Seed Starting Tips

Use fresh seed for best results.

You can test last years left over seeds by sprinkling 10 seeds out between two pieces of wet paper towel on a dish placed on the top of your refrigerator. Check them daily. Keep the towels moist. At least 6-7 seeds should sprout by expected germination time, if not it’s time for fresh seed!

Follow all instructions on seed packs; it’s a good idea to save the empty packs for reference and as a row marker at planting time.

Seeds will vary in:

• When to plant
• Germination time
• Treatment requirements, such as pre- soaking or
• Pre -chilling
• If they need light or darkness for germination

KEEP NOTES!

Your growing medium should be a good quality soil less starting mix. The mix should be sterile with no weed seeds, have good water absorption with air pockets throughout the medium.

Growing containers should be at least 2 inches deep. Clean used containers with a solution of I part bleach to 8 parts hot water. Make sure all containers have good bottom drainage.

If you had any problems with damping- off fungi last year it would be wise to use new trays and containers. Symptoms of Damping-off fungi: Seedlings are damaged at the soil line, giving the appearance of being pinched and rapidly collapse. Damping –off can spread across a tray of seedlings rapidly and ruin the entire crop. Always use a fresh, sterile seed starting medium.

Planting mix should be wet before filling containers. ALWAYS use water that has been set out over night, this evaporates chlorine and sets the water to room temperature. Use tepid water for all growing phases of your plants, it makes a big difference!

The magic ‘sprouting’ number is 72 degrees for most seed germination. Bottom heat can be provided from commercial heat mats or cables. A clip-on utility light with a 100 watt bulb positioned near bottom of containers works fine. Leave the light on until germination. Cover seed trays that require darkness for germination with cardboard.

A sunny window is not enough light alone for growing; plants tend to stretch and become leggy. Cool white fluorescent or full spectrum grow tubes in fixtures should be positioned 1-2 inches from seedlings. Healthy little plants need at least 14-16 hours of light! Rotate plantings, the middle of the tubes produce the most light. Keep the light fixtures and bulbs clean, replace bulbs yearly or as necessary. When possible furnish seedlings sunlight along with artificial light.

Have your plant markers ready when you start seeds. Have some fun with family competition; write the family members name on the marker. Now let’s see who can grow the biggest and best tomato or the Great Pumpkin!  

Growing medium should never be allowed to dry out! Mist containers with a spray bottle or let them set in a pan filled with tepid water about 45 minutes; they’ll take water up evenly from the bottom without disturbing seed placement. Maintain a watering routine.

Set up a small fan near your growing area. Sterile growing mix, clean containers, good seed, and air circulation prevent damping-off and other fungal diseases. Fans will also strengthen seedlings by giving them a little ‘exercise’!

Seedlings don’t need food until they have their second set of true leaves. At this time apply a light foliar spray of fish emulsion and kelp, or a water soluble fertilizer HALF STRENGHT, repeat in ten days gradually moving up to full strength feedings.

Thickly sown seeds need thinning, remove excess plants with a small pair of sharp scissors.

Raising your own plants is great fun and a family learning experience!

Have fun and take some pictures for your scrap book!

Pesche’s Garden Center is well stocked with fresh garden seed for 2008.

Stop in, ‘LET’S GET GROWING’!