Seed Starting Tips |
For a gardener, starting seeds indoors in winter can be a very satisfying process that makes spring seem a little closer even while the snow still flies. Plus, there is a large selection of plant varieties from which to choose when purchasing seed and perusing nursery catalogues to make the selections is a joy in itself. Finally, gardeners who grow their own transplants have greater control over the size or age of the transplants, and when they are ready for moving to the garden.
Keep in mind the following tips when starting your own seeds to ensure the success of your seedlings.
- First, use fresh seed to ensure good germination. Seed viability can decline quickly under poor storage conditions, and although some seeds may remain viable under good storage conditions for many years, viability of other types of seed declines greatly after a few years even if they are properly stored. So for beginners, purchasing fresh seed is the easiest way around this dilemma.
- Choose growing containers with adequate drainage to prevent excess moisture in the growing media. Wide, flat containers, often called ‘azalea’ pots, help prevent overcrowding and, with a shallower layer of underlying soil, help reduce excess moisture that can lead to damping off of the seedlings. Plastic containers are preferred over clay; soil in plastic containers dries out more evenly, helping to prevent dry spots on the corners or edges. Recycling old food containers is fine, but be sure to make plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. All containers should be cleaned in a 10 percent bleach solution and allowed to air dry before using.
- After scattering the seeds on the soil surface gently tamp them down with the heel of your hand or a glass to make sure they have good seed-soil contact. Cover the seeds, at a depth of two times the seed diameter, with a mixture of 50% finely ground sphagnum peat moss and 50% starter chicken grit by placing the mixture in a sieve and shaking it gently over the planting container. Very fine seeds should be covered VERY lightly. Seeds that require light to germinate should not be covered at all, but left at the top of the soil surface. Check the seed packet for this information before planting.
- Water the container by setting it in a shallow basin with 2-3 inches of water and allowing the moisture to wick up through the soil. If necessary, use a spray bottle to gently mist the soil surface. (Moistening the planting mixture before placing it in the container will make watering easier at this stage.)
- Label the container, then cover it with clear plastic wrap to maintain moisture until the seeds have germinated. Remove the cover as soon as germination has occurred.
- Placing the container in a sunny, warm place will encourage the seeds to germinate more quickly. Plants vary in their germination heat requirements, but a temperature approximately 65-75 degrees is typical. Some gardeners place their containers on top of a refrigerator for extra heat, or purchase heating mats specifically designed for seed germination.
- To ensure the new seedlings develop strong, sturdy stems, place them in a bright window after germinating and give the container a quarter turn each day to ensure the stems do not stretch in one direction. Also, gently run your hand over the tops of the seedlings each day to encourage strong stem development. Finally, as soon as the first true leaf emerges begin fertilizing your new plants weekly with a one-half fertilizer solution.
Tomato, the most popular plant in the vegetable garden, is very easy to grow from seed. And with all the interesting heirloom varieties of tomato seed available, why not try growing a few of your own plants this year? |
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