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4. Starting Seeds Indoors
- University of Iowa Press
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Starting Seeds Indoors PLANTS ARE USEFUL in a border and to fill in bare spots in a larger restoration . It is also helpful to be able to identify the seedlings when you want to do some weeding. Follow methods in the species section to break dormancy for successful germination. Seeds can be stratified during the winter for the recommended period and planted in February or March. Some will germinate within a week, while others can take over three months. Germination will vary with species, temperature, moisture, and the age of the seed. Be patient and keep watering your flat. The best surprises are those seeds that take maybe four months to germinate. Many will take from seven to twenty-one days. Some that are slower to develop will be kept in the flats longer and benefit from the use of a cold frame. A sturdy root system is needed before they can be transplanted into the permanent location. Seeds that quickly lose their viability or become dormant when dried will benefit from planting in flats in the summer or fall and placed in a cold frame for the winter for a natural stratification. In February they can be brought into the greenhouse for germination. You will need 3-inch-deep flats, growing media, peat pots or containers 2 1/2 to 3 inches across, and garbage bags or covers for your flats to keep 33 the moisture in. Plastic trays that allow watering from the bottom are beneficial . I like the 1O-by-20-inch tray with seventy-two cells and clear plastic lid to start and keep separated small amounts of different species. If you choose to use plastic containers that you have accumulated, be sure to punch holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Wash used containers in soap and water and rinse them in a bleach solution of a quarter cup of chlorine to a quart of water. Peat pellets may be used for easy-to-grow plants or those that resent transplanting. Pellets expand to seven times their size when placed in water to form about a 2-inch column encased in a plastic net. Peat pots are a fine choice. Just fill them with the growing medium and plant. They allow water to evaporate from all exposed surfaces and will dry out faster than plants in plastic containers. You will also need markers and a permanent marking pen to clearly label and date the seed planting. There are a variety of germinating materials. Sphagnum moss is very acidic and useful for plants that tend to damping-off. It is difficult to moisten evenly, however, so it is best to get a mixture containing both sphagnum moss and vermiculite or perlite. Vermiculite has a neutral pH and contains magnesium and potassium, elements necessary for good root growth. Perlite is a volcanic ash and provides good aeration. It tends to rise to the surface. Seed-starting mixes can be purchased at most garden centers. Instructions are given on the mix for adding water before the mix is put in the tray to get the correct moisture content. Benomyl fungicide may also be used to prevent damping-off. Before sowing the seeds, drench the sowing medium with half a tablespoon per gallon of water solution and allow the medium to drain for two hours before planting. Garden soil is not recommended for starting seeds. It may contain weed seeds, fungi, and insects and does not allow for good drainage and aeration. Place the medium in the flats and water from below. Pat the medium down before planting. Sow twice as many seeds as you hope to grow. Some will need an even larger ratio if they are difficult to germinate. Seeds should be covered two times their thickness, unless they are light sensitive. These seeds, which are usually very fine, are not covered at all with planting medium . To retain moisture, a clear lid or clear plastic bag is attached to the flat. Dark bags may be used on other seeds. Remove the bag when sprouting occurs. Clear lids that remain on the flat need to be adjusted for proper moisture content and temperature. Let the flats air if the growing medium has absorbed too much moisture. Keep the flats at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees F. Sunny windows are unlikely to provide enough light for your 34 Starting Seeds Indoors [18.204.214.205] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 13:49 GMT) seedlings. If...