12/25/2023 0 Comments Watering seedlings in degreeFine seeds and those seeds which require light for germination are sown on the surface of the medium and then lightly pressed into the germination medium. Firm the medium, water thoroughly, then allow it to drain. When sowing seeds in flats or trays, fill the container with the germination medium to within 1 inch of the top. Pelleted seeds are often available for fine-seeded annuals, such as begonias and petunias. (As a point of reference, there are approximately 2,000,000 wax begonia seeds per ounce, while there are 10,000 marigold seeds per ounce.) For ease of handling and planting, some seed companies offer coated or pelleted seeds. However, they can also be sown directly into individual containers, thereby eliminating the need to transplant the seedlings. Large seeds, such as marigolds and tomatoes, are commonly germinated in flats. After germination, the seedlings are transplanted into individual containers. Fine seeds, such as begonias and petunias, are typically sown in flats or trays. The size of the seeds and their germination requirements largely determine the type of container and sowing method. Holes should be punched in the bottom of milk cartons, jugs, paper cups, and similar containers to allow for drainage. Wash the containers in soapy water, then disinfect them in a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water. Previously used flats, trays, and pots should be cleaned and disinfected before use. Cut-off milk cartons or plastic jugs, paper cups, and egg cartons can also be used to start seeds. Gardeners can purchase flats, trays, cell packs, pots, compressed peat pellets, and other commercial products. Various containers can be used to germinate and grow transplants. Use a high-quality, well-drained potting mix when transplanting seedlings into individual pots or cell packs. Excellent germination media are commercially prepared soilless products, such as Jiffy Mix or Redi-Earth. The germination medium should be lightweight, porous, and free of disease pathogens. Some cool-season vegetables and annuals like broccoli, cabbage, or pansy, tolerate light freezing temperatures and can be planted 2 to 4 weeks before the average last frost date. Find your frost-free date in this article: Frost Dates in Iowa. For much of Iowa, this is the last week in April or the first week in May. Most annual and vegetable transplants are planted in the garden after the threat of frost has passed for the summer. If you intend to plant outdoors on May 15th, then the sowing date indoors would be the number of weeks listed in this column before May 15th. Use this number to determine when to sow seeds indoors. You can also get the crop time for several popular flowers and vegetables in this article: Germination Requirements for Annuals and Vegetables. The crop time (number of weeks from sowing to planting outdoors) is printed on the seed packet. Additionally, the plants that grow from spindly or lanky seedlings will not be as high-quality as those started from smaller, stockier transplants. Seedlings planted too early get large and lanky by the time they can be planted outside and lanky seedlings do not transplant well. We all get excited for spring, but starting seed too early leads to challenges later. Resist the urge to start seedlings too early in the season. As gardeners, our goal is to provide the optimal environment for germination and seedling growth. The seedling gathers energy through its leaves through the process of photosynthesis and absorbs nutrients and water from the soil through the roots. Once the ideal conditions occur, the seed breaks dormancy and germinates. During this process, the seed continually monitors the external environment waiting for ideal conditions specific to the particular seed. Seeds exist in a state of dormancy, absorbing oxygen, giving off carbon dioxide, and slowly using up their stored food reserves. The embryo comes pre-packaged with a food supply and the vital genetic information needed to become a plant much like its parents. Growing quality seedlings indoors requires high-quality seeds, a germination medium/potting mix, containers, proper temperature and moisture conditions, and adequate light.Ī seed is a miracle waiting to happen. For many home gardeners, it's fun to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors.
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