The joys of starting your own seeds are many -- earlier harvests, greater
variety, healthier seedlings, cost savings, and the fun of watching plants
grow!
Sowing Seeds
Soak seeds in hot water
overnight to speed germination. Seeding in pot-paks and/or flats
is most convenient . Sterilize all "used" pots, flats, tools
with Physan 20 . Use only sterilized starting mixes to help prevent
damp-off disease. Mix very fine seed with fine sand or milled sphagnum
moss. Scatter over growing medium. Our Super Seed Sower and Pro-seeder
help you to not over-seed and will cut down on tedious thinning.
Sow small seed 1/2"
apart; large 1" apart. Most fine seeds don't need to be covered.
Cover other seed with a sifting of fine soil. Use a fine mist sprayer
(#6342) to mist thoroughly. DO NOT LET THEM DRY OUT. Reduce evaporation
and maintain humidity by covering with a dome. Capillary matting
is also a great aid.
Germination
Seeds need darkness, moisture
and heat to germinate. Keep them in a dark area. Seeds have enough food
stored inside, so they need only water -- no fertilizer yet. DO NOT LET
THEM DRY OUT. Most seeds germinate best at a constant temperature between
65° F to 75°F. For best results, use a heat cable or
grow mat.
Seedling Stage
When the majority sprout,
move them off the bottom heat source and remove the dome. Water them with
a diluted all-purpose fertilizer, and make sure they get enough
fluorescent light at the right height. After they have 2 pairs
of true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers.
Enjoy the miracle of Mother
Nature in action!
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