Now is the time to get a jump-start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors. It is relatively easy, fun and makes the wait for warm weather more bearable for gardeners itching to get their hands into the soil.
A successful seed-starting process has five requirements viable seeds, the right growing medium, light (or the absence of it), moisture and the proper temperature.
Although it's to early to dig outside, gardeners can get a start on the season with indoor plantings like this geranium seedling.
Seeds
Use purchased seeds or those collected from the garden last fall and stored properly during the winter. Purchased seeds often are packaged in small paper envelopes with directions for germination and other growing tips. These instructions typically recommend the time to transplant the seedlings outdoors. Some seeds are sold in foil packets that ensure the seeds are dry.
All purchased seeds should be obtained from reputable dealers. This reduces seed contamination and increases the germination rate.
Growing medium
A variety of containers are suitable for starting seeds. Peat pots are made from peat or paper-waste fibers molded into the shape of a small container. Peat pots are porous and have excellent air circulation and water drainage. They are popular because the container can be placed into the ground without disturbing the roots of the growing seedling.
Be sure that the entire peat pot is covered with soil. If part of the rim is above ground, the air will wick moisture from the roots.
Peat pellets are flat "coins" of peat that expand when moistened. Seeds can be placed directly into the expanded peat cylinder. Seeds started in peat pellets are treated the same as those growing in peat pots at the time they are moved outdoors.
Many gardeners prefer to use plastic trays or flats to grow seeds. The advantage is that they can be reused every year. However, cleanliness is vital when reusing a plastic tray. To eliminate any diseases, wash the container with a 10 percent bleach solution before starting seeds.
Be sure to get your veggies when starting seeds. Tomatoes are a good option.
The disadvantage to using plastic trays is that, depending on the flat size, seedlings may need to be moved into larger and larger containers before they are finally transplanted outdoors.
Seeds prefer loose, fine soil that drains well. Outdoor garden soil is not suitable for growing seeds indoors. Soilless mixes, fine-grade vermiculite or synthetic mixtures of vermiculite or perlite and peat moss are suitable indoors.
Before filling the trays, moisten the growing medium. Place the soil in the container to within a half inch from the top. Plant the seeds at the depth and spacing recommended on the package.
Planting very fine seeds can be difficult. To ensure uniform seed distribution, place seeds in a clean salt shaker and add playbox sand or Knox gelatin; gently shake the contents into the seed-starting trays. The protein in the gelatin also provides nitrogen, which acts as a starter fertilizer for the seeds.
Large, hard seeds can be "nicked" or soaked overnight before planting to encourage germination.
Light
Some seeds require bright light others darkness in order for germination to occur. Follow directions for light requirements for the specific seeds. After germination, seeds need an abundance of light, often up to 16 hours a day.
Seedlings need some red and infrared radiation, which is not found in ordinary fluorescent bulbs. Specifically designed light tubes are available to provide the correct light energy.
Be sure to get your veggies when starting seeds. Beet sprouts, like tomatoes, are a good option. Seeds can be started in a variety of containers, including plastic trays or peat pots.
The light source should be as close as possible to the seeds; 6 inches is appropriate. As seedlings grow, the light should be moved higher to avoid leaf burn.
Moisture
Moisten newly planted seeds with a mist to keep them in place.
Water trays from the bottom by placing them in a shallow pan of warm water and letting the soil soak up the water. Remove the tray from the water when the soil is damp.
Keep the soil moist. Allowing germinating seeds or seedlings to dry out can be fatal.
Place the tray in a plastic bag to keep the humidity high and prevent evaporation. The plastic acts like a miniature greenhouse that will hasten germination. Once germination occurs, the plastic should be removed.
Temperature
The best temperature for most seedlings is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, day and night. Heating cables may be used to assure uniform and constant temperature. Be sure to water seedlings with warm water to avoid a temperature drop.
Once the seedlings are off to a healthy start, keep them that way until it's time to transplant them into the garden. Once the risk of frost has passed, it's safe to plant.
Carol Boncella is education coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and garden writer for the Journal-World.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.