The temperature needs of seed differ during
and after they germinate. The soil needs to be warmer during germination and
then cooler as they get larger. The
recommended temperature for seeds starting indoors is 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once germinated, most seeds are fine in 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.Optimum Seed Starting Temperature
The temperature needs of seed differ during
and after they germinate. The soil needs to be warmer during germination and
then cooler as they get larger. The
recommended temperature for seeds starting indoors is 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once germinated, most seeds are fine in 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.Light Sources For Starting Seeds
Different seeds have different requirements
in the amount of light they require for germination. Some seeds must have a lot
of light and others should have no light. Like the Times For Starting Seeds,
this should be listed on the package.
Once germination has occurred, the seedling
requires light in order to undergo its core life processes. It doesn’t matter
whether the light is natural or artificial.
Most seedlings require 12-18 hours of
sunlight per day.
Water Needs For Starting Seeds
When you’re ready to start the seeds, just
add water. The moisture softens the coating of the seed and allows the internal
food source to start feeding the seedling.
A very important point to keep note of is
that the seed medium must stay moist at all times but not soggy. If it gets too
soggy, the roots and seed will rot and/or grow mold. However, if it gets too
dry, the roots will dry out and die.
Most garden centers sell Seed Raising Mix,
which is usually a mix of compost, soil and sand. This is much easier to grow
seeds in as it holds moisture much better.
Times For Starting Seeds
When growing plants from seed indoors, you
can plant them nearly any time of the year. However, when setting out to plant
them outdoors, you need a strategy.
You should find out the date for the last
frost in your area and then the number of weeks prior to that date to plant the
seed. This is almost always printed on the seed package.
From here, you plant the seed and prepare
for growth. A general rule for planting seeds is about six to eight weeks
before the last frost date.
Growing Plants Or Vegetables From Seed
We’ve put together a small collection of
information about the basics of starting with seeds.
While starting a plant from seed may seem
more difficult, it has many benefits. You’ll be saving money as seeds are much
cheaper than plants, you’re able to start the growing season earlier and you
can extend your options on varieties available.
There is something very therapeutic about
starting plants from seed too! You are able to watch a small seed turn into a
healthy living plant.
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