am wasting. Cant wait to sort my potting shed out and get organised. Thanks Hew : )

[@montyshinn8704]

Thankyou. Praying you stay healthy and enjoy a bountiful harvest!

[@auniciasharpe7293]

I really like your teaching. Thank you for the details and for the extensive notes and links. I like the tall bench, I can see how well it could work for me.

[@dvorgur]

The thing about growing your own crops is that it is so rewarding to harvest what you have grown from a small seed. And also, about growing your own crops... there is no rivalry, so the community is that open about what works for them. I love that! I live out in the country myself and grow my own crops every year. And this video has taught me alot. Thanks for sharing :)

[@melbatolentino1149]

You’re my new favorite guy and will definitely look up at all your videos to do my gardening better ☺️ thank you so much for sharing your knowledge ☺️

[@HuwRichards]

Wow that's very kind thank you!

[@calicrypto2092]

I can't wait to see how they all turn out. Hope you have a great year planting!! Best of wishes from the U.S ~Grace

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so so much Grace! :)

[@simaogarcia2419]

Very impressed, great job. I just sowed my seeds, need to get more organized like you. Keep up the good work.

[@CarrieNita]

I make 2" soil blocks and use aluminum trays or glass bakeware from thrift stores. The glass bakeware does especially well germinating on heat mats.

[@sharontabor1986]

Your information is very helpful. I was trying to think what to use under the little pots. My tip is to use the glass microwave turntables as covers for the 5 gallon buckets. They are heavy enough to stay on during most wind storms and shed water. Happy growing! Sharon

[@digsindirt4490]

I’m in love with your deep rooted trays.

[@frasersgirl4383]

I’m watching from the central United States and learning so much! I love your videos!!

[@linhdo8758]

Your channel is a gold mine for me. Thank you so much Huw! Love from Sai Gon, Vietnam!

[@sharayalee3376]

Yes! Shout out to James and Charles! I love the supportive community that gardeners create on KZbin.

[@HilltopFarmHomestead]

Jay from South Australia here. Your book arrived a couple of days ago and I think it's fantastic. We done Hue. You should be very proud.

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thank you so much Jay I am so glad you like it! :)

[@brightgreencarrot]

You're a great teacher and the content and presentation of your videos are excellent. Maybe even more importantly, you're a great inspiration. 👍

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much David - that means a lot! :)

[@mikedeman5351]

Hi. I bought your book a few weeks ago and just wanted to say I am finding it really informative and useful. I've got quite a few gardening books but yours is different from the run-of-the-mill. The content is great, and the design and format is very good too. I can see this will become a book I refer to over the years :)

[@aimeered8191]

I've just discovered you Huw. And I am a little bit in love. Book purchased and I'm heading up the allotment tomorrow to get cracking! Thank you 😁

[@GardensforLife]

Brilliant idea, planting the onion sets in trays before planting them out. I will do that. Thanks for your videos as always

[@HoH]

Congratulations on 400k subscribers! Very well deserved - your channel is very inspirational.

[@tmontero8492]

Just found you, and you're now a fave of mine. I find you balance my other faves beautifully: Dowding, Prigioni, Roots & Refuge, Gardening Tips from India, and even the resourceful understated "Jim" the Greek guy in his quietly informative "Easy Do" videos (sub-titles a must). If only gardeners ran the world, ahhhhh. You have an excellent presence, explain clearly to idiots (which I sincerely appreciate), and are quite innovative. Good for you -- fantastic for us black and brown thumbs. Continued success in what you obviously love. You've taught me so much.

[@HuwRichards]

Awhh thank you so much for this comment! I really do appreciate all of your kind words and support. The great thing about gardening is that there is always something new to learn 👌

[@fujilala]

Some great tips, love the cardboard trick. My second year growing with a polytunnel and veg plot. I cant think about anything but veg gardening all day. I cover my plant labels with masking tape, label with marker and re use. Works well.

[@ikswej]

Naughty boy,you never labelled the spinach after sowing. Glad I am not the only one. Really great video

[@johnbaxter189]

I use old washing liquid bottle to drip water onto my seeds. Not many realise how watering washes too deep so they then can't grow. I like how ur think, like everything on hand. Garden logistics is a hard thing to get right, but ur right get it right and it saves bags of time. My propping set up is very similar to urs, nice high tables and all my kit in one place. I have got a permanent grow room in my bedroom and I start a lot indoors then bring them out. Had tomatoes growing all winter indoors. Grow lights are fantastic for get really early crops and crops totally out of season, with grow light there really is no such thing as season. Wud love to see u do an indoor garden Huw. I'm sure ur followers wud too. It will give u more scope with ur videos over winter too. I'm always well impressed with ur gardening Huw so keep up the good works.

[@ruthcarpenter377]

We have had the same thing this year with mice......last year it was slugs, the previous year toads this year it's mice......running everywhere......ransacking our seed trays and destroying many seedlings......so we have a net hammock.......we hung it from the polytunnel roof bars on the inside to create a raised shelf so they couldn't get them......we thought they had eaten the Swiss chard seeds so I left that tray they ransacked alone and did another tray......now we have 42 containers, trays, pots growing chard........will need to check out some recipes! Thanks for all the links and the great videos you put together, a wealth of knowledge for sure! We are learning many things! A huge thank you🤗

[@wubbalubbadubdub7597]

Kelly's ice cream tubs for the win! Waterproof and sturdy, they have been my seed storage boxes forever. Who knew? Huw knew.

[@piotrkowalewski1111]

Such an inspiring video! Greetings from Poland!

[@angelasheppard7197]

Thanks for sharing. I like the way you water then plant. Also I think I need to make me a potting table with the pallets. I've been planning a small greenhouse/tunnel. Now I'm going to really get busy on it after watching you with yours.

[@gliOrtidiMauro]

Watching your videos is very enjoyable,thank you!

[@Xingqiwu387]

Excellent video! I'm so glad I've now subscribed to this channel. Marvelous work you're doing.

[@HedgerowStitching]

I have made suspended racks that hand over my middle bed for seeding all at waist height- marvellous!

[@manuelahelenafernandes9798]

Thanks so helpful and so many great tips like not using seed compost, placing cardboard over seed trays and how you plant seedlings.

[@cliestogamousandcarafes3659]

Love your set up you have there. I made a similar compost storage box for my conservatory. Very easy thanks for the inspiration.

[@alexnoman1498]

Ah, yes, Dowding lured me in to this space in the first place :D British gentleman, trailblazer, knowledgeable, soft-spoken - what's not to love? His dismay at those sturdy planters being out of production gets me every time xD

[@idandidnt]

The next host of gardeners world... Keep up the hard work, it's truly inspiring 👍🏽

[@kath-phlox]

I said the same about the last video :)

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thank you! ;)

[@craftfarms901]

I really like the idea of a potting bench. I think i'm going to build one. Thanks for the tips!

[@tovaritchboy]

Great set up. AND MY BOOK arrived yesterday. WOW what a super book Huw.

[@HuwRichards]

Hi Greg! Awh I am so so glad you like it!! Best wishes

[@tovaritchboy]

@@HuwRichards And now that the warmer weather has FINALE arrived I can start working on the garden and my little new orchard. Ground starting to thaw out and snow almost all gone. Keep up the great work and heres to the next book! Congrats on a super effort and a GREAT published work!

[@movednorthhomestead7244]

Always great to see HOW! Appreciate all the tips and ideas!! 🤗❤️

[@flock_ness]

This year I have made propagators out of plastic Chinese takeaway tubs. Having one upturned pot on top stops evaporation. I place them on a padded envelope that is on top of a radiator. The envelope acts as a heat pad, it doesn't let the pots get too hot. This has been my best year ever for starting seeds and the first year ai have tried this method!

[@binajoshi6973]

Brilliant idea! Cheers for this :-)

[@irismcaskill5027]

That sounds great, my seeds are on the window sill

[@irismcaskill5027]

Once my seeding have started to appear I take the cover off but then I spray the container to keep soil moist but noticed when it dries is forms a crust. Should I do something different?

[@matthewpainter3875]

Fantastic video huw I've definitely taken some tips keep up the good work 👍 I've ordered your book so can't wait for it to arrive Wednesday

[@kristina_lynn]

Your setup is a dream! I can't wait to have space like that.

[@FoodForThought.]

Thanks for the video. I'm just starting with a poly tunnel and this gives me loads of ideas.

[@lorraineg8134]

Great video Huw. Exciting time of the year getting things ready for a productive season. Thanks so much for sharing. I grow mine in my small porch and windows then move on to my plastic greenhouse , i put fleeces on them every evening till morning. Seems to be going ok so far.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much for your continued support Lorraine! Sounds like a fantastic setup you have there and I am glad it is working out for you well :)

[@lorraineg8134]

@@HuwRichards i speak highly of you all on the gardening front . I agree with others who have mentioned that, you will go far with your talent of gardening.My set up us the best i can do, i have two small allotments that i merged into one, i built the beds , doing no dig and dig there, its a great pastime. Since i started watching what ye are sharing its given me great insight how its all done. Keep striving forward Huw , you are going places with your passion and calm approach to sharing, well done.

[@mehmoodahmad9553]

Presenting like a professional.

[@ciwee5607]

Love the containerwise trays, great way to start off my seeds.

[@chantalgardner3157]

Your videos are so thorough! And thank you for mentioning your mice problems. We use peanut butter and baking soda.

[@war5561]

I love this video! I need to be more organized! Mice may be deterred by planting some wire fencing in the ground. This is how I prevent my flower bulbs from getting dug up. But I can’t keep them from nesting in my pots over the winter.

[@jeevanb9527]

Your Video Inspired Me To Have A Propagation Set-Up. Will Be Trying It Out. Thank You.

[@paulinemcleggan7585]

Hi Huw please could you include a summary at the end of your videos to explain what seeds we should be sowing in which month. Also what we should be planting out. I always get confused with this. Your videos are always welcome. Thank you

[@Laiynnalaiynna]

I have only recently started growing some vegetables and fruit myself, but my neighbours have an amazingly full garden. The only thing that never grew succesfully were their potatoes they had planted outside, as the mice would eat them. The year I moved in is the year their potatoes started to finally produce. Reason: my 2 cats ate all the mice :D. So there is your solution. Great channel btw, instant sub!

[@LaHortetadeBussy]

Great video. Muy buenos semilleros amigo

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much! :)

[@FilthySoapCore]

I love that flower sprayer that’s adorable

[@GARDENER42]

I've been using Containerwise cell trays since the early 90s & have yet to break one - excellent products & a great replacement for the no longer available AP polystyrene cell trays.

[@TarpeianRock]

Lot’s of very useful tips and tricks. Thanks 😊

[@gretasgarden]

Thanks for showing us your techniques Huw. Great info

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Greta!

[@Live4DreamMusic]

Great tips and very informative. Doesn’t harm that you’re a good looking lad either!

[@darlatidwell6255]

Excellent tips. Thanks Huw. ☀️🌱

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

I like the look of those deep rooted root trainers, I'll put some on my wishlist. Cheers Huw!

[@TheMag625]

Love those hard plastic seed modules!!!!!!

[@JFauerbach]

Loves your videos. I am new to gardening and particularly to vegetables gardening. Could you do an intro level video and discuss the different times of the year where one should focused on different gardening activities? I would really appreciate to discuss early and late harvest, seeding, compost preparation, what to do or not during winter and summer, etc.

[@whatishappening85]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@mawkernewek]

Great video. I've got a library copy of your book as well, and may well buy another one as a present for my brother. Obviously I'm not the only one who thought the Kelly's ice cream tubs would make great propagator trays, if only the label on the top was easier to peel off.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much! Awh yay!! Hahaha no that is very true.

[@janebotten2969]

Thank you so much for the link for the seed trays x

[@davidwormleighton2839]

Just came across your video and have to say I really enjoyed your content well done 👍👍 stay safe David 👍

[@timflatus]

IMX mice love young radish and turnip leaves. I'm experimenting with keeping a container of sunflower seeds on the floor and planting sacrificial radishes this year. We'll see how that goes.

[@ajdexter4195]

All your seedlings look soo healthy and strong, i only have a small greenhouse so i have to cram it all in, also your videos are well filmed and look professional 🌱👍🏻

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thank you so much!!! I am glad you like my videos - gotta thank my videographer!

[@ajdexter4195]

@@HuwRichards I one day hope to produce videos of a good quality :)

[@restawhileyall1781]

Another great video, thanks Huw.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you😀

[@snowyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

i usually watch videos like this (fish tank videos, calligraphy videos, paining videos) of detailed explanations of things i don’t do to relax, and then i remembered oh yeah it’s autumn and i have a vegetable garden and I can actually use this information

[@harrrytoool1391]

Well done mate.. I normally have trays filled with a little water and plant food and put seed trays in then covered with transparent covers

[@tinanicholls5988]

Hi I've just found your videos,I've just got my greenhouse and made a raised bed,I've brought some seeds got lettuce,kale growning but nothing happened with tomatoes as yet,I love your videos

[@LindaPenney]

Lovely update i am still working on my garden still need greenhouse up and a compost area

[@HuwRichards]

That is so exciting to be creating a garden!! Good luck with it Linda :D

[@tineejohnston9737]

Omg you are just so organized and proper for a young person, impressive I think 🤟🇵🇭

[@jtrose6995]

So abundant! I love it!

[@RM-eb6gh]

Would love to see a video on your seed organizing system. I struggle with that as a home vegetable gardener and often end up with multiple packs of same seed types

[@sandraisaak3802]

I put shelves in when I built the greenhouse. I had old bakery shelves from a grocery. Just lined the two outside walls with them since my greenhouse is attached to the house on one side.

[@50shadesofgreen]

awesome video, Excellent advice and information Huw !!

[@SVT2012]

Very interesting! 🙂

[@iangeorgehardwick6882]

I like the idea of the Thick Plastic Sectioned Module Seed Trays. I've used Trays that have previously carried Commercial Solar Lighting Tubes.

[@jimwilleford6140]

Very helpful Huw. Also, not sure if you have cats, or not. But in my urban backyard garden, I have no mice or other rodent problems, due to the many feral cats roaming the neighbor. Of course, care is required due to diseases carried by infected rat poop. I appreciate you noting James Perigione also, regarding the cardboard over your flats. I have learned a lot from his videos as well.

[@inekevanoorschot7356]

You are a very good teacher

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you Ineke :)

[@simplifygardening]

Great video Huw. filmed something similar but got to edit it yet. Things really moving along now

[@HuwRichards]

I love this time of year Tony!! :D