seeds for the spring,
such a tiny package.
Everything the plant needs to get started is contained within
the seed. When starting seeds, you don't have
to use any fertilizer, it's all there for the emerging seedling in the first set of leaves,
called the cotyledon.
Depending on the type of plant, a seed will germinate within 2-21 days.
For instance, peppers, especially the very hot varieties, take a couple weeks before
you'll begin to see any life coming forth.
Seeds must be kept warm and moist during germination.
The best way is to use a propagation mat with a thermostat.
When a seedling is subjected to cool/cold damp soil,
the result is often dampening off. There is no
going back once a seedling reaches this stage. They are toast.
There are guidelines to follow when starting seeds indoors and for planting outside in the garden.
For example, this chart indicates that spinach can be planted outside with temps in the mid-40s.
But. The seeds germinate best at 70 degrees.
This is critical, folks.
Unless you're growing weeds.
Unless you're growing weeds.
Immediately upon the seedling's emergence, they will require light.
We use professional grow lights, as plants that struggle for enough light will
grow leggy and weak. Leggy and weak plants are susceptible to
disease and insect infestation.
The light allows the plant to begin the process of photosynthesis,
which is the conversion of sunlight into energy that will
fuel the plant's growth.
Some seeds require light to germinate, others require darkness. The seed
packet will give you instructions for sowing and germination.
When the seedlings have grown their second set of true leaves, (not counting the cotyledon)
they are ready to be lightly fertilized.
At this stage,
it is critical, in my opinion, to use organic fertilizers to avoid
the risk of burning the tender young plants by over fertilization.
Basil seeds develop a gelatinous coating when watered.
They are very quick to germinate, often in as little as two days.
Baby basil seedlings.
Several years ago, we published a couple of seeds vs. transplants guides that outlined the pros
and consof seed starting at home, and outlined the
and consof seed starting at home, and outlined the
reasons to purchase transplants and what items you should never buy as transplants.
Many types of seeds are best planted directly in the ground.
The early spring is conducive to growing radishes, most root crops, and
many herbs. Self-seeding perennials such as chives will spring to life
and will tolerate a snow storm - peppers? Not so much.
In addition to our regular selection of organic, heirloom vegetable bedding plants,
we'll have a full rack of seeds from Botanical Interests again this year -
including seed tapes for busy gardeners who don't like to thin out their plantings.
Why not go ahead and sow seeds directly in the garden
and leave the tough stuff to us?
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