Flat: Level and even; in gardening, can refer to the shape of specific plant structures like leaves or flowers or a type of shallow container used for seed starting or growing seedlings.
When describing plant structures, “flat” simply means the surface is even and not curved or bumpy. Think of the broad, flat leaves of a hosta or the flat-topped flowers of a yarrow plant. This characteristic can be important for how a plant looks in the garden and how it functions, for example, how much sunlight a leaf can capture.
In the context of seed starting, a “flat” is a shallow, rectangular container, often made of plastic, with drainage holes. It’s a widespread and practical way to start seeds indoors before transplanting them to the garden. Flats allow you to grow many seedlings in a small space and provide a controlled environment for their early development. They are easy to handle and transport, making starting seeds indoors much more manageable for a home gardener.
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