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The Garden Plot for February 09, 2007
3:55 PM - 4:00 PM
[Program Website]
Today's Highlight: "Seed Starting" Part 1
It may still be cold outside, but it’s time to start garden seeds indoors. The proper time for sowing seeds depends on when transplants may be safely moved outdoors. Sowing dates range from 4 to 12 weeks prior to the last spring frost. Check with your extension agent for the last spring frost date in your area. Before you sow seeds; check the frost tolerance of your plant and the weeks needed from germination until transplant size. A common mistake is to sow seeds too early! Then, you are forced to hold seedlings back under poor light and too cool or too hot temperatures. The result is weak, tall; spindly plants that never catch up to healthy, thick-stemmed transplants. Four environmental factors affect seed germination: water, oxygen, light, and temperature. Different seeds have different requirements, especially for heat and light. Ask your extension agent for Montguide #9308 which gives specific vegetable seed germination requirements.
Germination begins with the absorption of water. Once the germination process has begun, a completely dry period can kill seed. However, seeds sitting in water can also be killed due to lack of oxygen. They suffocate! Seeds need to breathe! Actually, it’s better to let the soil media surface dry, rather than allow seed to stand in water.
The planting medium you start your seeds in should be loose and well aerated to avoid waterlogged conditions. Peat moss plus coarse perlite is a good choice.
Remember to use water low in salts. Salts decrease water absorption and can injure newly emerging roots. If you think your water may have a high salt content, use filtered water. Tepid water (65º-75ºF) is best.
Light can stimulate or inhibit seed germination. Some crops require light for seed germination, such as ageratum, impatiens, varieties of lettuce, and petunias. Others require darkness, such as pansy, calendula, annual phlox, delphinium, and verbena. For other plants, light doesn’t matter at all. Temperature affects both germination percentage and speed. Temperature is usually the main reason for poor or slow germination. Generally, 65˚F to 75˚F is best for germinating most seeds.
Next week we’ll discuss seed sowing in detail. For more information, contact your local extension and ask agent for MSU Montguide # 9308
Helen Atthowe's new short program of gardening tips
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