- Two-Step Seed Starting
Method
- Gene DeFazzio
Starting Seeds Indoors
If spring weather in your area
tends to be cold and wet you may want to get a head start with
tender plants such as tomatoes and peppers, by starting them
indoors.
This two-step method of seed
starting protects the seedlings from possible attack by other
living organisms and fowl weather until they become established.
It will take about two months
for the seedlings to mature enough so you can set them outside.
But, be careful, if you sow them too early the seedlings will
be leggy and root bound when planting weather and the proper
moon phase arrives. This method of starting seeds is the one
most commonly used by the seasoned gardener.
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Step One
Sow seeds in a flat or shallow
pan of vermiculite or other light soil mix. Be sure the medium
is thoroughly damp before seeding. Fill the flat with the soil
mix until it is 1/2 inch from the top. To smooth out the surface,
press down lightly using a piece of board.
Before planting the seed, check
the package directions for recommended planting depth. You can
cut planting furrows as shown or scatter the seeds on the surface
and sift a layer of soil on top then water lightly.
The best way to water the seeds
is to place the container in a sink or tub, add water to just
below the seed level, and allow the soil to soak up the moisture
until it is saturated. Drain the tub and let the container stand
until well drained.
Slip the flat into a plastic
bag and keep at about 75°. No additional water is necessary
until after seedlings appear, and then only enough to keep the
medium damp, not soaking wet.
After six days, begin checking
daily for signs of sprouting. When the first sprouts appear put
the container into light or filtered sun. Be careful as too much
sunlight can cause damage to the tiny plants. Once the bulk of
the seeds in the flat has germinated the time has come to give
them a new home. |
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Step Two
When the seedlings have developed
two sets of true leaves, transplant them to 2-inch pots filled
with moist planting mix. (i.e. Be sure to use a growing medium
that can provide food for the developing plants, such as compost
or another organic amendment)
Loosen the soil around each plant,
gently grasp one of the leaves, and carefully pull out the seedling.
Use a pencil or stick to poke a hole in the new planting mix,
drop in the seedling, and firm the soil around it. Keep the plants
in the shade a day or two, then move them into the light again
until ready to set out permanently.
Put the pots on a tray in a plastic
bag until the plants are 4" to 6" high and ready for
hardening-off. Be sure to provide enough head room for the plants
to grow. Wire wickets will do nicely.
The ideal transplants, when just
right for hardening-off, are stocky-preferably wider than they
are high; have 4 to 6 true leaves; and do not yet have flowers
or flower buds.
Once the plants have reached
this point, and the weather and moon phase are correct, its time
to harden them off. Remove the plastic bag and place them in
a shady, wind protected outdoor area until its time to put them
into the garden. Watch them carefully and be ready to move them
back indoors if the temperature drops unexpectedly. |
