Getting ready to garden 6 8 SOIL Use a planting medium that will retain
both moisture and air. There are many commercial seed starting mixtures on the market.
HEAT Start your seeds in a warm place.
It works to bottom heat from something like the top of a fridge. Heated seedling mats are also available. Avoid drafts.
7
LIGHT Most seeds need light (although a
few such as pansies like to germinate in the dark). Place your starters in a sunny window or under a grow light. This will give you both heat and light.
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WATER Water the seeds, not
the soil. Misting can be the best method to keep the planting medium damp, not wet.
COVER YOUR SEEDS Use a clear plastic top (seed planting
kits often come with one) or even plastic wrap. This will keep the soil moist and also help create a warm atmosphere.
LIGHT SOME MORE You now need 12 to 16 hours of light to keep
your seeds healthy and strong. You will benefit greatly from a light source where the lights can be lowered and raised.
15 14 13
LET THE AIR IN Once the seeds have sprouted, air circulation
becomes important to prevent the fungal disease called “damping off”. You can run a fan in the room to keep the air moving (not directly on the plants).
12
FERTILIZER Don’t fertilize
until the true leaves have emerged. Dilute to 25 per cent strength at the first few feedings.
THIN YOUR CROP Many seeds are very tiny, making it hard to
plant thinly. After the second or true leaves emerge, and when the leaves begin to touch their neighbours, it’s time to do the thinning out. Using a dibber or even a pencil, gently remove the seedling from the tray. Save and replant the strongest ones with the best root system and discard the weak or spindly ones.
WATERING Watering is very important now, but be
sure not to use a harsh spray that can damage or wash away seedlings. One clever trick is to punch holes in the plastic lid of a regular water bottle and sprinkle the seedlings from there. You can also water from the bottom of the tray.
HARDENING OFF When it comes time to plant
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out, introduce your seedlings gently to the big outdoor world. Start them off in a shady, sheltered place. Gradu- ally let them meet the sun and the wind. This may take about a week.
WINTER 2013 23
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