Timing, light and moisture are important when starting seeds
By Lorraine Kiefer
Spring is near, she dances in and our of our weather as we near the first day of spring. Gardeners are getting ready to plant for March 17 or St. Patty's Day. Legends say that it is the day to plant peas, radishes, lettuce, parsley, spring greens and other cold weather crops directly out in the garden.
Seeds are tiny miracles that can be held in the palm of the hand. I have always loved the promise of what is in colorful seed packets and still do. I remember selling seeds for school as a kid. A pack of seeds is a symbol of hope.
The most important things with starting seeds is timing, light and moisture. If you plant them too early, they freeze, if you plant them too late it is too hot or the growing season will not be long enough for some. If the seeds root cannot find moisture it dies and if there is no light the plant cannot grow. New gardeners learn this in a season or two and old gardeners soon have it in their genes.
Peas, lettuce, radishes, dill, parsley and lots of spring greens can all be put out from St. Patty's day on. We try to get a few rows ready on mild days when the soil has dried out a bit. It is never good to try to work muddy soil.
Remember that when a seed is planted it needs constant moisture to sprout and grow. The seed swells up and soon the 'seed root' emerges to take moisture into the seed. Next the 'seed leaves' push out, seeking the sun. Moisture is needed during this period for the seed and its parts to live and grow. Lack of water will cause the seed to shrivel and die. I think that is why so may have 'bad' luck starting seeds.]
Of course a cold muddy puddle is not good either. Sunny well-drained gardens work best. Many seeds such as lettuce, radishes, and peas are best sown where they are to grow. If they are started indoors where it is warm they are often weak and limp and the cold cuts them down then they are moved out. They are cold weather crops and it is natural to plant them outdoors in March or early April.
On the other hand soon we will be thinking of getting a few tomatoes started in the greenhouse. Our small heated facility is attached to the house and holds lots of tropicals that my son, Joe, seeds or roots. So, space is of a premium. Once the seeds sprout and begin to grow they need space and the best of light. Tomato seeds that are crowded or grown where there is not strong light often become lanky. I am determined to have good tomatoes that are strong and ready to go out in mid May. Most experts tell us that these can be started six to eight weeks prior to the last frost date in mid May. Remember, tomatoes like it hot.
To get ready we wash all our plastic trays with a sudsy bleach solution and then rinse them well. The trays should be at least three inches deep and have drainage. It is easiest to use containers that will hold enough soil so they do not dry quickly. Use a sterile seed starting mix so damping off does not rot the seedlings. I always wet the soil before I put it in the clean containers. Always either place the empty seed pack or write the seeds' name and place in the flat where seeds are planted. Make a seed furrow about 1/4 inch deep and carefully drop in individual seeds about an inch apart, fine seeds can be sprinkled. Cover with a tiny bit of moistened soil and press so that the seeds are firmly in the soil. Gently water the seeds.
The seeds will germinate best if the daytime temperatures are from the mid 70s to mid 80s. Put the containers in a warm place where they'll get bottom heat like on top of the water heater or refrigerator. Keep the container moist, but not soggy. You can cover it with plastic wrap or use the trays with clear plastic tops. Be sure to pull it up to check daily that they aren't drying out. Water as necessary with a very gentle sprinkle or spray of water. Do not allow it to dry out or seeds will not live. Germination takes five to 10 days. Check often!
Some folks put the seeds in the window; this is ok unless the nights get very cold. Tomatoe seeds do not do well if they get too cold at night. Once they germinate they can be placed back up next to window glass for best light during the day. Many windows are above a radiator or heat vent, in this case they will not chill at night. As soon as seedlings begin to emerge above the soil level, it's critical to give them good light right away. Remove any covering immediately and provide a strong light source.
While a south-facing windowsill is traditional, even more light is best. Remember dimly lit plants become tall and spindly. Many people supplement light with grow lights or a simple fluorescent light suspended from chains so they can move the lights up as the plants grow. The fluorescent lights under a kitchen counter will also work. Raise flats closer to them (4 to 5 inches) with some bricks. Tomato seedlings grow best in the 65-75 degree temperature range.
Be sure to allow enough room for plants in your garden. Some vegetables will also do well in large pots on a deck. Tomatoes plants that are about 3 inches high and that have their true leaves can be moved into deeper individual pots of potting mix. Use some type of fork or tool to lift the seedlings gently and be sure to get all the roots. Make an indent in the new pot for the seedling. Spindly plants can be placed deeper in the soil with only the top cluster of leaves above ground. Roots will grow along the buried stems. Water the transplants to settle the soil.
Now feed these plants once a week. Be sure that liquid fertilizer like my favorite Plant Nutrient is diluted to half normal strength. These plants now need as much light as possible. They will not go outside until mid May when it is much warmer. So you need good light to keep them sturdy.
Many people like unusual heirloom vegetables, so they also start seeds for eggplant and peppers indoors. Fast growing plants such as squash, melons and pumpkins are best planted outside when it gets very warm after Mother's day.
Pick up your pencil first and plan your garden on paper. Allow enough room. Keep in mind there is no reason that you cannot place a few vegetables in your flowerbeds or in large pots on a deck. If you have garden questions email me at Lorraine@Tripleoaks.com.
Join Triple Oaks for a free starting the garden naturally and planting seeds workshop on Sunday April 3 at 1:30. RSVP 856-694-4272. Everyone will take home a pot of seeds if you are registered for this event. Also join us for a spring walk and talk at Triple Oaks on March 20, also RSVP at 856-694-4272.
Lorraine Kiefer is the owner and operator of Triple Oaks Nursery in Franklinville. She can also be reached by e-mail at Lorraine@tripleoaks.