Mar 06 2012
Starting Seeds
During the cold winter months there is nothing I like better than to begin starting seeds. Plus, there is still a lot of great choices of seed varieties to choose when you are buying seeds for planting and looking through all of the seed catalogs makes the time go by even faster. When you are starting your own seeds you have more control over the size and age of your plants when they are ready to set outside. You should keep the following in mind when you begin to plant your seeds to ensure that you will be a success.
The first thing to remember when you are getting ready is to only use fresh seeds. Most seeds will start to lose their potency if they weren’t stored correctly. It is very disappointing when all your work is for nothing! The best thing is to buy seed that is for the current year
Another thing to keep in mind when starting seeds is to use the proper kind of container to plant your seeds in. Your seed trays should be shallow with good drainage holes. This prevent the trays from holding to much dampness. Plastic trays work better for me than anything else I have tried.Your containers should also be very clean. A ten percent bleach solution works great for disinfecting your planting trays.
Seed starting mixes are sold in most stores, most contain vermiculite and perlite. I make my own seed mix by combining 1 part sand, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part potting soil. I have used this for many years and I have had great success.
When you are planting seeds, a good rule of thumb is to plant them no deeper than twice their diameter. If you are unsure about this, just read the packet directions most will tell you the proper depth.Once you have planted the seed use your hand to gently press them into the planting mix. Spray the soil surface lightly using a mister until the mix is damp. Make sure that you label the container so you are sure what you have, and then cover it with a clear lid or plastic wrap.
Seed Starting
Some seeds take longer than others to sprout. The ideal temperature range for sprouting seeds is between 65-75 degrees. I have a special mat for starting seeds that I use, you can get them online and in some feed & seed stores. Once your seeds have sprouted, you can remove the covering and place your seedlings in a warm sunny spot. It is also a good idea to turn the containers a quarter of a turn so your seedlings continue to grow straight.Another way to help your plants grow strong is to carefully brush your hand across the tops of the plants every day
As soon as the first true leaves come out you can begin to fertilize your new plants weekly with a half strength fertilizer solution. Once the weather warms up, your new plants will be ready to set out.
Seed starting can be very rewarding, you can get head start on the growing season, increase your stock of plants for less money, and have healthier plants to begin the new growing season. You really should give seed starting a try!
Loading ...