Tips on starting plants
from seed
For many people, it's the preferred way
to begin a garden.
If you only draw on local resources of bedding and potted plants,
you're likely missing a huge variety of plant types ... beautiful,
healthy flowers and vegetables that are often only available as
seed.
Many veteran gardeners prefer to grow from seed, for a number of
reasons:
A bigger variety of plants to choose from.
Much lower costs, so you can fill a larger area of garden on a
budget.
Start gardening earlier in the spring.
A greater sense of accomplishment.
Just plain fun.
Gardeners who grow from seed also maintain their plants are
healthier and hardier.
Your local garden center will likely have a broad selection of
seeds in stock. They can help you choose the types best suited for
your growing conditions, and
usually have good information available on growing from seeds.
Here's a brief "how to" guide to get you started:
Supplies:
Pick up a supply of growing trays and mini-pots at your garden
center. Make sure they're the kind that allow good drainage. Also
get some sterilized potting soil - important to prevent seedlings
being attacked by soil-borne disease or fungus.
Planting:
Depending on the type of plant, start seeds 4 to 8 weeks before the
last frost if you plan to move them outdoors. If you plan to keep
your plants inside, start anytime.
Nearly-fill each compartment of your tray/mini-pots with sterilized
soil. Sprinkle a few seeds into each compartment/pot and cover with
a little soil. Water well and cover each tray/pot with clear
plastic. Store in a warm place.
Once the seedlings have appeared, uncover them and move to a sunny
spot, turning trays/pots
regularly.
Transfer to larger pots when the seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall.
Moving seedlings into the garden
Two weeks before you're ready to transplant, "harden" your new
seedlings by taking them outdoors for a few hours each day.
It's a good idea to prepare your garden soil a couple of weeks
ahead of planting, too. Tilling the soil early will fool weeds into
germinating early, and you can then pull them to reduce competition
with your seedlings. When there is no longer any risk of frost,
take the seedlings out of the pots and plant them into the garden.
Water regularly (but don't over water) and feed with a high
quality fertilizer like PINK Vigoro or Instant Vigoro Water Soluble
Plant Starter 10-52-10.
Perennials started from seed will usually re-grow larger the
following spring, and spread rapidly if conditions favour their
growth. You can also try harvesting seeds from your annual plants
and vegetables (except for hybrid varieties) for replanting the
following year. Dry the seeds slowly, and store them in a cool, dry
place over winter. Then repeat the same planting steps outlined
earlier.
Give seeds a try this spring. It's a great way to increase your
gardening satisfaction ... and a good activity for children, too!
Next Article
Previous Article
Back to Gardener's Report
Back to main page
Copyright 1996
Homepage Designed and Maintained by Adam Zimmer