PLANTING WITH SEEDS

Preparation and Planning

To grow plants from seed, a little preparation and planning will provide many rewards come spring. It is important to:

• Select high quality seed
• Plant during mild to warm temperatures
• Provide adequate water during the germination period
• Provide a suitable growing medium

Sowing Indoors

Seeds may be sown either indoors or outside. Growing seeds indoors gives the gardener some control over temperature and moisture conditions.

Use a seed pan or flat when sowing indoors. The texture of the potting mixture is essential for successful germination indoors. Potting mix must be loose and mild. Try one part sterile garden loam or compost, one part coarse sand and one part peat moss. Seed starting mixes are available at Pasquesi Home and Gardens.

Ensure adequate drainage by placing broken pieces of crock or small stones at the base of the seed pan or flat. After filling the container with the potting mix, gently pack it down so it falls just under half an inch from the container's rim. Distribute seeds as evenly as possible over the surface of the potting mix. Do not seed too heavily, as this will result in overcrowded, weak plants.

Water as soon as sowing is completed. There are two watering methods. Either water with a very fine spray, or place containers in a pan of water until the surface of the potting mix becomes dark and moist. Always allow excess water to drain. Keep containers adequately watered and in shaded areas until seeds have sprouted. This will enhance moisture retention and advance germination. Ensure temperatures remain between 60oF and 70oF.

As soon as the seeds have germinated, place seedlings in a brightly lit location. A sunny south- or west-facing window is a good spot. If adequate natural light is not available, artificial plant lights should be used. Keep beds adequately watered.

Transplanting Indoor Seedlings

Transplant young seedlings when the first or second pair of leaves has developed. Take care to remove the seedlings as gently as possible from the seedbed. Remove seedlings one at a time. Limit the amount of time seedlings are exposed during transplanting. Seedlings may be transplanted into beds or containers. The potting mix should be slightly richer, such as one part sand, one part leaf mold, two parts loam and one part well-rotted manure. Ensure the mixture is moist at the time of transplanting. Space plants two to three inches apart, depending upon their size.

When transplanting seedlings into pots, place small stones at the bottom of the pot to provide good drainage. Fill the pot with the prepared soil mixture and make a hole in the center. Try not to pack the soil down too heavily. Place the seedling in the hole and lightly press the mixture down with both thumbs. Water thoroughly.

Sowing Outdoors

A light, loamy soil is best for seed soil beds. The soil should be dry enough to crumble lightly when pressed firmly in the hand. Wait until the weather is fair to mild, and ground conditions are dry. The ideal time to plant is just before a light rainfall. Never sow in cold, wet soil.

When sowing seeds outdoors it is important to protect seeds and seedlings from fungi that can attack immature seedlings, suffocating their growth. This process is known as dampening-off. To protect seeds, apply a good seed protectant, such as Captan WP 50, at the time of sowing. The addition of milled sphagnum moss to seedbeds will also prevent decay. Sterilizing containers, pots and flats will ensure even greater control over decay and dampening-off.

The depth of seed sowing will depend upon the size of the seed. Generally, seeds should be sown at a depth that is twice the diameter of the seed, and spaced six to 12 inches apart. Seed coverings will also vary according to size. Minute seeds need only a sprinkling of soil, medium seeds need just over half an inch, and large seeds need almost an inch of soil over them. A good rule of thumb is to cover seeds with a layer of soil twice their thickness. Do not pack down the soil after seeds have been planted. This will prevent sprouts from ever reaching the surface.

When watering it is important to keep the seed beds moist. Be careful not to saturate the soil. Over-watering will rot the seeds. This is the most common cause of seed failure. Continue to moisten beds until the seeds have germinated and the young plants have become well established.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff is ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

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