Trying Seed Snails

 I have read a lot about this on-line and was determined to try it out. On the surface it looks like a great way to save space and at the same time give seedlings more root space. So here is the beginning of my trial.

I thought I would be better off using large seeds .... sweetpeas.

I had wondered if I would have enough space on a workbench to spread it all out. On youtube I found someone with some common sense who did it in a tray and rolled as she went along so I used this idea.
 

The roll is made up of old capilliary matting and packaging.

My mixture, which I made up myself, is bought soil, a bit of garden soil for micro-organisms, grit and vermicullite. Not in any particular quantities.

To begin with I put the seeds in and then rolled it up but as the roll got fatter some soil fell out including the large seeds. So I ended up making up the roll and putting the seeds in afterwards.

The roll is tied with string made from our old teeshirts. And a label of course.

I stood each roll in a large flowerpot mainly to keep it altogether.

Then I placed them in a tray of water to soak up, rather than watering on top. They have been in the propagator all night. And I have only just removed them. 

In actual fact I don`t think they need the propagator. Sweetpeas will germinate without extra heat.

Some seeds are in ordinary pots.

For the results watch this space.

One thing is for sure, the rolls do take up a lot less space but I reserve my judgement.

One more hint I got from youtube in the evening .... the soil could be a little damper so it doesn`t fall out when you place it upright.

But .... the first seeds are planted .... hooray.