Seed Starting Workshop

Seed Savers ExchangeApril 12, 2011

Anatomy of a Seed

Internal anatomy of a dicot and monocot seed

Source: http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/jkousen/Biology/partsofseeds.html

Why should I start from seed?

Saves moneyTransplant Packet of 50 seeds

$1.75 at Lillian Goldman Visitors Center

$3.00 in Seed Savers Exchange catalog

$2.75 at Lillian Goldman Visitors Center and in the Seed Savers Exchange catalog

Why should I start from seed?

MUCH more variety!Transplant Seed

82 varieties of veggies,

flowers and herbs available at the Lillian Goldman Visitors Center

23 varieties of tomatoes,

peppers & ground cherries available in the catalog

13,876 varieties of

veggies available in the Yearbook

597 varieties of veggies,

flowers and herbs available in the catalog

Why should I start from seed?

It’s a great way to get to know your garden on another level!

Once you’ve picked out your heirloom seeds, determine

whether they should beDirect Seeded

- or -Started Indoors

Direct Seeded vs. Started Indoors

Consider the length of your season and ground temperature.

Tip: Start heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant indoors.

Some plants just don’t like to be transplanted: beans, corn and peas are examples of this.

Direct Seeding

Aerate soil and mix in compost two weeks prior to planting.

Plant when soil is workable.

Be sure to water them in well.You can save yourself this step if there is a period

of gentle rain predicted.

Don’t plant too deep or pack in soil on top.

Seed liberally; thin later.

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Time your transplants*

*Source: Nancy Bubel’s The New Seed-Starters Handbook

Onions 12-14 weeks before safe planting-out date

Peppers 8-12 weeks before last frost

Eggplant 6-8 weeks before last frost

Tomatoes 6-8 weeks before last frost

Lettuce 5-6 weeks before safe planting-out date

Cole crops 5-6 weeks before safe planting-out date

Cucumbers and melons 2-4 weeks before last frost

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Choosing a Medium• There are many kinds

of media that can be used to start seeds—or you can experiment and make your own!

– Peat based– Compost blends– Soil-less potting

mixes

Choosing a Container

• Be creative.• Seeds don’t care

what they’re planted in, as long as it can hold a form and allow for drainage.

• Up-cycle!

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

1. Decide what type of container you want to start your seeds in.

2. Wipe out any debris that doesn’t belong.3. You may need to wet your substrate

(media) with water prior to seeding out.4. Refer to seed packet to determine seed

depth and temperature conditions. 5. Try to space seed evenly in the container

so seedlings don’t have to compete for resources.

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Light, Heat and Humidity • Light and heat are two important factors

to consider when raising seedlings for transplant.

– Be familiar with specifics for the varieties you want to grow.

• Window light is great if you have it. – Rotate plants ¼ turn each day to prevent

leaning.

• Grow lamps are an easy alternative for spaces that lack adequate natural light.

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Light, Heat and Humidity

• If starting your seeds in a cool setting, use a warming pad.

– Make-do options include household heating-pads on the lowest setting, LED lights covered with a thin layer of plastic, top of the fridge, or a sunny window—just try to find a nice warm spot in the house.

• Know what temperature is optimal for your seeds to germinate.

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Light, Heat and Humidity• Don’t overwater, especially before

seeds germinate. • Lightly spray with moisture so as not to

wash away seeds. • Cover containers with plastic (if you

can) to retain humidity. • Once seeds germinate allow for more

air flow (remove any coverings on them).

Seedling Anatomy

Raising Your Seedlings for Transplant

Love your seedlings!• Brushing gently with your hand

helps simulate the wind and strengthens cell walls.

– A kind of hardening off before being hardened off.

• Watch them—the only way to detect early decline is to be attentive to how they are doing.

Hardening Off Your Seedlings

• Once seedlings have a second pair of true leaves and their root mass is sturdy (several ways to check this), put them outside to harden off.

• You’ll want to harden them off for about a week before planting so your seedlings can adjust to the elements. You can still bring them indoors in case of frost.

• Place seedlings in a shady spot for 2-3 days.

– Cover, if possible, with row cover.

• Move them into the sun for 2-3 days. Be sure to water during the day if it gets hot!

– This may be a good weekend activity.

Hardening Off Your Seedlings

Transplanting Your Seedlings

Tips for Transplanting• Once your seedlings have been hardened

off, transplant them into your garden. – Be fairly gentle with them– Spacing– Trellis needs

• Water your transplants well an hour or two before planting into the garden—you don’t want to put dry plugs into the soil.

Transplanting Your Seedlings

• While planting:– Notice root system– To agitate or not to agitate?

• Be sure to fully cover the potting mix with garden soil.

• Water them in.• In special cases you may want to

cover your transplant when it first goes into the ground for bug protection.

– Ex. Eggplant

Caring for Your Transplants

• Expect some transplant shock at first. – Healthy plants should begin actively growing

within a week.• Keep transplants well-watered the first

week they’re in the ground.• Watch for frost or severe weather for the

first week or two. If possible, cover your transplants in the event of frost or high winds.

• Monitor after they go into the ground—it is easier (and healthier) to prevent rather than react to pests and disease.

Questions about seed starting?