Propagation Compost
Seeds have a much better chance of germination if sown into the correct sort of compost.
Real soil, heavy and full of pathogens, is not ideal for seed starting. Instead, use a special seed starting mix, typically peat or a peat substitute. It's worth your while to purchase seed compost as opposed to blending your own, since you can be sure the proportions are correct.
Soil-less mixes are a good choice since they are light and allow seedling to grow without obstruction. They are also free of harmful bacteria and insects; are moisture retentive; and are low in nutrients (certain nutrients, as a result of the salts they contain, can actually damage seedlings).
If you an organic purist then you may want to look for the OMRI Certification (Organic Materials Review Institute) on your potting mix that confirms it’s suitable for organic production.
Make your own containers
There are so many different types of seedling containers on the market. You can save some money by making your own biodegradable containers using recycled newspaper. Most newspapers have switched to soy-based inks so it’s safe for your garden. The containers are simple and easy to make:
If you’re not handy then you may want to invest in the Paper Potmaker, a wooden tool that does the job for you. You Grow Girl has online instructions on how to make your containers from toilet paper rolls.
You can plant the newspaper containers right into your garden but you should remove the seedlings from the cardboard containers.
Planting and Care
Before sowing, place the seeds in water overnight to help them germinate faster. Hard-shelled seeds in particular benefit from this step. After six to eight hours, remove the seeds and plant immediately.
Sow seeds in pots or flats, barely covering them with the growing medium. Very fine seeds do not have to be covered at all.
When's the ideal time to sow seeds? It depends upon the variety, but it generally ranges from six to eight weeks before its safe to plant outdoors.
H20 ratio
After sowing, gently mist with water and then cover with a clear plastic or glass lid. The soil should always be slightly moist, but never drenched because too much water will rot the seeds.
At the first sign of germination, remove the lid. Make sure there is good circulation of air around the seeds, and avoid overcrowding by pinching out plants as necessary. This should help eliminate fungal disease.
Lighting and warmth
There is a misconception that lots of light is the most important requirement for seeds to germinate. Rather, the most important element is warm temperatures that encourage sprouting -- a consistent 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (69 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) is ideal.
It's important that seeds remain within that temperature range. Any higher and you run the risk of damaging seeds, while cooler conditions may prevent the germination process entirely.
When to turn down the heat
The one caveat to this rule is after the seeds have sprouted, after which you should reduce the temperatures to between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius (55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight and 18 to 21 degrees Celsius (65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
While seeds don't need light, seedlings do, and lots of it. Once the seeds have germinated and begin to emerge from the soil, place them under a grow light or in full sunlight.
When to upgrade
When the seedlings have grown three or four true leaves, transplant them to a larger pot. They'll soon be ready to be planted but first they need to be acclimatized to the outdoor environment through a process known as hardening off.
Simply put your plants outside for an increased amount of sun each day, making sure to bring them in at night. After about a week, the seedlings can be planted in their permanent home.
There's nothing like the satisfaction that comes on that day when you plant your carefully nurtured young plants into the garden.
Andrew Hind is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly gardening. He is a regular contributor to Green Living Online.
