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The joys of starting your own seeds
are many -- earlier harvests, greater variety,
healthier seedlings, cost savings, and the fun
of watching plants grow!
Sowing Seeds
Soak seeds in hot water overnight
to speed germination. Seeding in pot-paks
and/or flats is most convenient . Sterilize
all "used" pots, flats, tools with Physan
20 . Use only sterilized starting mixes to
help prevent damp-off disease. Mix very fine seed
with fine sand or milled sphagnum moss. Scatter
over growing medium. Our Super Seed Sower
and Pro-Seeder help you to not over-seed
and will cut down on tedious thinning.
Sow small seed 1/2" apart;
large 1" apart. Most fine seeds don't need
to be covered. Cover other seed with a sifting
of fine soil. Use a fine mist sprayer (#6342)
to mist thoroughly. DO NOT LET THEM DRY OUT. Reduce
evaporation and maintain humidity by covering
with a dome. Capillary matting is
also a great aid.
Germination
Seeds need darkness, moisture and
heat to germinate. Keep them in a dark area. Seeds
have enough food stored inside, so they need only
water -- no fertilizer yet. DO NOT LET THEM DRY
OUT. Most seeds germinate best at a constant temperature
between 65° F to 75°F. For best results,
use a heat cable or grow mat.
Seedling Stage
When the majority sprout, move
them off the bottom heat source and remove the
dome. Water them with a diluted all-purpose
fertilizer, and make sure they get enough
fluorescent light at the right height.
After they have 2 pairs of true leaves, they can
be transplanted to larger containers.
Enjoy the miracle of Mother Nature in action!
Mrs. Charley
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