Starting Seeds
Starting seeds indoors
The main benefit for starting seeds indoors is that in cooler climates it will extend the growing season. Some plants for example tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant require a longer growing season.
Small flower seeds also germinate and grow better if started indoors in perfect growing conditions rather than the hostile outdoor environment.
Generally, seeds should be started 6-8 weeks prior to planting. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. Some plants may take as long as 12 weeks. Check the back of the seed packet recommendation.
Here’s how to get started
-Start with fresh seeds to get the best germination rate.
-Containers: pots, clean plastic food containers with drainage holes, recyclable newspaper pots or egg cartons. If you are re-using an old container clean it with a 10% bleach solution to kill any microbes.
-Use fine sterile soil mix or seed starting mix- pre-moisten the soil and place in container or seed flat. Plant the seeds according to package directions.
-After planting, water in seeds just enough to keep them moist and cover the top with plastic to provide humidity until germination takes place.
Some seeds germinate best with bottom heat. Warm weather crops such as peppers and eggplant need 78-80 degrees for good germination which should take about 3 weeks. Germination time varies for different seeds. Set your container on top of a refrigerator, radiator or a heating pad. If using a heating pad, make sure you control the temperature so as not to “cook” your seeds.
When the first leaves (cotyledons) appear, remove the plastic and move the container to a bright, sunny window. If you cannot provide enough light add a grow light or fluorescent shop fixture for additional light (14-16 hrs a day). The lights should be placed 2-3″ above the seedlings and adjusted as they continue to grow. Not enough light can result in leggy and spindly plants.
-Transplant seedlings from a community flat to individual pots when they are about 2 inches tall . Bury them down to the first set of true leaves for stockier plants. Water in well and then provide even moisture; do not overwater or keep the soil soggy or you will have fungal problems (Botrytis). If you let the seedlings dry they will die. Once established start to fertilize lightly with a seed starter or fish emulsion.
-Before you set your plants in the garden, they need to “harden off”. When temperature reaches 60 degrees, start bringing your seedling outdoors for a few hours each day gradually increasing the time with each subsequent day. This will toughen up your plants and make planting into the garden an easier transition.
Garden tip: If you would like to sterilize your own potting soil mix, place soil in an oven proof container and cover with aluminum foil bake @180 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Be sure to open the windows as this will have a disagreeable odor.
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My Rhody’s have many yellow leaves and 2 have white powdery stuff on them. What can I do? Thanks
Young leaves showing yellowing between the veins can indicate chlorosis-the soil is alkaline. If you have older yellowing leaves that can be a natural occurrence. Have your soil tested before you lower the ph . For a quick temporary solution, there are several products, chelated iron- foliar spray and ferrous sulfate as a soil treatment. The white powdery stuff sounds like powdery mildew caused by a fungus that flourishes when days are hot and nights are cool, shade, lack of air circulation. Treat as soon as you notice the disease or current growth with a systemic fungicide (Safer, Bayleton, Funginex.
I got 3 long pods of a Trumpet vine. What do I do with them. I do not know when to plant or how. Some one said to put them under a rock. And forget them tell spring. Do I take the seeds out or plant the pod seeds and all. Need help
Thank You Sue
I have a question. For my school science fair im doing a project that involves the germination of seeds. I would like to know how long it takes to germinate pumpkin seeds
Pumpkins seeds take 7-10 days to germinate at a temperature of 70-95 degrees. They like it warm but will germinate at temperatures as low as 60 degrees but it will take longer to germinate. More pumpkin info
A while back my friend gave me a plant that grows little yellow egg shaped fruit? It is called the egg plant and I have no information on them the fruit? has grown and it is is healthy but you are supposed to be able to eat them any info would be nice thank you
When is the best time to sow the seeds? I have some, but do not know if I should plant them in the fall or spring. Please help!
Thanks. I am referring to the hardy hybiscus.
do the hardy hibiscus seeds need to be striated or scoriated?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A LANTANA TO GERMINATE? I HAVE HAD SOME IN A POT FOR 2 WEEKS AND THERE IS NO SIGNE OF GROWTH. I USED THE BERRIES AS SEEDS.
I want to start growing Gerbera Daisies from seed. I have some Daisies now, but don’t know how or where or when to obtain the seeds from the flower. Can someone explain this to me? Thanks
2007-5-5 jill
I live in Pa and I am getting married this Fall 07 I wanted to grow my own Gerbera dasies for my wedding. I bought some seeds off the internet. I have read that they are very hard to grow and require specialization and a steril environment. Also, I have found varying directions on how to care for them(ie keep soil moist between waterings vs let the soil dry between waterings. Please help me!
I am trying to start Mandevilla from seed. My question is…Does the seed come from the end of the stem at the base of the bloom ? Is it a single seed or a cluster of 8 or 10 seeds? If it is 8 or 10 tiny pin head size seeds, that have a hair-like tail, do I leave the tail on when I plant the seeds. OR…Do the seeds grow seperatly in a stalk-like pod ?
Thank you, Howard
My grandson picked several pods from my wisteria last week. Now the pods are popping.Can I plant these seeds & how do I go about it?
Where, when, and how deep do I need to plant the ripened iris seeds?
pic: Starting Seeds
[...] from the catalog be sure to order soon before they run out of your favorite variety. Once your seeds arrive, its time to get them started. The back of the seed packet will indicate how many weeks [...]