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| Tips for Successful Seed Starting. (Propagation) |
Containers? Most gardeners start seedlings
in rectangular 10” by 20” flats. 72 cell inserts fit perfectly inside
these flats and work well for massive seedstarting. Fill each cell within
¼ to ½ inch from the top with growing media. 10” x 20” flats are easy to
handle and fit nicely under fluorescent lights. 10” x 20” humidity domes
are highly recommended until seeds have completely germinated..
Timing your seed starting. Pay close attention to suggested
germination seedstarting times on your seed packets. Don’t start all of
your seeds at the same time. Remember that some plants should be started
up to 12 weeks before being planted outside while others only require 3-4
weeks.
Growing Medium? There are many choices of growing mediums for
starting seeds. Midwest recommends a soil-less seed starter mix, Jiffy
pellets, Oasis Cubes or Super Starter Plugs. Never use garden or planting
soil. If you can’t find a pre-mixed blend you can use 1/3 vermiculite, 1/3
perlite and 1/3 sphagnum peat moss.
Using a Seedling Heat-mat. Heat-Mats will keep seedling growing
media warm to aid in indoor germination and prevent rotting when
temperatures drop below 60 degrees. Seedlings started on heat-mats sprout
and grow dramatically faster than seeds in cool environments. Subtract a
week from recommended seeding week when using a heat-mat.
Temperatures. Most seed packs will provide a suggested temperature
for germination. On average, most seeds germinate best around 78 degrees.
Once the seedlings have sprouted most seedlings will thrive between 65 and
70 degrees. Don’t let seedlings get too warm or they will grow too fast
and get weak and leggy.
Water and Nutrients? Saturate the growing media with water.
Carefully plant your seeds. Once the seedlings are up and have two sets of
leaves you should start feeding the seedlings with a weak nutrient
solution once a week (1/4 – 1/3rd strength) Midwest prefers organic
seaweed or fish nutrients for this phase. The soil should be kept moist
but not soggy to prevent any rotting. Let the growing medium slightly dry
out between watering. Try not to water seedlings with cold water. Tap
water should sit out overnight to allow any chlorine to evaporate. Water
treated with a water softener may kill delicate seedlings.
Watering Technique. One way to water delicate seedlings is from the
bottom. This can be done by filling a 10” x 20” flat with water or a light
nutrient solution to 1” to 2”. If you planted your seedlings in a heavy
duty 72 cell insert you can simply set the insert into the 10” x 20” flat.
The seedlings will get watered from the bottom and promote the seedlings
to stretch their roots out to the bottom to promote a larger rootball.
Remove the insert once you can see or feel the moisture through the top of
the growing medium.
Light Requirements. Once your seeds have sprouted it is important
to provide a strong light source. For best results we recommend a high
output fluorescent light. A combination of cool and warm fluorescents or
full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs works the best. High output fluorescents
can be placed as close to 3 inches from the seedlings and should be put on
a timer for 12-16 hours a day. This will produce the best stocky green
seedlings you have ever had!
Humidity and Air. 50 to 70% humidity is optimal for most seedlings.
If the humidity is kept too high, rotting and fungus can occur. To avoid
this you should remove the humidity dome once all seeds have sprouted. An
oscillating fan in the room will create good circulation and promote good
stem strength by causing them to lightly sway in the breeze. Consider
putting the fan on a timer to blow 3-4 hours a day.
Transplanting to a larger container. If you transplant seedlings
into a larger container prior to planting outside, it is recommended to
add some compost or garden soil to the mix. This will help your seedlings
get used to bacteria and other micro-organisms they will experience in the
garden. Jiffy peat pots can be directly planted into your garden.
Before you Transplant Outside. Give your plants a week to “harden
off” before planting them outside. This done by gradually exposing them to
sunlight and outside temperatures. Start by placing your plants in a shady
location for a hour a day. Reduce the amount of water and fertilizer you
give them and gradually increase the amount of time that you place them
outside. Remember to protect them from the wind and direct sunlight. Try
to transplant your plants in your garden on a cloudy day. We recommend
using organic Thrive Alive with natural nutrients, vitamins, and hormones
to help transplants get off to a healthy start in your garden. From there
we recommend talking to your plants everyday and feeding them organic
fertilizers. |
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