Sowing Seeds

Seeds, tiny embryos – remarkable to think about. Under the right conditions, each unique seed will grow into productive plants. Grown under conditions not ideal for the unique seed, they may rot or not amount to anything. Good ol’ Nature.

Germination & improving your Rates

Low germination can be really due to a wide number of causes, most widely being improper soil conditions when the seeds are planted. It is a good rule of thumb to remember that each plant has its own temperature for seed germination. Too wet, seed will rot before you ever see it. Soil too cold, seed will fail to be triggered to germinate – no matter how hot the AIR temperature is. Soil temperature and moisture content are vital components in germination for you to consider.

To Soak or not to Soak?

Are you aware that pre-soaking seeds may improve germination in certain seeds. Soaking seeds in plain water can also help germination rates, especially for plants that have hard seed coats, such as beets, carrots, parsley. Mix wet seeds with sand or old coffee grounds to make planting easier. Soak soft-coated seeds such as beans and peas for no more than 1 hour. Then simply drain and plant seeds right away.

Planting seeds

Seed depth is vital to the seeds survival. Some seeds need light to germinate and will never sprout if below the soil surface. Other seeds need no light, but may require a particular combination of air and moisture and must be planted deeply enough so that the young plant roots have adequate support from the soil. Planting at the wrong depth can cause poor seed germination of poor seeding development. The general rule of thumb for planting seeds is to cover the seeds with soil at a depth of only 3-4 times the seeds thickness. Firm soil that you planted into, simply to ensure good seed to soil contact with the damp soil.

Thinning and Spacing seedlings

Planting too closely is one of the most common mistakes gardeners can make. Seeds are small, but often will produce a much larger plant. Squash seeds really do grow into potentially 6 feet of garden space!? Having too many plants may result in undersized plants and harvests. Possibly disease and pest problems too.

Refer to the SEED PACKET

Only plant vegetables closely than is usually recommended if your soil is very rich and well prepared. If you do not know what I am writing about ‘very rich and well prepared soil’ – REFER TO YOUR SEED PACKET when it comes to seed spacing.

Intensive Planting

Meaning planting vegetables in beds that equal distances from each other so that when they are fully grown, their leaves will touch and the entire bed will be covered by foliage. This creates a canopy that really helps to keep your gardens soil much cooler. Another thing to consider when planting this way: you will get less fruit per plant, but will have more fruit per square foot.

More plants require more plant food/nutrition. Again, if you know nothing about soil nutrition and simply want to plant a garden, do not intensive plant!

More plants may mean more pests.. You know with the plants being soo close it is very easy for pests to travel from plant to plant.

If you want to try intensive veggie gardening – begin CONSERVATIVELY. Gain experience and improve your soil conditions as you gradually plant closer together year from year. (Helps to have a good garden journal to keep track of this information from year to year.)

Safe guideline for intensive planting in beds is to space veggies 75% closer than recommended on the seed packet.

Happy planting, although it is really early!
Melanie