Master Gardener Column for the Week of January 15, 2001
Charlie Giordano
Brunswick County Master Gardener

Assuming the florescent lamp, shelves, flats, market pack inserts, and seed starting mix have been obtained, the grower can decide what seeds to plant and when to sow. The individual seed packets need to be studied to note the days to harvest, the depth to sow the seed, the days to germination, and the ideal temperature for germination. Another consideration is whether the gardener wants "cool weather crops" such as broccoli, spinach, lettuce, or pansies. Such crops can be started sooner because the plants thrive during early spring cool weather. "Hot weather crops" such as peppers, tomatoes, basil, petunias, marigolds, or zinnias will not do well if planted in soil that is too cool.

First, place the seed starter mix in a clean bucket and stir gently with warm water to thoroughly wet it. Then, put the moist seed mix in the insert and place the insert into a flat with no perforations. Check the seed packet to see if the seed should be covered or not covered. Some seeds need light and should not be covered, while some seeds need to be covered since they will not germinate in light. The rule of thumb for depth of planting the seed is that the smaller the seed the less it should be covered (most seed packets indicate the sowing depth). It is better to obtain pelleted seed for very small seeds such as petunias or geraniums. For seeds that need light a little amount of vermiculite (obtained at most garden centers) may be put on the seed. Seeds that are sown within the mix can be covered with a narrow, loose layer of vermiculite. Since vermiculite retains water, it provides more moisture near the seed to foster germination. For seedling identification make plastic markers (about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches high) and mark the name of the plant in pencil or indelible ink. For the first two days the entire flat can be placed in a large kitchen bag and tied to provide an ideal, humid "hot house" for quicker, more efficient germination. The enclosed flat will not need light or water for a day or two. Check the flat on the second day to see if any seed have sprouted (for example, a lettuce seed sprouts very quickly). If any seeds have sprouted at all, remove the tray from the bag and place it three or four inches below the florescent lamp. Keep the lights on for at least 12 hours or up to 16 hours.

Each morning spray lukewarm water from a pressurized mister-sprayer (a fine spray is essential to avoid washing seeds from cells). Occasionally, lift the insert out of the flat to see if there is too much water (more than 1/8 inch) on the bottom of the flat. Drain off excess water because keeping the soil too wet may cause root damage from lack of oxygen or damping off--almost instant plant death from stem rot caused by water-loving bacteria. As the seedlings grow taller, move the flat away from the florescent bulbs to keep them at least two inches under from the bulbs. Begin placing water soluble fertilizer (15-30-15) in the water sprayed on seedlings after the second set of leaves appears. About 1/2 teaspoon per quart of water for a few weeks and 2/3 teaspoon thereafter will do. Since there is enough space to have another flat of seedlings alongside under the lights, the grower can consider planting another crop, perhaps crops for warmer outside soil temperatures, such as marigolds or zinnias.

One final important step is to harden or condition the seedlings. Placing the seedlings from indoor lighting directly into full sunlight will cause the sun to scald the plants. Place the inserts into trays with perforations to allow water to drain thoroughly and to avoid root damage (a heavy rain will otherwise drown the plants). For the first few days put the trays in morning sunlight only for a few hours or in areas shaded during the hot afternoon sun. Wait until the garden soil is warm enough for the plant. For example, placing a tomato plant in the garden too early may cause the plant to grow more slowly and with much less vigor than a tomato plant placed later in warm, nurturing soil.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Master Gardener

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Date Created 1/9/2001