Make Your Own Seed Capillary Mat Self Watering Trays

What can I use instead of capillary matting?
How do you make capillary mats?
How do self watering seed trays work?
How long does capillary matting last?
How much do you water a seed tray?
Can you reuse capillary matting?
Which way up does capillary matting go?
Can you wash capillary matting?
How do you start capillary mats for seeds?
Can you bottom water soil blocks?

What can I use instead of capillary matting?

We have recommended wool as matting material, but in fact any absorbent material will work, including cotton and felt purchased from your local fabric store. If you are growing plants for food, be sure to select a nontoxic material and avoid strong detergent or fabric softener residue.

How do you make capillary mats?

How to Make a Capillary Mat

Lay down a clean poly sheet.
Lay the fibrous capillary matting material on top of the film.
Place plants on capillary matting in locations where the plant will be in contact with the capillary material.
Expose capillary mat to water to enable the mat to supply water to the plants.

How do self watering seed trays work?

It's basically a tray with its own water supply, that you sit your pots in, and it automatically waters them for you. All you have to do is occasionally top up the main water reservoir, that's all! They're great for seedlings, freshly rooted cuttings, and anything else that needs constant moisture.

How long does capillary matting last?

The mats themselves will generally last for around 2 years.

How much do you water a seed tray?

There are basically three methods ror watering your seeds (or your seedlings). Pre-moistening your mix ensures that your seeds have enough water for a while. Water your seed starting trays "from the bottom up". A quarter to a third full should be enough.

Can you reuse capillary matting?

After the mats have been watered, they can be taken into use. Note: new capillary mattting need some time to stabilize completely.

Which way up does capillary matting go?

Use the matting either way up - its' dark side is useful for hiding unsightly soil spillage and help discourage algae growth while its' white side will reflect more light which can be beneficial when growing light sensitive plants.

Can you wash capillary matting?

Also, capillary mats become dirty over time and algae may even start to grow on them. You can easily fix this by washing your mat in the washing machine using laundry detergent and a bit of bleach. You can use capillary mats over and over if you wash them every few months.

How do you start capillary mats for seeds?

If you are just looking for a way to keep seeds damp until they germinate, it is simple to use a barely damp soilless mix, plant the seeds, water lightly to settle the soil, then cover the pot with plastic wrap or a piece of glass. Leave that in place to maintain the humidity level until the seeds germinate.

Can you bottom water soil blocks?

It will most likely break the block, instead sprinkle some soil mix or vermiculite on top, depending on the seed's germination needs. Bottom water the soil blocks, but don't let them get soggy!