Monday, January 12, 2015

Topic #3 Seed Starting: It's not as difficult as you think


Here is the 3rd posting for my winter gardening series, enjoy.
Starting your edibles and annuals from seed for spring planting is not as hard are you think; here is what I know works. 


The reason gardeners start seeds are many; some of the reasons are, lengthening the growing season, more plant choices, saves money and will be fun. 
Weather in the high desert is so unpredictable, making gardening interesting to say the least. Our growing season is only about 90 days, so getting large healthy seedlings in the ground long enough to produce food or blooms is difficult. 
Here's what has worked for me.
Seeds need air, water and light. It’s that simple. The seed packets will supply you with essential information, seed depth, spacing and germination timing. Here are a few more important items for healthy seedlings.
 *   When using containers make sure they are clean
*    Growing medium; I like the peat pellets for easy use and are easily planted directly       into the ground
*    If you want to use soils, buy good seed staring soils, they are clean and developed for seeds to germinate
*    Using a seed starting tray is a great way to keep the moisture level correct.
*   Watering (mist until the first sprout appears, then water gently)
*   Place in a warm area – full sunlight all day (daytime temperature, 70-80°
     nighttime temperature, 60-65°. You may want to use a warming pad to get started
 Planting your seedlings
*   Before planting you need to harden-off your plants – this is a gradual acclimatization
     over a period of 7 to 10 days. Set plants out with indirect light during the day; bring them in at night
*   Disturb the roots as little as possible when planting
*    Protect plants from wind and cold– stake, cover or screen until they begin to put on size
Sowing Seeds directly into the ground
Because we live in what is known as a short growing season the only seeds that we can directly plant in the ground are the cool season vegetables, such as carrots, beets, lettuce and peas.  Most of these seeds can germinate when the soil is as cool as 40°; or 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost. Check the package for the specific directions. Work organic matter into the soil a week or so before you plant. This will allow the organic material to start to break down enriching the soil for a healthy crop.
When the day has come to plant your seeds, work the soil again. Root crops especially carrots need soils that 
drain well, loosen soils at least 12 inches. 

Here are a couple of covers for crops if needed due to the weather.
 

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