Seed Growing Guide

Why Begin With Seeds

The most common reason for seed culture is that you will have a wider selection of plants available to you.  Nurseries are limited to what their growers are producing, and as a rule growers tend to grow  what are known varieties to the general public.  It can be risky to bring in new varieties.  Another excellent reason to begin with seed is to get a jump on the planting season.  While most people you may know are calling their favorite nursery (daily) to see if the tomatoes are in yet, you will be setting your strong little starts in their honored position in YOUR GARDEN!  There is something very special about being the first gardener in your area to have a ripe tomato!  Not all seeds will benefit from this jump start, some just have to be started when the ground temperature is right like SUNFLOWERS, and some plants just don't transplant well, such as carrots and radishes.  So let's get started - no pun intended!

Types Of Seed Starting

Directly Sowing

Directly sowing into the garden has several benefits to you, one is that you usually avoid the need to transplant and the seeds will germinate and grow into mature plants in one place.  You may need to thin seedlings to prevent over-crowding, filling in a few sparse spots with thinned plants, but most of the seedling plants will need no handling once they break ground.  The secret to success here is to plant at the proper time for your zone and to be sure the seeds do not dry out, and to keep your night chewing insects at bay.

Broadcasting

Native wildflowers will make a reasonably good show if scattered in time to catch Fall rain in the area they are planned to grow. Wildflowers will do best if the ground is cleared of weeds and grasses, tilled lightly, and mixed with some organic amendments (I like to use horse or cow manure) before planting the seeds.  If you want to plant large areas, mix seeds with several times their bulk of fine sand.  After you have scattered the seeds, rake lightly and then carefully sprinkle the area with water.  Cover the area with a very thin mulch (such as ground bark, sawdust, straw or leaves) to prevent the soil from crusting and to hide seeds from predators (this will not fool chickens!)  The one thing I love about using wildflowers is that nature takes care of their needs if planted at the proper time.

What Do Seeds Need To Grow

1. Appropriate Planting Mix: Seeds need soil that is porous and well drained but that retains moisture. The soil must allow roots to grow easily, and it must drain fast enough so that roots don't suffocate in soggy soil, yet retain enough moisture so that continuous watering isn't necessary.  You can either buy a special blend or you can make your own. Formulations vary from brand to brand, but none contain actual soil. Look for a mix high in bark, leaf mold, sphagnum peat plus vermiculite.  Red Rock Nursery's Coir Fiber Potting Medium is an excellent planting mix for seed starting.  The use of a soil-less mix lessens the danger from soil borne diseases, but the down-side is that these mixes dry out quicker. Oh well, we can't have everything!

2. Starting Containers: Almost anything that will hold soil and has provision for drainage will do for a seed-starting container.  Peat Pellets, mini-greenhouse, milk cartons, soup cans or shallow wooden boxes will work just fine.  Remember that you must have drainage holes in your containers and if you are re-using containers give them a good washing and put out in the sunshine to dry before using.  This will avoid the possibility of infection by damping-off fungi, which will destroy your seedlings. 

3. Sowing In A Container: Gently firm the mixture into the container and level it off about 3/4 inch from the top of the container.  If the mixture is powdery dry, water it thoroughly and wait a day to plant.  Very fine seeds can be broadcast over the surface and covered with sand - larger seeds can be planted in shallow furrows or poked individually (cover seeds to a depth equal to twice their diameter.)  Cover your seeds with the proper amount of planting mix, press down gently and then water.  If you water from the bottom you won't dislodge your seeds.

4. Temperature: Many seeds are genetically programmed to grow only in relation to warm soil temperatures.  For the most part seeds germinate best with soil temperature at a constant 70º F or above (some need 80º-85° F to start.)  Keep seed trays in a constantly warm place, out of direct sunshine, and drafts. You will benefit from a bottom heat mat and trays with domes to retain heat and moisture. Maintaining consistently warm temperatures day and night signals the seeds to begin to grow.  Adding a consistent heat source will help guarantee germination success.

5. Moisture: Your seeds must be kept constantly moist for success.  Never let the soil dry out. This is VERY IMPORTANT so pay attention to that soil.  I like to use a moisture meter just to be certain!  I water from the bottom to be sure the seeds aren't disrupted.

6. Light: Most seeds don't need light to germinate and some must be left in the dark. However remember that this ONLY applies to germination, once you have sprouts light is necessary. Either a bright window area out of drafts with bottom heat; or use fluorescent lights close to your plants.

7. Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for seeds to germinate. Amazing isn't it, they carry their own food inside their shells and have enough food energy to begin life themselves.  Once seeds have germinated and become seedlings, you should begin fertilizing them for optimum growth.  

For information on planting specific flower or herb seeds, click here.

If you need any further assistance with seed starting or would like some advice regarding gardening in general, please email me at verna@redrocknursery.com and I will be happy to answer any of your questions!