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.
Showing posts with label Plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plants. Show all posts
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.
Bearded Iris
With the sharp and pointy leaves, Bearded
Iris is easy care and bright blooming. Some of the colours available include
pink, purple, red, yellow and blue. These will bloom in early summer and some
varieties are known to bloom again later on in summer.
Planting
Bearded Iris should be planted in mid
summer to early fall. With the spacing 1-2 feet apart, the plant should have
full sun and loose, well drained soil. The hole should be two times as wide as
the root base or rhizome.
When filling around the plant, gently firm
the soil. Once planted, water thoroughly.
Bearded Iris Care
A layer of compost on top of the soil in
spring will enhance health and growth.
This plant is susceptible to borers so
regular checking of the rhizomes is crucial.
As the flowers fade, cut them back to the
base of the plant. This will encourage reblooming too.
If the roots break the soil surface, cover
them with soil instead of forcing back underground.
Baby's Breath
The wonderful clouds of white flowers on
Baby’s Breath are a real benefit to this summer flowering plant.
Both annual and perennial plants can be
purchased.
Planting
The best time to plant Baby’s Breath is
early spring. Care should be taken when planting as soil around the plant stem
can cause stem rot and Baby’s Breath is very susceptible to this.
Baby’s Breath Care
This plant is known to be very brittle. To
overcome this, stake the plant before the summer blooms to support growth. If
in a cooler area, mulch around the base in winter but be cautious of stem rot.
Astilbe
Astilbe produces a glorious plume of fern-like foliage. Also known as false goats beard. It does best in areas with cool, moist summers. The plumes of flowers occur in late spring to early summer. The flowers most commonly occur in pink, red, white or lavender.
It can grow up to 5 feet tall and tolerates very wet soil.
It can grow up to 5 feet tall and tolerates very wet soil. Planting
Planting is best in spring or fall. Larger varieties should be planted up to 3 feet apart. Dig the hole two times as wide as the root base. With care, fill in around the plant and gently firm. Water thoroughly.Astilbe Care
In spring, apply a layer of compost followed by mulch. This will hold moisture and reduce weed growth.Aster
Aster’s have bright flowers occurring in
the fall when the garden is usually looking bland and not blooming. A common
name for the aster is Michaelmas daisy. A great money maker for the aster is
that it attracts butterflies.
When blooming, aster’s produce pink, white
or blue flowers in late summer or fall. They thrive where summers are cool and
moist.
The can grow between 8 inches and 8 feet
depending on what variety is growing.
Unfortunately, the aster is known to fall a
victim to mildew or rust diseases. This can be avoided if you choose disease
resistant varieties.
Planting
The best time to plant an aster is spring.
Space the plants 1-3 feet apart depending on growth for variety. Loosen the
soil with a tiller or fork. Dig the hole twice the diameter of the root ball
and place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with
the soil surface. Fill in around the
root ball and mix in compost while lightly firming the soil. Water the plant
and soil around it thoroughly.
Care
Compost the base of the plant each spring
and top that off with some mulch. This will hold moisture and reduce the growth
of weeds. If there is less than 1 inch (2.5cm) of rain per week then water
appropriately.
Anemone
Windflowers, more commonly known as
Anemones, bloom in spring and fall. Some are classified as ‘spring-flowering
bulbs’ and others are classified as perennials. Anemones are poisonous to eat!
Spring blooming anemones are perfect plants
for rock and woodland gardens due to their low growth. The majority of anemones
grow from rhizomes that creep below the soil, whereas Grecian windflower (Anemone
blanda) and poppy anemone (A. coronaria) grow from tubers. Anemones
should be planted in autumn. The Grecian windflower will thrive in zones 4-7
and the poppy anemone will thrive in zones 6-9.
Spring blooming anemones are perfect plants
for rock and woodland gardens due to their low growth. The majority of anemones
grow from rhizomes that creep below the soil, whereas Grecian windflower (Anemone
blanda) and poppy anemone (A. coronaria) grow from tubers. Anemones
should be planted in autumn. The Grecian windflower will thrive in zones 4-7
and the poppy anemone will thrive in zones 6-9.
Tall growing anemones present themselves in shades of pink and
white in the form of large cup shaped blossoms. Below the blossoms will be dark
green, maple-like leaves.
Planting
It is recommended to plant fall blooming anemones in the spring.
Wood anemones should be planted 10 inches apart whereas snowdrop anemones
should be 12-24 inches apart. Loosen the soil with a tiller or fork and dig a
hole twice the diameter of the plant root base. With care, remove the plant
from the pot and plant it so that the top of the root base is level with the soil.
As you fill in around the plant, firm the soil gently. To finish, allow a lot
of water for the plant and keep well watered for 2-3 days.
Care for Anemones
Divide plants only in the spring. They are
known to take their time to establish but will spread appropriately with time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)