Cleaning is a must when preparing pots or trays to grow some seeds indoors. If using recycled ones give them a rinse in soapy water first. If using new you can skip this step. Also be sure that they have drainage holes. For recycled plastic containers you can drill holes in the bottom.
I have found that the store bought soil in bags will need to be sterilized first. If you don't the seedlings may have problems with fungal diseases and wilt and die. Use an old roasting pan or purchase a foil one to use just for soil. Fill it three quarters full with soil and add quarter cup of water just to moisten then cover with foil. Bake on the lowest temperature on your oven (180) for one hour. Let it sit a few days to cool but keep it covered and moist. Now you have your sterile soil to start healthy seeds.
READ THE SEED PACKAGE to see when to start; Do they need to be covered or just sprinkled on top of the soil? Covering the trays with a lid or plastic wrap keeps them moist and warm. Once they sprout uncover and provide a little sun and bright light each day.
STARTING PERENNIALS from seeds: You must place them in wet paper towel and freeze them first for at least a month or two. It's called stratification. It mimics winter cold and frozen conditions. Be sure to place them in a zipper bag and label with name and date. To start plants this way freeze the seeds in January to March, then begin planting in trays to allow them time to grow. They tend to take longer than annual seeds but are worth a try to save money on how many plants you buy later.
Some larger seeds can be placed on a saucer in water overnight to sprout. Then plant them in soil. Most Perennial seeds tend to grow slowly so you may want to start them indoors in March for planting out in May or June.
No comments:
Post a Comment