Seeds Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
Seeds For Springtime
By Suzzie T Franklin
As spring arrives, a major part of preparation for gardeners
in getting ready for the upcoming planting season is seed starting.
Without a doubt, one of the most rewarding tasks in gardening
is nurturing seeds through germination into strong healthy plants.
No matter where you sow, watching nature work its magic on a
kitchen windowsill, in a greenhouse or in your garden shed is
a rewarding and inspiring process. If you review your options
and follow a couple of basic rules when planting, then you will
increase your chances of success. Let’s take a look at what
those rules are.
Cleaning All Your Pots And Trays Before Sowing
The first rule of thumb when you plant seeds is to practice good
hygiene. Good hygiene you ask? It just means that you need to
make sure you clean all of your pots and trays before sowing.
They should be scrubbed clean with a biodegradable detergent in
order to remove any traces of plant disease and prevent their
spread into your new plantings.
Another important factor to consider is the growing medium you
will use? There are a variety of soils available on the market,
but as a general rule, any soil that is not too heavy, one that
is water retentive and is high in nutritional value will suffice.
Taking Into Consideration Your Soil And Local Climate
It depends on your soil and your local climate as to when and
where you can sow seeds directly into the ground outside. If you
have a light soil, then you will be able to sow earlier than people
with heavy soil. For early spring sowing the temperature needs
to be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis.
At this temperature weeds will also start to emerge, so be prepared
to undertake weed control. Work your soil well and sow as directed
on the packet. Be aware that weather can change quickly. Many
times there will be a warm period in March, only for it to turn
cooler again in April.
It’s time to pot the seedlings when they emerge and grow past
the two-leaf stage. There are many ready-bagged types of potting
compost available, but typically a mix of three parts organic
compost, one part coir (the shredded husk of the coconut) and
one part worm castings is the best medium to use. This is a great
way of turning kitchen waste into nutrient rich, soil composts.
Stimulating Growth In The Pot
Put the mixture into your pots and prepare it by indenting holes
for your seedlings. You should gently and sparingly water your
seedling once it has been placed into the pot. As your new seedlings
grow, brush your hand over them occasionally. This simulates the
wind blowing and actually stimulates root growth.
Don’t be afraid of planting flowers with vegetables. In this
way, you make your garden your own. Whether it is big or small,
the important thing to remember is that you enjoy your garden.
Growing vegetables and flowers from seeds is the real beauty and
essence of what gardening is all about.
About the Author:
Suzzie T Franklin has written a number of articles on nursery, gardening and landscaping including
Bonsai Trees,
Flower Gardening,
Planting Guide,
The Japanese Garden,
Zen Garden,
Cherry Blossom,
African Violets,
Wire Topiary Frames.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles on this website.
Little Known Seeds Facts....
Are seeds edible?
There are many seeds that are edible for
human and animal consumption. If you have ever eaten popcorn then
you have eaten a seed that has had its coat split by heat. You
are eating the plant inside. There are also sunflowers and pumpkins
that give off seeds that are consumable.
And if you have ever eaten a bean then
you have ingested a seed. Sometimes the seed is so tiny that you
really do not even notice it such as in the case with a tomato
or a blackberry. Seeds are an excellent source of protein and
are great for any diet as long as you are not allergic to them.
Many seeds are processed into cooking oils,
beverages and even used as feed for livestock or other animals.
The seed is pretty important to everyone's way of life even if
you do not actively stop and think about it.
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