Download Seed Starting - Bowood Farms

S EEDS :
F ROM S TART TO F INISH
SUCCESS AT SEED STARTING:
Seed packets provide a wealth of information on the requirements needed to get
your seeds started. Most seedlings will not be able to be transplanted outside until
around the time of the last frost. April 15th is considered to be the average last frost
date in St. Louis. To determine when to plant, find the “when to start inside”
number and count backwards from April 15th that amount of weeks. Mark this
projected indoor planting date on your calendar for each type of seed you wish to
plant.
Next, find a sunny south window, or locate an area where you might set up a light
garden. A light garden will allow you to control the amount of light your seeds
receive. You will have shorter, sturdier plants with artificial light. A simple
fluorescent light will work for starting seeds. The light should be 6 - 8 inches above
the plants and you should be able to raise it as the plants grow.
With a slightly larger investment you can set up a highly economical and effective
LED light system. Please see Bowood’s Let There Be Light Gardening Tip Sheet for
more information.
Check the seed packet for light requirements. Some seeds require light to
germinate and some require darkness. Once your seeds germinate you will need to
run the lights at least 14 hours each day. A timer will help you stay consistent with
the hours of light.
Some seeds require a warm place to germinate and some require it cooler. This can
be controlled with a HydroFarm Seedling Heat Mat during the germination period.
Again, consult the seed package.
STARTING YOUR SEEDS
You will need containers in which to start the seeds. Plastic cell packs, peat pellets,
or peat pots are the best choices. You will also need a waterproof tray under the
pots.
The packs or pots should be filled with a fine-grade sterilized soilless mix such as
Fafard Seed Starter Potting Mix. The soil mix should be watered until it is
moistened. Drain off any extra water from the tray.
Plant the seeds in the pots according to the instructions on the seed packet. Some
seeds will need to be planted more deeply than others. Cover your tray with a
humidity dome or loosely with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist.
CARING FOR YOUR SEEDS
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Check the seedlings often to see if they need water. Add only enough water to
saturate the soil. Spritzing or gently pouring small amounts of water on the soil
surface is best to avoid dislodging the tiny seedlings. Never let the pots sit in
water.
When the seedlings emerge remove the humidity dome or plastic wrap. Situate the
light 6 – 8 inches above the plants, raising it as they grow.
If there are multiple seedlings in a pot, reduce them to one by pinching, never
pulling, them out.
Fertilize the seedlings when 4 true leaves appear, using liquid fertilizer such as
Espoma Gro-Tone at half-strength.
If necessary, pot into larger pots when the plant roots have filled their cells/peat
pots.
S EEDS :
F ROM S TART TO FINISH
HARDENING OFF
Before transplanting your plants into the garden, you will have to harden them off.
Do this by placing them in a sheltered spot, out of direct sun and wind. This
transition may take 10 days or so.
Check often for watering needs.
Bring them in at night or when the temperatures falls below 50°.
TRANSPLANTING YOUR SEEDLINGS
When your plants have successfully hardened off, it is time to transplant them out
in the garden or into planters.
Remember the old saying: Sow dry, Set wet. In other words, don’t let your plant’s
roots dry out in the transplanting process.
More information on transplanting may be found in other Gardening Tip Sheets
from Bowood Farms.
SEED SAVERS EXCHANGE
The Seed Savers Collection is an assortment of heirloom seeds. Seed Savers is a
non-profit organization that collects and distributes heirloom and certified organic
seeds to preserve our gardening heritage.
Bowood Farms is one of the few nurseries in Missouri to provide a selection of
seeds from Seed Savers.
The Seed Savers Collection includes heirloom vegetables, annual flowers and
ornamentals, and a few select perennials.
Check our seed display area for more information about this program.
BOTANICAL INTERESTS
Botanical Interests Seeds include vegetables, herbs, cover crops, annual and
perennial flowers, as well as specific garden collection mixes.
In addition to the basics on the back of the seed packet, Botanical Interest has
extensive additional information inside their packets.
Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden and Mesclun mixes are a few of the
unique collections from Botanical Interests. The garden mix collections include an
illustration key, sowing instructions and detailed list of included plants.
MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS
In addition to seeds, Bowood Farms provides all necessary materials to start your
garden off right, including:
Fafard Seed Starting Potting Mix
Vermiculite
Peat Pots in a range of sizes
Plant Trays and Humidity Domes
HydroFarm Seedling Heat Mats
Sunshine Systems LED light panels and bulbs
Espoma Gro-Tone
www.bowoodfarms.com
314-454-6868
kh
For more information we recommend:
From Seed to Bloom by Eileen Powell