Planting Carrot Seed- Board Method

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?PHAIP 27 April 2013 Planting Carrot

Two 12 foot rows of carrots were planted using the BOARD METHOD. The carrot selection was random from my supplier. The row was rototilled, raked smooth, and marked with a board. Each carrot seed was planted individually by laying on top of the ground so they don’t touch and gently pushed with the finger. This means thinning is not required and harvesting is simplified, since no carrots are intertwined. Carrots do not germinate if temperature is above 30C or if they dry out. The board keeps a relatively constant temperature, keeps the seed damp, and prevents seed movement if it rains.Watering is by running water on top of the board. Sufficient weeps under to wet the seeds.Cross pieces were placed under the board to lift it slightly so the emerging plants are not obstructed. The board is removed immediately after germination. Reminder most seeds do not require light to germinate. I tend to use the BOARD METHOD for most of my seed planting now.

[MrBig46]

Originally Posted by Durgan

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?PHAIP 27 April 2013 Planting Carrot

Two 12 foot rows of carrots were planted using the BOARD METHOD. The carrot selection was random from my supplier. The row was rototilled, raked smooth, and marked with a board. Each carrot seed was planted individually by laying on top of the ground so they don’t touch and gently pushed with the finger. This means thinning is not required and harvesting is simplified, since no carrots are intertwined. Carrots do not germinate if temperature is above 30C or if they dry out. The board keeps a relatively constant temperature, keeps the seed damp, and prevents seed movement if it rains.Watering is by running water on top of the board. Sufficient weeps under to wet the seeds.Cross pieces were placed under the board to lift it slightly so the emerging plants are not obstructed. The board is removed immediately after germination. Reminder most seeds do not require light to germinate. I tend to use the BOARD METHOD for most of my seed planting now.

Your board method appeals me. I shall test it tomorrow
Vladimír

[Patihum]

I'd read about this before but had never found anyone that had actually used this method. The details never mentioned to use the cross pieces to raise the board and I was wondering what would happen when the seed germinated with a board right on top of it. Something else I'm trying this year is using homemade seed tape using toilet paper. Supposedly it help keeps the seed moist. I know - kinda a crafty thing but it was cold and rainy and I was bored.

[Durgan]

Originally Posted by Patihum

I'd read about this before but had never found anyone that had actually used this method. The details never mentioned to use the cross pieces to raise the board and I was wondering what would happen when the seed germinated with a board right on top of it. Something else I'm trying this year is using homemade seed tape using toilet paper. Supposedly it help keeps the seed moist. I know - kinda a crafty thing but it was cold and rainy and I was bored.

Don't bother with the toilet paper. It is a disaster. The paper dries out quickly and tears easily. I tried it a few years ago. The absolute best is the board.

[buenaventura43]

What is the spacing and how wide is the board?

[Durgan]

Originally Posted by buenaventura43

What is the spacing and how wide is the board?

I use a three, four or five inch board or whatever is handy. Spacing between rows is about 12 inches, just enough room to harvest easily. Each seed is about an inch from its mate, as long as they don't touch to prevent intertwining. Cover with soil very lightly or even better if the soil is loose let the initial watering do the covering. A little time spend in planting makes harvesting easy;in that, one fork width is a carrot bunch. The purpose of the board is to keep the seed moist, and to prevent them from getting too warm from a hot Sun.

[barkeater]

If you have spun polyester row cover material, it does a great job too. After seeding, cut the material to fit the bed, and use small rocks to anchor. Best thing about the row covers is you can water through the row cover without splashing soil away from the tiny seeds. Plus, if you miss them sprouting for a day or two they will still get the light they need and not be crushed by the board.