How to Start Seeds

Starting Seeds

Growing a plant from seed is not only the most cost effective way to obtain plants, it also gives each and every gardener the challenge of turning a seed into a plant and although, more time and care is actually involved by growing seeds,the benefits far outweigh buying them because, regardless of what type of seed it is,it also gives each gardener the satisfaction of seeing their very own plant grow from day one. 

Propagation from Seed

Most seeds are best sown as soon as they are ripe. Hard coated seeds may need soaking or scarification before germination. To soak,take some recently boiled water and place seed in water between 10 minutes and 72 hours depending on the species;the seeds that swell are the ones to work with and should be sown immediately. To scarify small seeds,abrade them with emery paper.With the larger seed,file the coats or chip them with a knife. Some seeds need cold stratification to break their dormancy so sow in a cold frame or open frame for exposure to the winter cold. Alternatively, take seed and place it in moist peat inside a plastic bag,keeping it warm for 3-4 days,then place in refrigerator at 1-5 Celsius.After 3-18 weeks, depending on the species, sow on germination.

Requirements for Starting Seeds

Soil:

Large seeds usually do well when germinating them in garden soil, but seeds sown in flats or containers need light as well as loose soil that does not host fungi that will cause the seedlings to rot. To prevent this sort of problem, use a sterile,soil-less potting mixture.Peat-based mixes designed specifically for starting seeds or a mixture of vermiculite,perlite and milled sphagnum moss works well.

Location:

Seeds may be sown in a tray or seedbed.Any container that drains easily and holds 2-3 inches of growing medium will work well for growing seedlings.Styrofoam cups with drainage holes punched in the bottom,pots,reusable plastic flats and peat pots all work great.

 Sowing:

Moisten the medium thoroughly before sowing your seed. Sow seed thinly and evenly.The depth of the seedling should be the same size as the seed, except for that of smaller seeds that require light,therefore; give them a dusting of soil or compost. After the seed has been planted it should be kept in a warm place and kept watered on a regular basis until the second set of leaves form.If the seed is kept outside, simply keep it watered on a regular basis to make sure that  the seed is damp enough to sprout.

Note:

The number one reason that most seeds fail outside is due to the insufficient amount of water given to them. A seed needs more water outside especially if directly sown into the ground whereas it does not retain the moisture pots do.

Pricking out:

When seeds and leaves are strong enough to be handled,prick out singly into planting trays or small containers.Handle the plants by the leaves, not the stems.Pot on when large enough,or harden plants off,then plant out in prepared ground. For perennial growing information please revert to my article:How To Grow And Care For Perennials

Quick sprouting hint:

My trick for starting seeds, preferably bigger seeds, never small because they are much to hard to work with, is to dry out 2 tea bags,once dried, water the tea bags until the are fully damp. Place the seed or seeds on one teabag and cover seeds with the second.Set in high humidity area and do not over water. Within a few days your seeds should begin to split and/or sprout.I do not recommend this method for everyone,however; it does work well for me as the teabags retain more moisture then most other sprouting methods and need less watering.When the seeds have sprouted and two leaves appear,plant as mentioned above.

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