I empty the packet of seed on a plate. I unroll masking tape in front of me. Sticky side up, I dampen my index finger. It helps, to pick up the seeds. I then place two seeds, down on the tape, then two more seeds down on the tape, six inches apart. Add two more seeds down until you run out of seeds. I roll up the tape on a Popsicle stick, or a stick from outside, or an ink pen. I don't use pencil because of the lead inside.
At planting time, I use a stick to help unwind. I plant 6 inches under, loose soil mixed with one part sand 3 parts potting soil. I plant straight, to the garden. I cover if before, last frost. There is no danger of root shock. My plants are always straight. They do well. I store my seeds in a dry plastic zip lock bag, with a paper towel to absorb any moisture. I store all my seeds this way.
I have never done anything like this. I live in Ohio. Are you saying that I can buy seed packets for flowers, space them out on masking tape, roll it up, then lay it under loose soil now? I would've thought the ground had to be much warmer.
I do it differently. I take a roll of toilet paper, unroll and mist it finely with water from a spray bottle. Then I use tweezers for tiny seeds and my fingers for larger ones and lay the seeds out down the middle of the paper. I do this in about 5 foot lengths at a time. I fold the paper once over the seeds (about in thirds), mist again, then fold the other side. I plant in the amount of dirt called for, sometimes barely covering the toilet paper. Plant the doubled side of the strip down. The toilet paper dissolves easily, the seeds grow right through it, and you never have to thin anything ever again!
Great idea! Sounds easier than cutting strips of newspaper and mixing 'flour' glue. When you try to roll those up they're bulky. However, one more tip - get a toothpick wet and touch the seed. It will pick them up. You can even pick up one teeny, tiny seed this way. Dab it on the tape, and if it doesn't stick, push it down with your finger. Shelli
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