‘Tis the “seed”son!
Seed packets have arrived in masses at the local hardware stores, garden centers and flower shops. 2022 is the year to treat yourself! Grab what you need, then go ahead and buy a few packets that you’ve never grown before. Most seed packets will have specific planting instructions, so I’ll go over a few tips to guide you in this fun adventure.
Our last frost is between May 15 to May 30. Each seed packet will indicate when to start the seeds indoors, in reference to this date. My tip: grab a paper calendar and count backwards. It makes the math much easier.
Many seeds need to go through a cold period in order to germinate. This process is called stratification. Some seeds desire moist stratification; mix the seeds with damp sand, cover and place in the fridge. Other varieties of seed packets can simply be placed in the fridge for the required amount of time. Pro tip: no apples or pears in the same fridge as the seeds. The fruit releases an enzyme that can sterilize the seeds.
When planting indoors, use new potting mix. Soil from the garden is not always adequate. A seed-starting blend is your best choice, but any commercial potting medium will work. Pre-moisten the potting mix. Bagged potting mixes have a lot of peat, which can be hard to wet initially. Once the mixture is moistened, gently place it in your seed starting trays (or disposable cups with holes in the bottom, toilet paper tubes, origami pots, peat pots, etc.) and tap to settle. I use a pencil to make a hole to plant the seeds in the potting mix. Again, refer to the packet for proper planting depth. Some seeds like to be planted deep, while others need light to germinate and will flourish if sprinkled on the surface.
When all of your seeds are planted, label them with their name and date. If you are like me, you will forget what you planted. Labeling will save you a lot of time later when it’s time to transplant outside.
Mist your seeds or water very gently. Bottom watering is the best way to protect your seeds from being disrupted when the delicate roots are forming. This technique is simple: place the soil and seed-filled cups in a tray (baking pans work great!) and fill the bottom with ¼” water. The soil will drink it up and your seeds love being moist during germination. Check the moisture daily. I find many seeds need water every morning. Keeping a slow-moving fan on the seeds will prevent rot from all of that moisture.
Place your seeds in a sunny window or under fluorescent or LED lights. Patience is key! Avoid sticking your fingers in the soil. Some seeds will germinate in a few days, while others take a few weeks.
Enjoy this project and experiment with new varieties of plants. You’ll likely be rewarded with a beautiful garden.
The Plant Lady is a regional horticulturalist with the goal of making Bluff Country more beautiful – one garden at a time. Follow her on Facebook @PlantLadyMn for helpful tips and tricks, or via email at ThePlantLadyMN@gmail.com.
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