Speedy Seedlings for Small Spaces: Techniques for a Productive Garden

[@carolewarner101]

Charles I just love your videos. I always learn something of course. But more than that they feel so very wholesome. Wholesome in a world where there seems to be so much unwholesomeness. And I always feel calmer and more peaceful after watching them. I feel more hopeful, like all is not lost in the world after all. I hope this doesn't sound too dark. But honestly...with the senseless wars, climate instability and no meaningful steps to turn that tide, upside down politics/economics, celebrity/$$$ worship and all the rest, it's just sooo nice to be out in your greenhouse and your garden learning and sowing and harvesting in peace and quiet. Which of course makes me go out into my hoop house and garden to do more of the same! It's a beautiful thing. Thanks.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Not dark Carole, a lovely comment and thanks. If my videos can bring wholesome thoughts and feelings and love, I am more than happy!

[@0Chinese0Arithmetic0]

Cozy Anglo vibes.

[@theresashingler4345]

I feel just the same way Carol, I probably wouldn't have put it as eloquently as you, but yes, definitely wholesome and brings some light into a sometimes grim world.

[@jiggli-Jane]

No Carol, it doesn't sound dark, you're speaking the truth - a rare commodity in these dark times. The only relief so many of us occasionally get, is losing ourselves in nature, with the kind guidance by beautiful people like Charles. Much love & strength to you ✌️💕🙏

[@carolewarner101]

@@jiggli-Jane And to you. 😊✌🙏

[@spoolsandbobbins]

My favourite part of your videos is when you tuck your plants into the soil, so firm and cozy, yet so simply. I could just watch that all day. Here’s to another growing season. Thank You Lord ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is lovely, and thanks

[@Jesusluvsmeandyou]

Amen 🙏

[@heidiquayle5054]

I agree! He showed me one could be firm and confident when transplanting.

[@cameron4887]

Charles, you are the Mr. Rogers of gardening. Your videos are fantastic - never change.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@Boringcountrylife]

It is just as lovely to read the pleasant comments of your viewers as it is to watch your videos. What a lovely atmosphere you have provided us. I look forward to growing gardens in eternity. No bugs or death!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's nice! Yes lovely comments :)

[@abidhajher7076]

Charles, I've been reading bits and pieces of your children's no dig book to my 4 year old and he has become fascinated by life in the soil. Doesn't yet care much for the plants haha but I couldn't be happier and he is constantly asking me to do some gardening. This cool season I think will be very memorable for hopefully him and me. I couldn't possibly thank you enough

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful to hear this, thanks for sharing 🌱 seeds of hope and joy

[@lat1419]

The big Big message for me is to remember that germination is a stage, in small cells, moving plants on as soon as they are ready. I know that, but I forget it and try and keep them going too long in the cells as the cold weather drags on. Resolution for 2023 is to plan better to transplant!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing, I think that is common and great you are learning :)

[@katiesvegpatch]

Same!

[@jeffbidniy6552]

Or just plant slightly later, or cold hardy plants. Some radishes caught up and did better with later sowings than earlier ones. I gave planting broad beans down directly in late November/Dec and they've already started growing a decent amount to my surprise. Zone 8 mild climate in PNW US. Always an experiment! Cheers!

[@lat1419]

@@jeffbidniy6552 the UK weather is highly variable. Our last frost date is supposed to be in April, and it was actually May last year! All my seed starts were in a polytunnel shrouded in blankets overnight with a paraffin heater for a month. At least I have space to do several staggered starts, but it is hard not to keep them going in the hope the weather will be kind. I have to be more ruthless in recognising lost causes and consigning them to the compost heap.

[@that_auntceleste5848]

I also keep seedlings in cells too long -- spring gets SO BUSY! Part of the trick for improvement for me will be patience with starting, not showing too much too early! The only ones I've started so far are peppers because I'm up near Chicago, later frost date.

[@jeffreywood465]

Charles, a big thank you, l just lifted a bed of potatoes using your method of no dig planting, with mulch topping. l had my best results ever, all the guys at the allotments were amazed. I think you have a fair few converts here, north east England, Regards Jeffrey

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fantastic Jeffrey and for this time of year especially :)

[@lyndaturner6686]

That was just the ticket I’ve treated myself to the 40 cell tray this year , and as it’s now mid February I’m starting to sow more seeds , I think I may get some 15 now as for me growing at home will be ample. Thank you for all you guidance over the last few years. It’s because of you that even at 74 I’m able to grow veg in no dig beds❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome Lynda!

[@tedbastwock3810]

The only problem with this video is that I didn't want it to end, as with all your videos, Charles :-) Perfect timing on sharing this, as many of us are about to venture onto using your CD60s and other of your trays for our first times. Thanks so much.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Haha thanks Ted, I'm happy to entertain + inform 😂 and good luck with your propagation

[@jenniferspring8741]

Sir Charles, 🙂 what I like about your videos is the music, and your confidence. Everything proceeds along deliberately, and the amateur gardener gets the feeling that they can do this. Thanks again!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you to comment, I am happy to read this Jennifer!

[@amberredish93]

Thanks Charles. I visited your home and garden last October. Great to see you on here. I’m following your latest book and 2023 calendar. You’re an inspiration.😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hi Amber! Thanks

[@ivybrandyn]

You are such a wealth of knowledge and experience. It may not feel like it at times, but people like me are thoroughly inspired by people like you. Thank you for making the content you do.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much Ivy, I'm really happy to hear this

[@CHJEF]

It's really nice to leave your office to plan what we're going to do in the garden while putting on a coat because that's exactly what I do so often by watching videos and my notes before going out to the garden to apply my ideas for the day! I wish you from France, all the best for you very dear!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear, the fun of imagining!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Greetings, Charles, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 🌞🇺🇸 Thanks for always sharing your special knowledge. I love watching you teach. Happy Valentine's Day 💗

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you Peggy. We... had sun today, and 52F!!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig we started out at a chill 46°F, but hit 69°F and sunny 🌞 You've got to love Florida winters.

[@RM-eb6gh]

Another fantastic topic... it's a science experiment in the garden instead of a lab and you are a great scientist recording and presenting this info for us to consume.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@KK-FL]

I love my CD60s! Excellent investment for any seed sower.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hooray thanks 👍

[@robertjamesofwales]

The taper does it for me Charles .Fantastic as Always !

[@suzannecrowe5701]

You’re just my cuppa tea charles 🌱🌸🌱

[@delsmith568]

I’ve just ordered some trays. I’ve never bought trays or pots before as I’ve always used whatever I could scrounge, but thinking that I deserve to be spoilt as my age - and it’s my birthday next week 😊 Keeping fingers crossed that changing will bring better results than normal 🤞

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy birthday Del, grow well

[@bevmainwaring2889]

I bought some of your cell trays last year and had the best germination success rate ever with my cucumbers and squash, etc. Not only did they all germinate (I guess in previous years some had rotted off) but I had the best plants and harvests ever too. Sooo pleased with the results. Thank you! And thank you for all of your advice; multi-sowing and no-dig has revolutionised my gardening! 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Bev. I'm really pleased to see this because it validates what I keep saying about cucumbers damping off. So the tapering design of these cells helps to prevent that and your experience bears it out!

[@bevmainwaring2889]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Yes, 100% the cells really help and it flies against the advice given out, where we’re so often told to sow them singly in larger pots. I have had disappointing results in the past where I have had to re-sow my cucumbers and squash. I was absolutely stunned by the results last year and will definitely be using the cell trays from now on. Thank you so much!

[@kriswhite1344]

I find such pleasure in your videos, thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you like them!

[@dragonflyfarm9154]

I’m so glad I came across this video! I will be switching to smaller cell trays. I was always worried that transplanting much smaller seedlings would make them fail. You have shown me differently. I’m excited to get back into the greenhouse and put this new knowledge to work!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome and I wish you success!

[@jeffmartin693]

Happy to see trays in the US

[@colinlupacchini6614]

Where do you get them in the US?

[@Jorduan100]

I picked up some 15 + 30 trays before winter ready for this season. Made my own potting mix from compost made over winter, a 6mm mesh board was fantastic for it! Got the radishes germinated and growing in the trays and i'm DELIGHTED with how much compost they use. With a limited supply of the best home-made compost, it feels even more valuable then ever!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So good to hear 💚

[@hossenfeffer8383]

Thank you for this excellent refresher. I learn something new every time.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome

[@myslicechannel]

Like all those before me, I really enjoy all your videos. I try not to get despondent when my seeds don't germinate or the fact that my seedlings are 'leggier' than I am. I'm coming to the conclusion you might just be a wizard!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oooh interesting and no. Magic happens though and I am sure you can do it :)

[@jillianhealy3591]

Great video as always. Thank you Charles & team

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Our pleasure Jillian

[@hoosierpioneer]

I like how little space is needed in your method. I sell transplants at market, but no one wants small ones, they want the size at the hardware store. The year my pepper plants were small, people just walked on past them so I couldn't even tell them about transplant shock.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh that is frustrating. Good luck, Charlie with raising larger plants!!

[@blackstarorganicz]

Hi there, I just started on my growing journey, and you have really help me along. I’m just about to start making my beds and sowing my first seeds. Thanks a million 👍🏾

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm so glad!

[@gillpearson2124]

Thank you for this video - very timely. I have just bought some of your 30 cell trays and they fit perfectly on our windowsills.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful!

[@ebradley2306]

I bought a tray when they first came out. It was too big for my purposes so I cut it in half. Nice to see the smaller trays. 👍😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😎 thanks

[@instabloksuncare808]

Thank you for always sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure!

[@bertibear1300]

You reminded me that I bought some last year.Will get them out tomorrow and sow some seeds.

[@robertling9872]

Thank you Charles for your beautiful and intresting video's.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you like them Robert!

[@katiesvegpatch]

I have a load of your CD in cells was literally wondering this exact thing today - so thank you for answering my question!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@Lepotagerdesgourmands]

Bonjour Charles, toujours un plaisir de voir ta serre au travail , moi aussi j’ai commencé mes semis avec mon compost à bientôt 🙏🙏🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah bon!! 🌱🌱

[@lacleman9394]

Bravo Charles, c’est la propagation qui est parfois difficile. Pas trop tôt, pas trop tard, avec juste la bonne quantité de composte et un arrosage adapté. Tout un art! Ce serait peut-être bien, pourquoi pas, dans vos vidéos courtes (short), de faire une série, « aujourd’hui je sème X… ». À vous de voir…

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Merci de le penser, si je n'en avise le temps. Tout un art comme vous le dites 💚

[@chambersjane50]

Brilliant video, just what i needed to watch and learn for my new journey. Thank you

[@ckap9187]

Excellent video…learned quite a bit..thank you!!👏👏🌞

[@4.43acrehomestead]

Love all your shared experience, online classes and seed trays! From the US, Zone 6b

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Janice

[@LePotagerdeLunas]

Hello Charles, thank you for this video, because it takes several years that I sow all my seeds In plates with small cells. Then, I transplant directly into the vegetable garden without repotting. In addition to the gain in quantity of soil, I have noticed that the vegetables pick up better in this case. Thank you again and a big hello From Dordogne in France. Bonjour Charles, merci pour cette vidéo, car cela produit plusieurs années que je sème toutes mes graines Dans des plaques avec de petites alvéoles. Puis, je repique directement au potager sans rempotage. Outre le gain en quantité de terreau, J'ai remarqué que les légumes reprennent mieux dans ce cas. Encore merci et un grand bonjour De Dordogne en France.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

C'est bien alors, merci de le partager :) J'habitais le 47 aux années 91-97, voisin de Cabrel 🎶

[@LePotagerdeLunas]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig

[@Asdfbedffhdsxe345]

Another delightful video Charles! I love your dibber! No need to be on your knees with that! I’m gonna make one of those

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Go for it!

[@katydesign-ideas4sustainab179]

Thank you so much Charles for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. My 60 cell seedling tray's and other smaller ones arrived. Will be testing them soon in Canada, zone 6a. Can't wait. Happy gardening to everyone! 💗

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Katy!

[@bettinakausel9719]

Maravilloso video, me encantó! Realmente aprendí mucho viéndolo, y la manera tan didáctica de Charles de enseñar hace que lo asimile inmediatamente. Me nutre ver sus videos! Agradecidísima del regalo que nos hace al compartir su sabiduría. Tendré en cuenta para cuando haga mi siembra inicial en los semilleros, la calidad y tamaño de éstos. Y el ahorro de compost. Muchas gracias Charles desde Pucón, novena región maravillosa de Chile! Un abrazo enorme 😊😊😊❤❤❤❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Muchas gracias Bettina, y estoy muy feliz de poder ayudarte. Espero que su verano haya sido bueno y nunca habia oido hablar de esta novena region Pucon,

[@moo1388]

i like You! Super genuine,excellent advice, interesting quirks. Fun to listen to. Glad you're here. Im Zone 7b/8b,, nowadays. Piedmont North Carolina which gives us a similar zone slightly different climate activity and extremes but close enough that you are my go to guy!! Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to hear and thanks :)

[@jamiechevalier244]

These modules and this method are ideal if you can, like Charles, be on hand to take care of them. I would caution that people who are away from home all day, and/or live in a dry climate might want to go up a size or two on their modules and pots. With workday and commute time, many folks are away for 10-12 hours, and I've seen small modules dry out to the point of total desiccation in that time. (I'm in the arid west of the US, where daytime temps can reach 90 degrees F before the nights get above freezing.) Likewise with transplanting. I use larger pots and modules because the larger root space means the plants can wait for me to have time for transplanting. (I'm running a mail-order business, and customers can't wait.) Like everything in gardening, module size depends on the climate and circumstances.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great comment and you are so right. Here I am emphasising the small size because most of the information I see is about larger modules, people have believed they need them, without realising there are many options. Your climate sounds challenging!

[@rubygray7749]

Yes, that is worth remembering if you live in a drier climate. I recently sowed lots of autumn seeds in cells the same size as Charles's here in Tasmania. The weather is cooling off at night, but the days are still very sunny. The seedlings were growing well under cover. But I neglected to water one day, and some of the seedlings with less shade dried out and drooped. I'm hoping they perked up overnight after a good soak!

[@jennyjohnson9012]

I just got some of your modules Charles. Cant wait to start using them. Happy sowing to everyone!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hooray, go you Jenny

[@agnespeterse2529]

Thank you Charles!!!

[@WiltshireVeggies]

Great stuff Charles! I've bought some CD30 and they're brilliant! So easy to pop the plants out when it's time to plant!

[@jeannet9592]

Excellent video, as always. I think the main thing to consider is that cell trays aren't permanent homes for the seedlings. They won't stay there forever.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So true!

[@originalwoolydragon8387]

Charles, Have you thought about selling module trays in bundles of different sizes? Perhaps a 60, a 40 & a 15 plus corresponding bottom trays with one purchase price?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Had not and good idea thanks!

[@ebenezercottagegarden]

Really enjoyed this, great to see a bit more info on the cd60s. Looking forward to your talk in Norwich next week.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ebenezercottagegarden]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I've been multi sowing some Boltardy Beetroot in the CD60 and even filling it with compost was a nice experience! I'm looking forward to seeing them pop up. Glad to hear you sowed the Pantano Romanesco tomato seeds I gave you. Lawrence

[@scallywags12]

Love the trays you use. I have ordered from USA as I am in BC, Canada. Using them now!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you like them!

[@genuineimpulse9134]

I watched all these type videos three years ago and learned so much then. I had a physical accident in late July of that year and so I lost so much work at gardening as everything just became a jumbled jungle. Now three years later....I've prepped the outdoor beds and hope to do just a tiny bit of gardening. Beet root for beets and greens. Then a small herb garden would be great. The first year I tried beets everything grew wonderfully. I'd made the tiny plants and pricked out and then had plantings staged three weeks off. I thought gee it worked just like Charles said it would!! Then every other year tried it didn't work. SO ...we'll try once again!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ooh sounds challenging for you, best of luck this year. I don't prick out beetroot, just transplant as clumps of 3-4 and do only two or three sowings all year, mainly now & June

[@OurSmallholdingAdventure]

Excellent video Charles. Thank you. I’ve got your trays to try this year which I’m excited for. I always enjoy seeing you in your home and transition to the garden. Bringing how you manage your creator side of things as well as the content itself. Great! As for compost, seed sowing isn’t too bad I find, it’s potting on to 7cm pots that I seem to get through a lot. I do grow my tomatoes in pots too but that’s how the greenhouse is designed right now so at that stage I use the homemade compost from horse manure mixed with multi purpose. Take care and keep up the fantastic work!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Tracy. Yes, the greenhouse can quickly get too full! It's one reason I'd like to transplant things when they are small and do very little potting.

[@albertward9601]

All the way from South Africa, hi!! Realy enjoy your channels. I have learned so much about no dig gardening from your channels. Even applying it in my flower beds!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear, thanks Albert

[@jenniferspring8741]

Also wanted to add that I used to wonder about compaction of the bottom of the hole when using a dibbler. But I think you answered that in this video when you talked about being able to pack soil into seeding trays with compost only, realizing that all the organic matter simply doesn’t compress as much as a mineral soil would.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so right! Furthermore, with no dig the soil itself has a stable structure which does not compact when pressed on. That's why also we can walk on beds if we need to, without damaging soil. The no dig method answers a lot of supposed problems and makes life so much easier!

[@jenniferspring8741]

That’s a huge insight once we understand to that such structure allows for water storage, both macro and micro. It’s what we need during these climate extremes. Got to love soil science! It proves why what we used to do was extremely beneficial. Compost all the way!

[@stevendowden2579]

great video charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks 👍 Steven

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Hi Charles nice multiple usp on the car driving over and more importantly the compost saving. The tray’s will pay for themselves in no time if buying compost in. I know what I’m getting for Father’s Day.👍🏻🤠💗🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Haha that is nice Nick

[@ZuzkaMickova]

Thank you for this video! Perfect timing as today I am planning on sowing some seeds as per your Sowing Calendar 2023🌱🌱🌱 Such a beautiful day for it here in UK too🌞

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yup!!! Nice

[@tedbastwock3810]

I agree that Barry's last sentence is a good one. tl;dr Seek the option that most resembles nature that you can reasonably provide. And I think Chrales advice here is more in line with nature. I raise 7 species of animals in addition to producing quite a few of my own veg and fruit. And I find myself frequently asking how the animals I raise, or their nearest wild cousins, survive in the wild. After all, the wild animal cousins don't require me to feed or water them or protect them from predators. They get along well enough on their own, and without synthetic chemicals or steroids or antibiotics or vaccines or hoof trimming, or castration or docking of tails I might add. For example, chickens do not live in pasture. Pasture raised chickens is a neat idea, and a substantial bit better than industrial dirty diseased large coop type of living. But pasture is not natural for chickens. Pheasants live in the prairie. Prairie is much different than pasture .. height and density of cover. Turkey live in woods. Grouse live in woods. Jungle Fowl (from which modern domesticated chickens are supposedly derived) live in jungle. Quail, as with most of the others, thrive on edge of prairie and woods. Chickens are close cousins to all these. Chickens love the woods, especially the edge of woods. In fact I find that they seek it out with great delight. I'm currently seeking ways to mimic that in a pasture setting. I will get there eventually. It is similar with veg growing. All the organic, natural, sustainable, regenerative .. whatever the current buzzword is ... type of veg growing seeks to eliminate synthetic chem in favor or using compost, to put it shortly. So, back to Barry's last sentence, what is the correct amount of compost in which to place a seed? Let us look to nature. The veg plants we raise are not found in nature, but they do have close wild cousins .. some closer to wild than others, but the concept remains. I think you hit the nail on the head here, Charles. There is a tremendous variety of wild annuals. Many, no doubt, will do well in soggy conditions. But the majority, if we may assume, do well in moderately nutrient dense soil with good drainage. We can adjust for the more soggy loving plants, if we want to grow, e.g. rice or whatever. But I think most wild annuals take up a very little space of moderate soil with good to fair drainage. And there is some babying of the seedlings we propagate that we must do that is due to their being a domesticated cultivated variety. And this is not too cumbersome and is covered extensively by Charles videos. But, to bring it to an end, I think nature would agree with Charles here.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Ted. It's good to reflect like this

[@Gotchapic]

As always…enjoyed your video!

[@gabrielaricazen]

Fiz o seu método em terreno totalmente pedregoso e nasceu e tudo que plantei...as pessoas não acreditavam que num solo onde não nascia nada tinha várias plantinhas.. muito feliz.. gratidão

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Isso é maravilhoso! Muito obrigado por compartilhar e desejo-lhe mais sucesso na jardinagem

[@seekwisdom5102]

I wanted to share that I was (still am) having tremendous success with planting a variety of chicory greens, endive, lettuces and bok choy under my plastic covered hoop (the ones I plant tomatoes from spring on). They are slow growing, but strong for sure. I water them maybe 1x every 15 days. It rains a lot here and the edges of the hoop get plenty of water and I just water the 2 rows on the center. I have never done this before and got inspired by you. Much of my beets that I planted late in the season (2022) didn’t develop the bulb (?) but the greens look healthy. Will they resume growing as the days get longer? If so, that will be great. I might be able to pickle them and then plant green beans in the space they are now. I have learned so much on this channel. Not an inch of space is wasted and with food prices going up, its the wisest thing to do. Thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you for sharing this, and congratulations! It's so gratifying to have winter greens. Your beets have now been through winter, and because they are biennial, they will be moving towards flowering, also called bolting. Therefore, the actual beetroot won't grow much more, if at all. I would harvest before early April, they will be starting to go woody.

[@andykyriakides2144]

Just an idea Charles , before you get into full sowing and planting swing at Homeacres , and time is of the essense for you , perhaps you can grace us with a few longer videos . Another idea , i seem to remember you set up a CCTV camera a little while back , perhaps with a little help you can upload footage , maybe we can see what type of animals roam around the veg beds during the night , and also register vegetable growth during the season .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Andy and let's see. Those are nice ideas.

[@Pfessor_Moriarty]

Charles have you ever tried filling with compost then water using capillary action and then sow your seeds? I find it very useful and seems a more economical way to get my compost watered.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It's a good idea. Two reasons I would not are speed - watering is rapid then sorted - and needing a lot of water trays!

[@reggie5]

That's good to have that roughly two week benchmark before moving things on 👍🏼

[@bertibear1300]

Learning from this that transplant them small and cover with fleece! I notice your beds are covered too.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great, and yes all beds have once a year a new inch of compost

[@userunknown7675]

Thank you for this video Charles this will help me really start the season propperly (just my second season but first one with an allotment so I've got 50x the space compared to last year, no idea if I will have enough seeds/transplants to fill 150m2 of space but we'll see).

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it helped and I wish you success!

[@userunknown7675]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig in combination with your callender I should have a good start.

[@Countrycalm]

So much to learn from you…started my no dig beds last year…and currently following the calendar for sowing…starting from today…as you said …starting my garden love on valentines and getting a video from you today was amazing…thank you so much for your knowledge 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚 sounds exciting

[@smalldairyfarmer]

Ya I brought you're 30 plant trays last year found them very good less compost falling off when planting out & grow much faster

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great 👍

[@beelerfamilyfarm]

Your compost always looks so splendid. I’ve planted in tray as dense as 512 cells in a 10x20 tray. I also generally pot up or plant out when the roots are along enough that the soil plug is quite stable. Great video as always.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds impressive and well organised. 512!

[@Cherryparfait41]

I’ve wanted to purchase these! Timing and younger seedlings is the ticket for so many crops.

[@JBNat]

Absolutely brilliant video Charles. I've always been nervous to plant out when things are so small because on my allotment they can get slugged or hit by pests. I love your video on keeping down pest damage though, so I've been trying to take that into account too.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad to help and I wish you success :)

[@albertbell7120]

Great video … I love setting my seeds away the same as you as it does save on compost which is very expensive now … I do have a problem with a fox digging varies areas of my raised beds made from paving stones 🇬🇧

[@stevenbp101]

Hi Charles, another great video. I know your just like me loving this time of year prepping our seeds and garden getting ready for the growing season. I grew Brussels sprouts many years ago once and failed. I haven’t grown them since (Help Help) me to understand what to do and when to do it on them. Sharon and I love them but I just can’t seem to have success with them ever. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸God bless you and family.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hey Steven, they are a difficult vegetable in dry summers and autumn this, which may be some of your difficulty. In your climate, I would sow mid June, transplant by late July, and somehow keep them going through the heat and drought, so that they do a lot of growing in the autumn, to harvest from November

[@Dagoatherder]

Brilliant Question from the follower especially regarding the CD60s....Like them, I had a mixed bag last season with the successful germination and transplanting times. Thank you very much Charles for being very detailed and precise with regards to the amounts of compost needed and the very important principle of compost not being able to be compacted, Last season I hesitated in fully filling the cells of the CD60s despite having watched you do it in countless of videos, Thank you for going into detail with regards to seed sizes and applicability of different cell tray sizes and above all, thank you for re-explaining the dibber and its measurements and where to get the spacing specs. from on your website. Very proud owner of Equipment "Chez Dowding"...CD60,Dibber and now CD15 and of course, NO dig books...A sincerely heartfelt thank you Denmark

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to read this, and I wish you a successful season! Denmark feels a long way away since Brexit! Are used to like going there.

[@ColinW1492]

Excellent video, I was making the same mistake of too little compost in trays, and bonus of close up of transplanting. Back to basics, perfect.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jemroberts6507]

Hi Charles. 1. I had great success with all the CD trays. I bought the smaller ones for crops I grow in smaller numbers just to keep things growing at the same rate. One simple tip I use another CD tray to push down into a filled one to create sowing holes - keeps holes uniform and depth can be controlled by pushing pressure on top tray (and quick) 2.Like many others I do have a polycarbonate greenhouse. So any sort of sunlight leads to very warm temperatures but obviously nights are chilly. I do have a thermostat heater. I'm looking to start to start toms, chillies, aubergines now. What is the min. ambient temperature I need my greenhouse to be to ensure healthy young seedlings? Obviously can set the thermostat accordingly. Don't have space to bring things inside the house at night

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing this Gem, helpful tips, and for those warmth loving crops 10 C 50 Fahrenheit is a good lowest level at night

[@Digeroo123]

You have persuaded me to give your module trays a try. Boughten compost is getting more expensive. So if I can fill them with 1 ltr of bought mixed with 1 litre of homemade, the bags will go a lot further. It will be interesting to see how long the trays last. I like your fat dibber, I have a nice sycamore tree which will volunteer a branch. Planting out is one of my least favourite jobs. As I get older the ground seems to be further away. My biggest problem as always is having enough material to make compost.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

May the ground rise up to meet you! 😀

[@Iamhome365]

Looking forward to this as I found I was constantly having to water as they dried out very quick. Still going to buy more though as great space saving 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hope you enjoy it Sinead and push the compost in very firm, to hold more moisture

[@Iamhome365]

​@CharlesDowding1nodig only saw this message, thank you 😊

[@MrsKeane25]

Could you do shorts or quick videos on a plant from seed to harvest?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks shall see

[@anitast.9043]

I am in zone 4b and I have to wait. Good luck everyone! ❤

[@anapaulacrawford5837]

Alright, I guess that's awesome way to plant seedlings since I don't have a green house and I do grow mine in ingrown lighting. Just need to timing the right time to repot until large ones for bigger plants .. thank you Charles! 😊

[@jeffersonmorant]

That’s so thoughtful of you, Thanks for your positive review,How are you and how’s the weather over there?

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

Cool video…I was daydreaming seeing you saute greens!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😂

[@peacejoyblessings3735]

I love the simplicity of your approach. I'm trying to make my own compost in buckets because we live in a neighbourhood with HOA. I bought a lot of soil and compost from a garden store and its so pricey but it makes my plants happy. I'm hoping that this year I don't need to buy seedlings and not a lot of soil and compost to save money. I have plant lights in the garage and insulated garage to grow my seedlings. I do have a problem with aphids, spider mites and ants from the over wintered plants in the garage. Do you have any problem with bugs in your greenhouse? Some of my plants died because of the bugs. Yours look fantastic! Thank you Charles! ❤🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear that you are so organised and with good ambitions! I used to overwinter chili plants and found they always suffered aphids this time of year. I think from the plants being weak after winter and also because aphid predators had not yet arrived. I used to water the leaves and that was all, then in spring, they grew healthy again. If your problem is so bad, maybe not overwinter some of those plants. In my greenhouse, it's easier because full light is more healthy than artificial light. So you are doing well. 💚

[@prubroughton2327]

Here in New Zealand I can buy your tray so I have modified some standard ones with push up bottoms by cutting out the bottoms and not filling quite so full The push up bottoms didn't work very well and without the bottoms you can push the mix out without it crumbling which has always been a problem so you stimulated a problem solve thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Pru! Thanks for sharing

[@atlantaswelder]

Well done Sir 👏👏

[@GARDENER42]

I coated the inside of one of my CD 60 cells with wax polish, sealed the end & filled it with resin incorporating a short piece of solid fibreglass rod (cut up fishing rod). I use the resulting cast to form a perfect cavity for 'potting on' anything grown in these cells (brassicas, tomatoes, peppers...) into pots or larger cells.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are a perfectionist! My preference is to use my finger!! I love how we all do things so differently

[@marymcandrew7667]

I love my Containerwise trays, best things I invested in, every year I buy a few more. I have one with the very small cells, but haven't used it yet, I don't have a greenhouse and my trays dry out too fast. I think if they were in a green house it'd be better.

[@sharonsmith1783]

I am so happy to see you have provided places we can order from when living outside the UK. Your calenders can triple in price with import duties and postage. I wanted one of your special trays and found that they also sell a real compost thermometer( when in stock). I had bought one on line from somewhere else only to discover it was actually a 5 inch meat thermometer. What is the name of that compost-plunger, the rod- like tool you thrust in which then opens up at the end so you can pull the compost upwards and let air in? It is perfect for the job. Thanks as always for the inspiration and instruction.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hi Sharon, I'm glad you have found the guys in Texas! Yes, it's maddening how shipping and taxes adds so much to the price. I t's so long since I've bought that device, I can't remember its trade name, I'm sure you can find it since you understand how it works! They are prone to breaking, and a more reliable device is one which you screw downwards, then pull up, but it's hard work!

[@wales123100]

These trays are great although i do find you need to keep a close eye on them regarding watering i found they need frequent watering from the bottomn but they are really good

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing. It's good for seedlings that they dry out a little as well, keeping air around the roots. And it's good to transplant before the seedlings are too large which makes them moisture hungry

[@teriadams7398]

I just purchased a variety of your trays here in the states. I'm very excited to give them a try, tired of the flimsy ones that last no time. I'm a long time follower, and your books have really expanded my knowledge and skills. Thank you for all that. 🥰

[@lavondacarter7228]

Where did you buy them?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

In Texas allaboutthegarden.com/collections/all-products

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@teriadams7398]

@@lavondacarter7228 Yes.. All about Gardens Sorry Lavonda, I didn't see this question. Very reasonable price.

[@patjoyce7247]

Thank you Charles. It's clear you have given these module trays a great deal of thought. I Hooe I'm not going to be too late getting some. I'm procrastinating because I just can't decide which ones but this has helped make sense of the saving on compost. Hooe you don't mind me asking something completely different? I have sourced a decent pile of fresh manure. To get it working/heating Ive been told add straw. Hay or straw? Thanks Pat

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hi Pat, thanks for your comment. When you say manure, I am guessing you mean pure excrement with no bedding? If that is the case, then adding straw will improve decomposition a lot. If already, there is anything like straw, woody materials, or whatever, you may not need to add any more.

[@MrMoekanz]

Have you tried using a soil blocker? we have been using one for the past few years, and love them. They definitely use more compost, but you get such fantastic transplants using them. although with the micro blocker you will use very little compost - I use a 2" blocker. You can even find a tool called the swift blocker which makes the job super fast.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes I have, found it long as you suggest plus they needed more compost & greenhouse space. If anyone has not bought module trays before, it's worth looking at, but if you have trays, I find them quicker and easier

[@bjsmagic100]

Your trays are very good and has cost me less for compost, plus I have more success with them. Oh and I need less trays = less plastic.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice conclusion - less plastic:)

[@itsmewende]

Charles, I'm counting down the days til I can get sowing, at 64, that day is better than Christmas.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

A good age Wende! (me too)

[@itsmewende]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Well Happy Birthday when it rolls around, if it hasn't already.

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

every year I think WOW how will I fill such a BIG space! Then a few months into the growing season and I start to worry that I will not fit it in and have to intestinally plant lol 😝

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So true!

[@hilshils3426]

Really interesting to see you sow beans in the CD 60 cells, I wouldn’t have thought the roots have enough space, but of course if you pot on in 2 weeks, that makes sense, though would save time to put straight in the bigger cells? Love your videos, make me want to try new things, experiment etc, which makes gardening so much more fun!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and although it might save time there are two disadvantages. One is the extra space needed during the germination phase and those first two weeks. Two, is that germination is better in smaller amounts of compost, where there is less sogginess.

[@dustyflats3832]

I’m testing tomatoes, peppers and onions in winter sow containers along with inside starts. I am holding back starting them too soon except the onions. The tomatoes and peppers get too big and prefer not to up-pot. Read they will grow just fine once it warms up. Prefer to keep the growing outside and winter sowing was terrific last year for brassicas and some flowers. Love the new heavy duty trays and cell packs available to the public. Was so done with the flimsy plastic. As many times as I had to repurchase those I could have used that money elsewhere.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing this, and I love how you are working out timings and methods 💚

[@YouPelican]

Another good video. I use the cd30 module trays and wanted something to place them in to stop water going over the windowsill if they needed watering. I found that 38cm Wilko gravel trays(£1.50 each) work, fitting 2 x cd30 trays, albeit one at a slight angle. I can send a picture if needed.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's good to hear Mark. Do send a photo to my PA Nicola, [e-mail]

[@YouPelican]

I did send an email but not sure if it has been received.