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Charles Dowding
FAQ’s
Our exclusive Charles Dowding propagation trays are designed in partnership with renowned gardening expert Charles Dowding, known for his innovative ‘no dig’ gardening methods. These trays are made from strong, durable, UV stabilised and recyclable materials, ensuring long-lasting use season after season. Their unique tapered design means they’re economical on compost whilst producing high quality seedlings and young plants.
Yes, the Charles Dowding range includes propagation trays that come with lids. These lids are designed to create a mini-greenhouse effect, maintaining the right level of humidity and warmth needed for seeds to germinate successfully. This feature is particularly useful in the early stages of seed propagation, providing a controlled environment that enhances germination rates and promotes robust seedling development.
To propagate seedlings from seed, start by filling your Charles Dowding propagation trays with a high-quality seed starting mix. Moisten the soil evenly, then plant the seeds according to the recommendations for the specific species. Place the trays in a warm, well-lit area or under grow lights. Keep the soil consistently moist but be mindful of over-watering. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
While Charles has been aware of our long-life seed trays for a number of years, our collaboration began in early 2020. Since then, we’ve launched a whole range of innovative seed trays using this design – including our bundles and starter kits that feature matching lids and base trays.
Yes. Our recyclable, long-life propagation trays are designed to reduce the need for single-use plastics and can be used over and again to germinate your crops.
Seed Starting with Charles Dowding Propagation Trays
Our range of propagation trays created in partnership with Charles Dowding have been crafted to promote growth season after season thanks to their durability and unique design.
Long-life, durable seed trays
Our partnership with ‘no dig’ gardening specialist Charles Dowding began in early 2020. Having been aware of our long-life propagation trays for a number of years and using both our 30L and 77L trays, Charles was seeking a tray which was long-life, UV stabilised and economical on compost, whilst producing high quality seedlings/plants. The result? Our CD60 tray.
Innovative design for optimal growth
The CD60 seed tray features tapered cells that require less compost and prevent water logging around the roots, resulting in robust, healthy seedlings. The wide holes at the bottom of each cell allow plants to be easily pushed up, ensuring the root ball remains intact during transplanting. Browse our seed starting accessories for more innovative ways to handle and transplant your seedlings.
An expanding range
Following the CD60’s launch in December 2022, we were inundated with positive feedback and requests to develop a 15 and 30-cell versions of this popular seed tray. CD15 and CD30 trays were launched in spring 2022 and provide smaller sizes to accommodate different gardening needs. You can follow Charles Dowding for more expert seed starting tips over on his YouTube channel.
