Seed Starting Tips
--Wondering if last years seeds are any good? Place a few seeds between dampened paper towel, napkins, newspaper or coffee filters and keep moist. If at least half the seeds germinate, they are good enough to plant. Various seeds will take different amounts of time to germinate but should take no more that 2 weeks.
--If your seeds have a gray fungus, through them away. However, if they are unusual, rare or of sentimental value, soak them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes which will kill the fungus and improve the chance of germination.
--Cover newly planted seeds with a water proof cover to seal in heat and moisture. Clear plastic wrap from your kitchen, dry cleaning bags or plastic bags (even the ones you can't see through) will work.
--Seeds will sprout sooner and faster if given bottom heat to the seed flats. Place a heating pad or old electric blanket under your seed flats. Place a metal cookie sheet (which will also conduct heat) between the heating pad and the flats to protect the heating elements from moisture.
--When planting seeds directly outside, a newspaper mulch can help for those seeds that do not require light to germinate. (Check the seed packet.) Simply spread the newspaper over the seeded area or tear it into strips. Then water down the newspaper and anchor it with soil or stones. Water as needed and check the area daily for signs of germination. When the seedlings start to poke through the soil remove the newspaper.
--You can use any vertical thermometer to check the soil temperature, ie. pool, outdoor, oral or other as long as it can register 30-90 F. Note that marigolds, beans, zinnias and morning glories need soil at least 65 F. while lettuce and larkspur will not germinate if the soil is over 55 F.
--For tiny seeds, mix with 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Pinch some between your fingers and sow. There will be less crowding or thinning required and less waste of seeds.
--When planting seeds indoors or out it is helpful to make a hole for each seed. Use a pencil to make the hole, then dampen the eraser and press it against a seed which will stick to it. Then tuck the seed into the hole. The pencil can also be used later to separate seedlings for transplanting.
--Empty and clean metal or plastic spice containers can be used to store seeds in a cool, dry place. Be sure to label and date the container with the contents.
--A salt shaker can be used to plant tiny seeds. Simply shake out the seeds evenly into the hole or furrow.
--An old greeting card can be used to make a row in either a flat or when planting outdoors. Place the folded edge of the card in the soil opening the card as needed to make the appropriate sized furrow. The card can then be used as a funnel to place small seeds into the soil.
--You can make your own seed tape using toilet paper and flour paste. Roll out the toilet paper on a long table. Make a light past with 1 cup of flour and enough water to create a consistency of white glue. Mix a small amount of the paste with the seeds and with a small paint brush, toothbrush or your finger, dab the mixture in a long row on the toilet paper. Let the paper dry overnight, then roll up until ready to use. The paper will decompose and the flour paste will provide starchy nutrients for the sprouting seeds.
--For seeds with tough seed coats, ie nasturtiums, peas, corn, morning glory, use an old nail file, emery board, or sandpaper to rough-up the coating. This will allow water to better penetrate the seeds resulting in quicker germination.
--Keep your seeds in a dry, cool place until ready to plant. Keep them dry by using a tablespoon of powdered milk in a tissue with the seeds and fold and secure with a rubber band and place in an air tight container or plastic bag. The powdered milk will absorb moisture from the air around the seeds.
--Cardboard egg cartons are handy for starting seeds instead of expensive peat pots. When ready to put in the garden, you can plant the cartons and all without disturbing the seedlings.
--Indoors new seedlings need lots of light. Use aluminum foil under the seedlings to reflect the light that is available.
--Using peat pots and sphagnum moss growing mixtures tends to dry out quickly making it difficult to moisten again. To avoid this add 1/2 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid, ie. Ivory, to 1 gallon of water and use the mixture to water your plants. The detergent acts as a wetting agent binding the water to the molecules in the soil and moistening it more effectively.
--Seed starting containers in your kitchen:
Bottom of cardboard milk containers Tin cans
Egg cartons Yogurt containers
Shoe boxes Plastic milk or juice jugs
Cereal boxes with openings stapled & cut in half Disposable plastic or styrofoam bowls
Clear clam type plastic produce boxes Styrofoam take-out containers
Chinese take-out boxes Paper Towel and Toilet Paper Rolls