Please tell me how to water seedlings

I was wondering about watering the seeds right after they come up. Do I need to get a water can with the tiny holes in the spout? or just carefully water next to them or what?

I planted asparagus seeds over a month ago and so far nothing has come up. With my okra only a few seeds have sprouted. When I planted my beets it just poured rain that night, so I am not sure what they will do. I'm carefully watching for my carrots, so far nothing.

I really don't know what I'm doing. On the up side, my corn sprouted right up, as did the fava beans and the garlic and potatoes seem to be doing fine.

I know this probably sounds dumb, but oh well. :)

Karen

I usually water right after I plant them. It tells the seeds, "Okay, you're in the ground now, start growing!" At least, in my mind... Use a light spray so you don't wash them away.

Do you use a spray bottle?

If they're inside, I use either a spray bottle or my kitchen faucet has a "sprinkle" setting. Outside, the hose sprayer, set to "shower," and I don't turn the water on full blast.

Ty so much for your reply. I'll try and find something like that next time I go shopping.

Another question. I have been watering twice a day, but the ground seems to dry out fairly quickly. Am I supposed to keep the ground moist as the seeds are sprouting? or am I watering ok in the morning and evening and letting it get dry in between?

I am right on the border of zone 6 and 7.

Karen

It depends on how deep the ground is dry. If it's moist just below the surface, it should be fine. You probably don't want to water in the heat of day, because you'll lose a lot to evaporation, and when they sprout, don't water at night, because wet leaves at night promote fungal problems. A good dose in the am should be fine, and if the soil is comepletely drying out by the evening, a shower later that will give the leaves time to dry before dark will help.

All seeds have a different germination time, some take about a week like you noticed with your corn, others need longer to sprout, Asparagus seeds are quite tricky to germinate which is why most people buy the sets of plants already growing and can go right into the prepared soil, as a rule, I always draw the sewing lines with the end of my hoe or fork handle, this makes a furrow about half an inch deep, then I water the furrow well before planting the seed, this way I know that under the surface of the soil after I have covered the seeds, the soil is moist, especially carrots, parsnips etc seam to do better for me this way. try not to wet the foliage of any plants when you water, no matter what time of day or night you do it as in hot sun, the droplets of water act like a magnifying glass and cause the foliage to scorch/burn and at night, it can just sit there if it is a still evening, always water the soil only, if you can, I have even had to lift the foliage up to get the water onto the soil, it takes longer, but pays off in the end, if you are growing a lot of veg seeds, you should try invest in a hose pipe as a watering can will not be enough to send water down to the roots of your seedlings once they do germinate and lack of water will cause you seeds/plants to make seeds/bolt, instead of growing good quality crops, especially if the weather is dry and hot. good luck, WeeNel.

I really appreciate all your advice. Ty so very much.

Karen