Growing on a Window Sill

GROWING HERBS ON A WINDOW SILL

This is a virtually fool-proof method of growing seeds in plastic pots on a window sill. It can be used in almost any situation:

An empty window sill can be ideal for growing plants. I outline a simple technique, using Basil seeds in inexpensive plastic cups(pots), which should produce success in almost all situations whilst avoiding the common pitfalls.

BACKGROUND
Many novices assume seeds will not germinate without daily watering to provide constant wet conditions. Not so! Not only is this untrue, it is in my view the principal cause of failure, not just in growing seeds but in ALL GROWING SITUATIONS.

As growers, we need to understand that our biggest enemy is FUNGAL DISEASE – not water shortage or cool conditions. This is not to say these factors are unimportant; they are - very important. But they are problems easily remedied. Disease, however, is terminal. Once established there is no way back, not for the novice, at least. Furthermore, disease spores hang around in the soft furnishings, ready to thwart all successive growing attempts.

Having realised that our principal enemy is a fungus, it becomes easier to understand why frequent watering is a problem. Fungi thrive in warm damp conditions. And since they mostly attack the aerial parts of the plant (the leaves and stems), we can adapt our growing method to keep these as dry as possible. A better appreciation of the conditions conducive to germination help us do this:

As far as we are concerned, the seed germination process can be split into two parts:
* Seed wetting – water must be supplied
* Seed germination – further watering should be unnecessary

Dry seeds will never germinate. The seed casing must first imbibe sufficient water from the soil or compost to initiate the process. Water can be supplied liberally at this stage. Once the seed case is moist, under normal conditions no further water is necessary until the seedlings are well on their way, two or three weeks later

Furthermore, when the new roots emerge, they must be encouraged to go looking for food and water. The best way to do this is to withhold water, allowing a strong healthy root system to develop into all parts of the compost. This will provide the best basis for future food and water uptake and provide a strong foundation for development.

MATERIALS
Multi-purpose compost suitable for seed germination
200 to 300 ml plastic or polystyrene cup
Mixing bowl
Method of marking. eg. felt tip or plastic label
Measuring jug
Pointed instrument, eg. Kitchen knife
Kitchen scales

METHOD
* Puncture cup on side near base with point of a sharp object, to ensure it can drain freely.
* Prepare label with name and planting date.
* Open seed packet.
* Fill pot with compost. Remove any lumps and bits of fibre as you go. Tamp down lightly with thumbs.
* Tip compost into mixing bowl and gradually add about 1/3 cup of clean water. Squeeze water into compost with hands until it is evenly wet. Water should dribble through fingers when compost is squeezed lightly in hand; it should be re-absorbed when released. If compost was brown, it should now appear black.
* Fill cup with wetted compost, avoiding air pockets. Lightly tamp with thumbs till surface is level.
* Place a few seeds in palm of hand and sow thinly with fingers of other hand. If seeds congregate in one spot, spread out with a finger.
* Lightly press seeds into contact with compost.
* If instructed to cover, use dry powdery compost to depth required.
* Re-tamp surface.
* Position plant label.
* Place on a saucer to drain. Tip any drainage (which contains food) back into pot.
* Place in growing position.
* LEAVE ALONE.

TECHNIQUE
The idea is to supply, at one go, ample water for seed wetting and germination, then avoid watering. It is not recommended to cover the pot. This should avoid too much humidity.

The window sill should be light and airy. It is best to avoid direct sunlight at this stage, since this will cause too much drying, and wide temperature fluctuations. A constant temperature of about 15 to 20 deg C is ideal for most seeds (see packet). If the sill is above a radiator, it is best turned off.

Familiarising yourself with the weight of the pot when filled with both wetted and un-wetted compost will be a good guide to future watering requirements (note: the weight of cup and wetted compost should be almost equal to the weight of the cup filled to the same level with water alone). If you have suitable kitchen scales, note down these weights.

WHEN TO WATER
As the compost dries out, it shrinks away from the pot. This is a sign that more water will soon be necessary. Weight is the key thing (see above). Once you feel that the pot has reached its original weight (before it was wetted) you can apply water. Immerse the pot in water and leave until it is fully soaked.

Using clear plastic pots allows us to see when the compost is drying out; it also allows us to watch root development.

Never be tempted to speed things up by applying heat. Growing takes time. Plants grown in cool conditions will usually be stronger and healthier than forced plants. Remember, PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE as far as growing is concerned.

Once the seedlings have emerged, turn the pots daily to help them grow upright.