To maximize your garden’s productivity, make sure that you are starting seeds regularly, not just once a year. Here in North Texas we are lucky enough to garden in all four seasons. Now that you’re armed with everything you need to know to get your seedlings off to strong start, it’s time to go start some more seeds! Only water again when the bottom tray is completely dry, and the cell tray starts to feel lighter in weight. To bottom-water seedlings, fill the bottom tray with enough water so that the plants absorb it all within 24 hours. This is why it’s important to use a high-quality, three-part seed starting tray system with a bottom tray (no holes), cell tray, and plastic humidity dome. Prevent damping off by always bottom-watering seedlings. This is typically caused by cool, moist conditions. When seedlings suddenly die, the most common cause is a disease known as “damping off”. Seeds planted too deeply will have delayed germination or completely fail to germinate. Check the seed packet to see what the optimum seed depth should be. Here is a good reference for soil temperatures: Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination.Ģ. Use a heating mat underneath seed-starting trays to raise the soil temperature to meet the requirements of the particular plant/crop. Soil temperature is too warm or not warm enough. When starting seeds indoors use fluorescent or LED tube lights that can be adjusted up and down. Even the light from a sunny windowsill is not enough for seedlings. Seedlings need very bright light to thrive. Thin, leggy seedlings with yellowing leaves They look and function the same way that all future leaves will. True leaves are the actual foliage of the plant. The first leaves to emerge from a seedling after germination are cotyledon leaves. This helps to maintain steady growth and make stronger seedlings that can withstand the transplantation process.Ī good rule of thumb is to wait until the seedling grows its second set of true leaves to start fertilizing. Seeds are magic!īut once seedlings are large enough, it’s a good idea to begin supplementing seedlings consistently with a balanced fertilizer. For tomatoes, I typically pot seedlings up a third time into gallon pots or larger.īefore you rush to grab the fertilizer, it’s important to know that the seed itself contains all of the nutrients necessary to support a seedling’s growth during the first few weeks of life. I like to start seeds in a 72-cell tray, and then pot seedlings up into a 2.5 or 3.5-inch pot before transplanting into the garden. When seedling roots start to emerge from the bottom of the cell tray, it’s time to move the seedlings into a bigger pot.Remember: when it comes to fertilizing seedlings, less is more. If they need to be covered, spread a layer of seed-starting mix over them (according to seed depth directions on the seed packet) and add a final dusting of vermiculite. If seeds require light for germination, sprinkle a light layer of vermiculite over them. Water gently using a watering can with a gentle, shower-like flow, or the “shower” or “fine mist” settings on the hose attachment. Fill plastic cell tray with a soilless seed-starting mix.To see a full list of recommended equipment, go here: Here are some basic steps for starting seeds indoors. It requires the right equipment and an understanding of what a seedling needs during various stages of development. The fact that a seed no bigger than the head of a pin can eventually grow into a plant six feet tall and produce pounds of food? Mind-boggling.ĭespite the magic, however, starting seeds can be a bit tricky. Starting plants by seed is one of my favorite things about gardening because it feels like such a miraculous process. Let’s take a look at the basics of seed-starting and how to give your seedlings what they need at the right time, including fertilizer. (Yay!) Now you’re wondering: Do I need to fertilize them? And if I do, when and how should I do it? You planted your seeds with care, and they germinated.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |