Simple Shadenet for Seed Starting

The rains have stopped.  The mud has become solid. There is dryness already in the local.  Seeds when applied directly on soil is not germinating. So far twice we have failed in germinating the Navadanya seeds.  When applied over soil, the sprouts are coming and dying within few days. Even if water is sprinkled.

Vegetable Samples

Vegetable plots where experimental seeds are put has sprouted with small plants here and there. But it is not clear, how many have failed. I cannot blame anyone, for we are not following the proper procedure.

The proper process would be to grow the seeds in a seed tray or poly bag under shade and then transplanting them.  The tender roots will form in controlled soil and later along with mother soil, it should be planted on raised beds.   I have been always thinking of creating a green house for this. But this was one of the early dreams that never got its relevance or importance. Now it is.

I decided to make a simple 20 feet by say 30 feet green shade net using casurina sticks as frame. That will be cheap. Only the roof and one or two sides will be covered with fabric which will cut down the sunlight by 60%. Not all sides to be covered.  If we cover all sides it will become very hot inside. We will cover only where direct sunlight comes or if hot air is blowing.

I need to buy the green fabric.  I contacted few vendors through the internet and finalised one in coimbatore, called Jain Wire netting Co.. It costs Rs. 2100/- for a bundle of 3 x 50 meters  (or 10 feet x 160 feet) agriculture shade net cloth. I think it is working out approx Rs. 1/- per square feet.   This includes transport from coimbatore to the farm in Tirunelveli. I Placed the order online and asked the vendor to deliver. Hopefully the shipping booking will happen today and the material should reach in 2 days.


Subbu has next assignment of building this small shadenet.  This will serve multi purpose, mainly to grow vegetable seeds before transplantation. As always Subbu is supporting this idea.