Seed starting workshop information

Surface sowing

Surface sowing of garden seeds refers to the method of planting seeds directly on the soil surface without burying them under the ground. This technique is particularly suitable for small-sized seeds or those that require exposure to light for germination. To surface sow, the gardener evenly scatters the seeds over the prepared garden bed or container, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.

Once sown, light watering is applied to settle the seeds in place. This approach allows for easier monitoring of seedling growth and emergence, as well as efficient utilization of resources. However, surface sowing may require additional protection against birds and other pests that could potentially dislodge or consume the exposed seeds. With proper care and favorable conditions, surface-sown seeds can develop into healthy plants, contributing to a vibrant and thriving garden

Cold stratification

Cold stratification is a natural or artificial process used to enhance the germination of certain seeds, particularly those from temperate climates or

Cold stratify seeds

native to colder regions. The method involves subjecting seeds to a period of cold, damp conditions, which simulates the winter conditions they would experience in their natural environment. This period of cold, typically a few weeks to a few months, breaks down dormancy mechanisms within the seed, allowing it to prepare for germination once favorable conditions return in spring. To cold stratify seeds, they are usually placed in a moistened medium, such as sand or peat moss, and stored in a cool location like a refrigerator. This process is particularly beneficial for species like many tree seeds, some perennials, and certain wildflowers, as it encourages more consistent and successful germination when planted, resulting in stronger and healthier plants.

Common Plants That Need Cold Stratification

• Milkweed (Asclepias)

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

• Columbine (Aquilegia)

• Purple coneflower (Echinacea)

• New England aster (Symphyotricum)

• Larkspur (Consolida)

• Lavender (Lavandula)

• Lupine (Lupinus)

Reading seed packets

Reading a seed packet is essential for successful gardening, as it provides crucial information to help you understand the specific requirements and characteristics of the seeds you plan to grow. The front of the seed packet typically displays the plant's common and scientific names, along with a picture of the mature plant. On the back, you'll find detailed information, including planting instructions, preferred growing conditions (such as sunlight and soil type), recommended planting depth, and spacing between seeds or plants. The packet will also indicate the average time it takes for the seeds to germinate and the expected height and spread of the mature plant. Additionally, you may find specific details on whether the plant is an annual, biennial, or perennial, and the number of days it takes for the plant to reach maturity. Pay attention to the seed's expiration date and the quantity of seeds in the packet as well. By carefully reading the seed packet, you can tailor your gardening practices to suit the needs of the particular plant, increasing your chances of a successful and bountiful harvest.

Perennial vs annual

Perennial and annual are two primary categories of plants based on their life cycle and how long they live. Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years, often returning year after year. They have a longer life span and usually go through periods of dormancy during colder months before regrowing in the following seasons. Perennials often focus on building strong root systems, enabling them to survive various environmental conditions. In contrast, annual plants complete their entire life cycle within one growing season. They sprout from seeds, grow, produce flowers and fruits (if applicable), and then die off in the same year. As a result, annuals typically invest more energy in producing flowers and seeds to ensure the continuation of their species in the next generation. Gardeners often use annuals for colorful displays and quick bursts of growth, while perennials provide a more stable and lasting presence in the garden.

Biennial

Biennial plants are a unique category of plants with a distinct two-year life cycle. During the first year, biennials germinate from seeds and develop a vegetative structure, often in the form of leaves and roots. They do not produce flowers or fruits in this initial year. Instead, biennials enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy in their root systems. In the second year, they resume growth, producing flowering stems, flowers, and seeds. After this reproductive phase, biennial plants complete their life cycle, with the parent plant dying off. Some well-known biennials include parsley, foxgloves, and carrots. Gardeners often need to plan accordingly for biennials, as their extended life cycle requires careful timing for sowing and harvesting to ensure a continuous supply of these plants in the garden.

Differences Between GMO Hybrid Organic Heirloom Seeds

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. In other words, GMO seeds are created in labs for desirable traits by injecting seeds with genes from another plant. Some of these traits could be withstanding drier weather conditions or harmful insects. Unlike hybrid seeds that are products of cross-pollination, GMO seeds are generated in labs via gene modification.

These seeds are generally purchased by commercial farmers (of corn, soy, cotton, canola, and sugar beets) for producing crops on a larger scale, and not available to backyard growers.

Hybrid seed is a product of a cross between two genetically different plants of the same species or type. Usually, the seeds are cross-pollinated by hand, they are produced to prepare a crop that has desirable genetics of the two plant varieties, such as disease resilient or bigger fruit size.

The produce that comes from these seeds will not grow true to either of the parent plants. Hybrid seeds are specifically created to get the best traits of the two parent plants.

Heirloom seeds are crop varieties that have existed for more than 50 years. These seeds have been passed through generations of growers, carefully crafted to acquire some special traits, whether it's a special adaptation to growing conditions, disease resilience or having a unique flavor. Heirloom seeds are tried and tested because they have been grown for years. Growth habits, yields, and other information can be assessed to understand the final crop. Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, which means that, unlike hybrid seeds, they will produce plants with most of the characteristics of their parent plant. They're the most desirable seeds as they can be saved through the years and produce higher yields.

Organic seeds are the ones that are produced naturally without the aid of pesticides or any other chemical substance. These seeds are known to be stronger, disease resilient, and with enhanced capabilities to thrive in adverse conditions. As the word organic suggests, these seeds are produced naturally through pest-free plants.

Organic seeds are non-GMO which means that these seeds cannot be modified genetically in any way. However, you can produce hybrids using organic seeds by cross-pollinating with other varieties to get the best attributes of each variety.