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Growing seedlings

Filed under: — kris @ 6:58 pm


Each year I grow my own seedlings for my garden. I patiently wait for the time to arrive and promise myself that this year I will not plant as many varieties, just the right amount I need. Less plants less work. I cut down from nine varieties of tomatoes to six. I thought this should curtail the unwanted surplus this year. You know the surplus plants you grew that you just didn’t have the heart to throw out. The extra ones that make you shake your head and wonder ““did I plant all of these?"” After all, this miracle of life that comes about from one little seed that you put in the ground, would be sacrilegious to just dump into the compost pile. You casually start to ask your family, friends, acquaintances and co-workers, if they would like to grow some tomatoes this year and once you’ve asked every Tom, Dick and Harry, you begin to beg. PLEASE !!!! In the end, you still have one plant left. It looks perky and healthy and ready to go. In a desperate attempt, you squeeze it into an awkward spot in your flower bed and it produces twice as much fruit as the one in the garden. Your reward for a kind gesture.

Here is another scenario - the one where you aren’t quite sure whether all the seeds will germinate because the packet says 2001. So you plant all the seeds to make sure you get at least 50% germination. As it turns out, all the seeds were viable and instead of 25 plants you now have 50. Here we go again.

On the bright side; it’s great to start your own seedlings.

1. It gives you a large selection of different varieties that you may not find in garden centers.
2. There is a kind of satisfaction of growing something from seed to fruit/flower. They are gifts of the earth for man to enjoy.
3. There is also the undying appreciation from friends, family etc. who look forward to your free plants.

Hey, it’s the least you can do to promote gardening.

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4 Comments on Growing seedlings»

  1. QUESTION ABOUT THE HARDY PLANT CALLED TEXAS STAR-A TYPE OF HARDY
    HYBISCUS–DOES IT SEED TO THAT IS CAN BE PLANTED..HOW COLD TOLERANT?

    Texas Star (Hibiscus coccineus) swamp hibiscus, Scarlet Rose Mallow, a native to U.S. is hardy in zones 6-11 (-10 F to 40 F.) .Likes sun to partial shade, blooms in mid-late summer. Needs lots of moisture, great for wet areas, bogs and water gardens. Propagation is from direct seed sowing . Collect the seedheads from the plant when they are dry. Break open the pod to remove seeds. The scarlet flower attracts hummingbirds. You will get more blossoms in a sunny exposure.

    Comment by JOLENE MCCOLLUM — 7/13/2004 @ 8:21 am

  2. Growing your own tomatoes,
    I don’t have a comment I have a question. Is there anything special I should do with my tomatoe and jalapeno seedlings to make them stronger before planting in the garden,
    I know a fan works but, is there anything else??

    Timing is important. If you plant too early you’ll get tall, leggy plants because they are not getting enough light indoors. You can use grow lights or a shop fixture with fluorescent bulbs (one warm and one cool). Suspend the light a few inches above the seedling and raise it as they grow taller. The seedlings will need 16-18 hours of daily light. I set my plants outside for a few hours each day, when the temperature gets over 60 degrees and bring them in at night for 7-10 days prior to planting . This “hardens off” the seedlings and acclimates them to the upcoming garden environment. Also by this time, they will be transplanted into larger pots . Peppers are more sensitive to cooler temperatures so make sure it is warm enough for them outdoors.

    Comment by Bruce Ostrooom — 3/7/2005 @ 8:57 pm

  3. I have a young hibiscus planted this season. it is flowering very nicely however the leaves are turning yellow and sometimes looks as if something is eating it. I can’t see any bugs. I live in central florida— any suggestions?
    thank you

    Yellowing leaves can indicate that the plant is under stress as it is adjusting to the new environment caused by not enough water, too much water or not enough fertilizer. They are heavy feeders but like light fertilizer often. As for the insects scale and aphids are common; in order to treat them - you need to identify them first -they may be lurking in the night. If you find an insect take it to your local university extension office as they may be able to help identify it.

    Comment by Mary Kay Googins — 4/8/2005 @ 9:05 am

  4. i have a difficult time with seeds, i can grow them, but they get so leggy. then i transplant them into bigger pots and they die …i have used captan in my soil, any other info would be appreciative. thank you pauline

    HI Pauline
    Once the seeds germinate and you have little shoots be sure to place them in a bright light and keep the temperature slightly cooler. You want to grow them slowly and strongly. bright light and amount of water are important. Not enough light will produce weak, leggy plants and too much water can invite fungal problems(damping off). You may want to add supplemental artificial light. Let the seedlings dry slightly before watering but not to the wilting point. Once your seedlings are about 2 inches tall fertilize lightly(1/2 strength) to provide more nutrients. When you transplant your seedlings to a larger container be sure you use good well drained potting soil. It will make a difference. Check your plants every day for watering, the larger they get the more often you will have to water. For more info on Starting seeds

    Comment by pauline — 12/26/2007 @ 6:27 pm

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