Tipps and Tricks

Propagation containers

There are special growing containers for starting plants. To prevent waterlogging, it is important that the water can drain away. In addition, the containers should have a transparent lid to create a “greenhouse effect.”

Recycling tips:
Instead of buying expensive seedling pots, you can use various items you already
have at home.

For example: Simply cut your toilet paper rolls in half and place
them close together in a bowl; that way, they’ll stand upright. These
small seedling pots can be easily planted later, since the paper breaks down.

Use an egg carton for starting seedlings by simply filling
the wells with soil.

You can also use yogurt cups or old cans, as long as you poke holes in
the bottoms.

To create the “greenhouse effect,” you can simply stretch plastic wrap or a clear
bag over your recycled containers instead of using lids.

Important: Remove it regularly to let it air out.

Heat and light

Immediately after sowing, the seeds need warmth above all else; once the first leaves appear, the seedlings should have plenty of light and be kept in a slightly cooler spot. If the seedlings are kept in a place that’s too warm, they’ll grow tall and spindly.

Tip: 
Seedlings prefer to grow toward the light. Turn the seedling containers with the seedlings regularly so that they grow as straight as possible.

Labeling

To ensure that the seedlings are cared for properly, it’s important to keep track of them. It’s best to label what you’ve planted right when you sow the seeds so you don't get them mixed up.

Recycling tips:

Use an old wooden popsicle stick or cut strips from a yogurt cup.

Important: Label your homemade signs with a waterproof marker so you can still see through them after watering.

Measuring water accurately

Proper watering is especially crucial at the beginning of the planting season. The soil should be moist, but not too wet. To prevent the delicate seeds from being washed away by the water stream, a spray bottle is a good way to moisten the soil.

Recycling tips:
Just use an empty spray bottle, such as one from a household cleaning product. It is important to clean the bottle and spray nozzle very thoroughly with clean water until there are no traces of the previous contents left. If residues – such as cleaning agents – are left behind, this can harm the plants.

Saving water

It’s best to water the plants in the morning and evening, when they’re not exposed to direct sunlight. This ensures that as much water as possible reaches the plants without evaporating.

Recycling tips:
Set up containers on your balcony or in your own yard to collect rainwater; that way, you'll use less tap water. When you’re taking a shower, simply catch the cold water that runs down the drain while you wait for the water to warm up in a bucket, and use it to water your plants.

Watering while away

To prevent the plants from drying out if you’re away for a few days, you should take the necessary precautions. Once the plants are a little bigger (not seedlings), it’s a good idea to place them in a partially shaded spot when you’re away to reduce evaporation caused by sunlight.

Recycling tips: 
Fill a plastic bottle with water and poke 1–2 small holes in the cap. If you place them upside down in the soil of a plant now, the water can slowly drip into the soil while you’re away. Both plastic bottles and Tetra Paks are suitable for this purpose. Place a container of water next to a pot, and then put a cotton string in the water. Now insert the other end into the soil around the plant. The plant is now supplied with water through this wick.

Trellises

Plants like tomatoes, beans, and peas need trellises, which you can easily make yourself for free.

Recycling tip:
Old bamboo mats or scraps from wooden pallets can be used as sturdy trellises.

You can simply tie together three branches cut from your garden to make a teepee. Old broomsticks, shower curtain rods, or curtain rods also work well for this.

For your apartment or balcony, simple jute or cotton strings are ideal for the plants to climb up.

You can bend old metal hangers into arches or spirals for the plants to climb.

Gardening even when space is limited

Vertical instead of horizontal:
There are several creative ways to make the most of the space in your home. Instead of fitting just a few pots on a single level on your windowsill or balcony, you can simply garden vertically.

Examples:

Clip a shower rod to a window; you can hang pots from it to create a second level.

Place a shelf near a window or on your balcony to create multiple levels for pots. Make sure to place the plants that need the most light at the top.

You can also use macramé hanging baskets or recycled old cloth bags. Train climbing plants, such as beans, up a string to save space.

Variety selection:

Our assortment includes many compact plants (e.g., tomatoes) that can produce a great harvest even in limited space.

Snails

Seedlings and young plants are a particular favorite of snails. Depending on your location, you may have no choice but to take preventive measures.

Recycling tips:
Crush eggshells or seashells (into small pieces, not powder) and then scatter them around your plants to create a barrier. Snails don’t like to crawl over these sharp edges.

Cut a yogurt cup in half and use the top half as a collar for small plants. The snails must first get past this “smooth barrier” before they can reach the plants.

Dried coffee grounds and black tea leaves can also be scattered around the plants to act as a barrier. This barrier is also unpleasant for snails.

Since snails are attracted to moisture, it’s best to water your plants in the morning rather than in the evening.

Fungus gnats

Fungus gnats are a problem especially for houseplants. They lay their eggs in moist soil; the young larvae begin to feed on the roots, causing stunted growth in the plants. Since they reproduce quickly, it is important to act immediately or take preventive measures.

Preventive measures:
Since fungus gnats need moist soil, watering the plants properly is crucial: The soil should not be constantly damp; let it dry out slightly between waterings. Waterlogging should be avoided. Also, make sure your pots have drainage holes, and water the plant only as much as it actually needs. Another option is to water the plant from the bottom. To do this, place the plant in a bowl of water for 10 to 15 minutes so that it can absorb water through the holes in the pot.

To prevent eggs from being laid in the soil, you can
simply cover the soil.

Fine gravel, sand, crushed eggs, or seashells are suitable for this purpose.