Gwen’s Healing Garden

The #1 Web Site Gardening For The Soil Gardening For The Soul

Did You Know | Environmentally Friendly Gardening Products | Non-toxic Cleaning Products | Indoor Gardening With Foliage Plants

Subscribe to the FREE monthly GHG Newsletter and receive free the E-book A Book Of Quotes: Subscribe here

Starting Seeds Indoors

By Shelly Garner

The best tomatoes I’ve ever tasted were ones that I started from seed. I don’t know if it was pride that improved the taste but if it was, so be it. I’m always proud of what grows in my yard and sure that it tastes better than anything you can ever buy. There are several reasons to start your own seeds:

· seeds are cheaper than buying bedding plants,

· growing plants from seeds is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable pastimes available for the gardener,

· there is greater variety available in seeds than there is in purchased bedding plants.

Starting your Seeds

The process for germinating and starting seeds is straightforward. The three requirements for success are:

1. A sterilized grow mixture. There are many different opinions what is the best grow mixture. If using a soilless mix, remember you must add fertilizer to the water when watering. If you use a good sterilized soil mix, there is no need for fertilizer. To mix your own soilless mix, use equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite, none of which requires sterilizing. A soil based mix can be made by using one part sterilized soil, one part peat moss and two parts vermiculite. Always make sure the soil is sterilized or you may be germinating weeds. Moisten your mix with warm water before filling your container and ensure the containers you are using are clean by washing them with bleach and water and rinsing them well. You can use almost any container as long as there are drainage holes to prevent over-watering.

2. Adequate light. Once germinated, seedlings require bright light. Place them in a bright south or south-western window if possible. If a large window is not available, place the seedlings under fluorescent lights. A two-bulb 40-watt florescent shop-light fixture is adequate. Place the seedlings about 6 inches (15 cm) from the tubes and keep the lights on for 14 – 16 hours each day. As the seedlings grow, the lights may need to be raised to prevent leaf burn as seedlings touch the tubes. If you are growing your seedlings in front of a window, turn them daily to ensure that the seedlings don’t stay bent in one direction.

3. Proper temperature. Seeds typically germinate best at soil temperatures somewhat warmer than the average home. Arlette Laird in the Joy of Planting 2 suggests starting your seeds in the oven, turn on the oven light, put your flat in and shut the door. Other authors suggest the top of the refrigerator or freezer, water heater, a television set, or a stove with a pilot light. Germination for most species requires a lot of light and a temperature of 21-24 degrees. Once they have germinated however, a temperature of 10-16 degrees is best. Too high a temperature along with not enough light will result in weak seedlings. I put mine in my veranda throughout the day where they get lots of light but lower temperatures.

Make sure you label what you have planted and remember that one little packet of seeds will start a lot of plants. Don’t throw away those half-full seed packets. Many seeds will stay viable for several years if you store them in a cool, dry place such as the bottom draw in the refrigerator.

Seeds have different requirements for germination. Some seeds require 100 per cent sunlight to germinate - some require total darkness. Pay attention to the time of year recommended for planting the seeds, some seeds need to be started as early as February if you want to have flowers this summer. Check the seed package for grower’s recommendations.

Transplanting your Seedlings

Once your seeds have grown to the point where they have grown three to four leaves (not the first pair of seed leaves), it’s time to transplant. In general, one to two inches (3 – 5 cm) between seedlings at transplanting is acceptable. If they become too crowded before setting out, they can be transplanted again. Always make sure you harden off the seedlings before setting out by putting them outdoors for a longer time each day and taking them in at night.

There are many good books and magazines available to give detailed instructions on every aspect of the garden. The best book I can recommend for starting your own seeds and also for planting containers are Arlette Laird’s, The Joy of Planting 1 and 2. As well as being very informative, you’ll get a good laugh, which is always good for the soul.

Remember:

“There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.” - Janet Kilburn Phillips

“To create a garden is to search for a better world. In our effort to improve on nature, we are guided

by a vision of paradise. Whether the result is a horticultural masterpiece or only a modest vegetable patch,

it is based on the expectation of a glorious future. This hope for the future is at the heart of all gardening.” - Marina Schinz

“Man despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication and his many accomplishments

– owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.”

- Unknown

_________________________________________________________________________

Shelly Garner lives in Moose Jaw where she has resided most of her life. Married to Brian and the mother of four children, she is an avid gardener. “I love my yard, it keeps me sane in the summer. I love to open my freezer and have my own food, raised in my own yard, to have for our meal.” Many of her friends and family have benefited from her love of gardening and the preserving and freezing of her garden bounty.

Shelly is a certified reflexologist, a part – time secretary for a local specialist, and a volunteer with local non-profit organizations that provide support to families of children with disabilities. Shelly is a regular contributor to Gwen’s Healing Garden Newsletter and writes gardening articles. She may be contacted at (306) 693-0571 or e-mail: vanadis58@hotmail.com

Home | Top

For more information or questions about material on this site contact www.gwenshealinggarden.ca/Contact_Form.htm