Hi there,
I’m a complete beginner to growing veggies.
I’m planning on using organic potting mix and using seeds instead of seedlings.
I will start with lettuce seeds.
My questions are...
1. Do I need to use pea straw mulch to keep moisture in the soil?
2. How often should I water the seeds while waiting for them to germinate?
3. How often should I use fertiliser?
(I’m in West Gippsland Victoria so usually we have plenty of rain).
Thank you
Bury the seeds just a finger nail depth and cover over with potting mix, firm down and water them in. Keep them moist, watering every day lightly until they pop through (unless its very rainy). If they are in a pot then a plastic bag secured over the top is a good way to maintain moisture. Once emerged reduce the watering to every couple of days and as they grow bigger reduce a bit more to once every 2-3 days. Just don't let them dry right out. If planted in your garden then pea straw or any other mulch like shredded sugar can mulch will help maintain moisture and deter weeds. Fertiliser isn't needed until they have emerged then once every ten days or so, a dilute, liquid fertiliser is best as it will feed through the leaves as well as the roots.