More planning

Well, this white stuff put pay to last weekends plans.  We were itching to get out and start the next phase..... instead, we have been busy looking at the activity in the propagators and reading seed books!

The self-watering propagator, as we had already thought, was making the compost too wet to plant seeds, so we have made an interim adjustment.  We emptied the reservoir and took off the capillary matting, leaving the trays to dry a little.  Once we had planted them up, the capillary matting (which was still damp) was replaced.  Instead of filling the reservoir, the capillary matting is getting a little water each morning. Once the seeds have started to establish we will fill the reservoir and use as we should.  We are trying to make sure the matting isn't drying at all at the moment, as it will have the reverse effect and dry out the compost!  A small mercy to get the seeds going..... and as we spend a bit of time peering in to see what is happening, taking a second to water the matting is nothing.

There are 7 trays in the propagator:
1. Sweet Basil - there is a little bit of activity
2. Sweet basil - no activity
3. Sweet Pea (Heathcliff) - a couple of visible shoots
4. Sweet Pea (Kings High Scent) - no activity
5. Mix of red and green salad leaves (cut and come again) - lots of shoots
6. Will be planted 9/2 for next round of cut and come again salad
7. Will be planted 16/2 for the final round of cut and come again salad