A16 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 THE TIMES
At Home 16 simple steps to starting seeds successfully SEEDS, from page A14 Use new seeds as the percentage of viable seeds deteriorate over time. Use clean, dry containers with drainage holes. If recycling containers, sterilize them first with 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Pre-soak fibre and peat pots first before adding soil to prevent the pots from wicking away water from the roots.
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Sowing the seeds:
1. Follow seed package instructions for critical information such as time of year and seeding depth. Some plants need light to germinate while others need to be buried. 2. Slightly moisten soilless growing mix with warm water before planting 3. Fill pots to within 1/4 inch of the pot’s rim with potting mix & firm gently. 4. Sow seeds and water gently with warm water or with a mist sprayer. 5. Keep evenly moist but not wet. Feel the soil first before watering. Don’t allow soil to dry out as this kills germinating seeds. 6. Use clear plastic bags to increase humidity or use the kits that come with plastic cell packs, a drainage tray and a clear plastic dome lid. 7. If condensation occurs under the cover, remove the lid slightly to aid in evaporation. 8. Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic lid. If you leave it on, the seedlings will rot. 9. Don’t forget to check seedlings daily. 10. Don’t water with cold water. 11. Wilting is caused by too much moisture or too little, check with your finger. 12. When seeds wilt and die overnight it is caused by a fungus called Damping Off.
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Correct light, watering and bottom heat will ensure success when starting seeds.
To prevent, water with warm camomile tea, provide bottom heat and avoid cold water. 13. When seedlings have two sets of leaves repot into a slightly larger pot. Use a pencil or chopstick to pry them out and hold them by a leaf, not their stem. 14. Use a pencil to make a shallow hole for the roots. Firm the roots into the soil and gently water with warm water. 15. Don’t place in full sun for a few days; instead give them bright light without full sun. 16. Once the seedling have picked up, place them back under the light. 17. Good luck! ■ Amanda Jarrett is a professional horticultur-
ist, author, freelance writer and instructor who owns and operates Amanda’s Garden Consulting Company in Delta: amandavjarrett@yahoo.ca.
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