Seeds in a Cup - Background

Although this is a relatively novel way of growing seeds, the real idea behind it is to avoid the pitfalls of shallow compost.

Many novices seem to think that plants will not grow without being constantly topped up with water and kept in permanently wet conditions. This leads to onset of fungal disease, especially 'Damping Off'.

A problem with using conventional seed trays indoors (where the air tends to be too dry) is that they will not hold enough water to see the seeds through germination until an adequate root system is developed (I know this is not strictly true. If the compost is watered adequately, initially, and only re-watered when absolutely necessary, there is ample water. Nevertheless, a novice, not realising this, thinks that seeds will only germinate in constantly wet compost)

Because the compost in a cup is considerably deeper than that used in a conventional seed tray, no further watering should be necessary, even in very dry warm conditions. Thus the method avoids a major pitfall.

I think there are other benefits as well:

• It is less wasteful - Most novices plant far too may seeds in conventional seed trays.
• It requires less space, giving us room to accommodate lots more plantings. This allows us to grow herbs as we need it. It is very useful for Coriander, for example, which quickly seems to go to seed, making it bitter and useless. Many plantings can be made at short intervals to get round this problem.
• If plastic cups are used and we leave some seeds near the edge, we can see what is going on beneath the surface. Not only can we watch root growth, but we can tell when the compost is drying out down below.
• Cups can easily be turned around to suit light conditions and keep growth upright.
• Cups are cheap and so can be replaced each planting, thus helping avoid disease.
• It's a novelty.