Seedbed
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225630011
2008-07-14T17:14:11Z
Tj9991
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/201.82.212.140|201.82.212.140]] to last version by 81.246.130.226 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
{{for|the performance art piece|Seedbed (performance piece)}}
A '''seedbed''' or '''seedling bed''' is a specially prepared box used to grow [[plants]] in a controlled [[natural environment|environment]] before [[Transplant (botanical)|transplanting]] them into a [[garden]]. A seedling bed is used to increase the number of seeds that [[germinate]]. Once the [[seedlings]] have matured in the seedling bed, they are then [[transplant (botanical)|transplanted]] into a larger bed or a garden.
The preparation of a seedbed may include:
#The removal of [[debris]]. [[Insect egg]]s and disease [[spore]]s are often found in plant debris and so this is removed from the plot. Stones and larger debris will also physically prevent the seedlings from growing.
#[[wikt:levelling|Levelling]]. The site will have been levelled for even [[drainage]].
#[[wikt:break up|Breaking up]] the [[soil]]. [[soil compaction|Compacted soil]] will be broken up by [[wiktionary:Dig|dig]]ging. This allows air and water to enter, and helps the seedling penetrate the soil. Smaller seeds require a finer [[soil structure]]. The surface the soil can be broken down into a fine [[Soil structure#Granular|granular structure]] using a tool such as a [[rake (tool)|rake]].
#[[Soil]] improvement. The [[soil structure]] may be improved by the introduction of [[organic matter]] such as [[compost]] or [[peat]].
#[[Fertilizing]]. The [[nitrate]] and [[phosphate]] levels of the soil can be adjusted with [[fertilizer]]. If the soil is deficient in any micro nutrients, these too can be added.
The seedlings may be left to grow to adult plants in the seedbed, perhaps after thinning to remove the weaker ones, or they may be moved to a border as young plants.
== See also ==
* [[:Category:Gardening]]
* [[Open field]]
* [[Seed drill]]
* [[Stale seed bed|False seedbed]]
* [[Sowing]]
* [[Stale seed bed]]
* [[Stratification (botany)]]
[[Category:Gardening]]
[[es:Semillero]]