Page 31 - Tài liệu Ebook cây cảnh Bonsai Basics

OBTAI.\JING YOUR BONSAI 33

Though some may favour sowing
seeds in trays or bowls, we recommend
small pots, especially for big seeds. A
peat pot has the advantage of avoiding
the shock of transplanting, since the pot
itself disintegrates. But watch that the
peat does not dry out. By contrast, clay
pots hold the moisture in the compost
very well indeed.

Sowing technique
Whatever container is used, it is essential
to cover the base with a layer of fine
gravel or sand to ensure good drainage
A disk of paper is here being placed over the top of
after watering. The container should
the pot of newly-sown seeds.
have a drainage hole, so excess water can
drain away.
Fill the pot with suitable potting com-
post to within about 2 em (i in) of the
rim. Lightly pat down the soil with a
small wooden presser. Sow the seeds
thinly so they are not overcrowded when
they germinate. Large seeds can be sown
individually, smaller seeds sown with a
seeder. If you do not have a seeder, use a
piece of stiff cardboard folded in two
from which the seeds are gently tapped.
Now cover the seeds with a layer of
compost passed through a fine sieve. The
depth of compost covering the seeds will
vary with the size of the seeds. The
largest will need 1- 2 em G-~ in) layer of The disk prevents the surface compost being dis-
compost, whereas smaller seeds require turbed during watering.
only a mere dusting. The tiniest seeds are
best not covered, as this can stop them
sprouting.
The surface of the compost should be
lightly firmed with a wooden tamp or
presser: do not firm it too much, as the
seeds should still be able to ' breathe'.
Immediately afterwards, give them their
first careful watering. G ive them a fine
spray, so the surface layer of soil is not
disturbed. Again, the size of the seeds
and thickness of the surface layer will
influence the method of watering. Large,
well covered seeds can be watered with a
can fitted with a fine rose, but small seeds
covered with a thin layer of compost
Sow the smallest seeds from a piece of folded paper
should be watered with a fine mist from a
or thin cardboard as they may stick to your hand.
hand sprayer. Tiny seeds not covered Then cover them with a dusting of soil.