Seedlings

Gardening expert Jamie McMurray shows how to get a head start on growing a garden.

• Growing seedlings is a great way to get ahead before planting a vegetable garden.

• The key words associated with germination are warmth and moisture--these elements are what trigger the seeds into sprouting.

• At the very least, soak seeds for three to four hours in water before planting them.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B

• Larger seeds can be pre-sprouted by dampening several paper towels, placing seeds in between the towels (figure A), folding them over, then placing them in a zippered plastic bag. Don't seal the bag completely because some air flow needs to get in. In two to three days, the seeds will have sprouted and will be ready to go in soil.

• Some seeds have a tough outer coating and benefit from a process called scarification. This action is perfect for tough seeds such as sweet peas. Use a utility knife to cut through only the outer shell (figure). A small knick will enable moisture to better penetrate the surface and cause the seed to sprout.

• You can make a scarification jar by lining an ordinary glass jar interior with a piece of sandpaper (rough side facing the center). Drop the seeds in the jar, seal it, then give it a good shake. Once that task is completed, soak the seed in water for several hours, then plant.
  

  Figure C

• Create a soil-less mix by combining one part peat moss, one part perlite and one part vermiculite. This is a great potting soil. Pour some water into the mix, then place in a peat pot (figure C). Insert a seed into each container, which can then be planted directly in the ground since it's biodegradable. A miniature greenhouse is also a great tool to use with this mix.

• Be sure to keep a light source approximately 16 inches away from the seedling if you are germinating indoors. Fluorescent lights are perfectly fine and usually cost less than $12 dollars. Just be sure to place a fluorescent light closer (four inches or so) to the seedling.

• A cold frame is available for approximately $70, which can be used to acclimate young seedlings to outdoor temperature and weather and also protect them from a cold snap.

Guests
Jamie McMurray
Landscaper/Owner
Simply Green Landscape Design and Installation
Phone: 310-403-1925
Fax: 310-388-1019
E-mail: smplygrn@aol.com
Website: www.simplygreeninc.org
Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-527
•	Seedlings
•	Nonchemical Cleaners
•	Hidden-Storage Footstool
•	Smart Solution of the Day