Starting plants with seeds is an economical approach to gardening which can save a considerable amount of money. Seed packets cost $3 to $4 (on average), where the cost of individual plants is much greater as prices begin at around $4 for small vegetable plants and ornamentals substantially more (epicgardening.com).
By John Green, Texas Certified Expert Gardener, Orange County TX
If you haven’t started reviewing seed catalogues, make the effort to do so soon! Most seed catalogues are filled with heirloom and hybrid seed selections with many new variations which are not available for purchase locally, so why limit yourself to the ‘meager’ selections available at our retailers? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the last frost date for our area is March 10, but we all know weather predictions have become more challenging in recent years, meaning our last frost date is uncertain, could be mid-February to the end of March.
Avid gardeners get a jump start on spring planting by purchasing seeds, then starting seeds indoors, a cold frame, or a greenhouse (if you are fortunate to have one). If you are new to gardening, I’ll provide suggestions for starting your seeds inside so when the temperature starts stabilizing towards warmer weather you will be able to plant your seedlings in the garden. Starting plants from seeds is economical and will save you a substantial amount of money. A seed packet costs $3 to $4 on average. The price of individual plants is much greater, increasing dramatically (dependent on container size), prices begin at around $4 for small vegetable plants with ornamentals costing $12 and up!
If new to gardening or if you have never germinated seeds before, the information provided will be useful for starting seeds indoors, so that when outdoor temperatures moderate and stabilize, seedlings can be easily transplanted into the garden.
Some types of small pots are needed for seeds to germinate. Upcycling garden pots is an economical approach which provides cost savings and is environmentally friendly. Before using ‘old’ garden pots ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Each container must be cleaned using a mild bleach solution: one part bleach to nine parts water or using a cleaning product which kills germs and bacteria. Naturally, removing used soil and soil remnants is critical! If small garden pots aren’t available, substitute egg cartons (in my opinion, paper cartons are best), small plastic cups (with holes in the bottom), or toilet and paper towel roll tubes. Seedling trays or peat pots can also be purchased from a local garden center but are typically pricey.
Use a soil mix which is specifically made to start seeds as the soil mix must be very light with the ability to retain moisture yet allow air to permeate the soil. It’s possible to make seed starting mix at home by sifting together equal parts peat and vermiculite. Once sifted together, slowly add water to the soil and mix. Continue adding water to the soil mix until squeezing a handful of soil together forms a ball (you should not be able to squeeze water out of the ball of soil).
At this point, the sterilized containers can be filled with either the purchased seed soil mix or the home-made soil mix. Fill each container then lightly tap the container to ensure each container is filled adequately without pockets of air. The pots are ready for seeds to be planted. Most seed packages provide instructions for planting, stating to cover the seeds with at least ¼ inch of soil. It must be noted that by following these instructions, some seeds will not germinate properly or if they do, only a few seeds will have sprouted. It is very possible and likely the seeds should not have been covered with soil. Most seeds require light to germinate, so covering them with soil inhibits germination. There are also many seed varieties which require darkness for germination.
The proper amount of light or dark effects germination for various seeds, additionally, most need a minimum temperature of 60 to70 ℉ to germinate. This means to germinate seeds indoors, a warm location is needed, such as the top of the refrigerator or freezer, which will provide bottom heat for the seeds’ containers. Consider purchasing a heating mat which is designed for seedlings to provide the necessary bottom heat for seed germination. Many heating mats cost about $20 but mats with added features, such as thermostats provide more precise temperature control but are always at an added cost. It is imperative to keep the soil moist during germination period by watering containers from the bottom.
The following list has some of the more common vegetable and flower seed types, including light and temperature requirements for germination. Searching for other vegetable types: https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.htmlxmg.org/orange/seed-chart-veggies/, or search Texas A & M University’s website (TAMU) for ornamental seed planting information.
Until next time fellow gardeners, let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener and more sustainable world, one ‘germinated’ seed at a time! Please send your gardening questions to: jongreene57@gmail.com
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