Seed Starting
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Vegetable Seed Germination Special Requirements
Different vegetables have different germination requirements. It’s important to know the germination requirements of the seeds you are planting to ensure success. Viable seeds are alive; they contain an embryo, stored food, and are surrounded by a seed coat. A seed will germinate or begin to grow when soil moisture, temperature, and oxygen, as well […] More
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Winter Squash Seed Starting Tips
Winter squash are tender, warm-weather crops very similar to summer squashes. But, winter squashes—unlike summer squashes—must fully mature on the vine before harvest. Summer squashes can be picked and eaten immature; they have a succulent texture. Winter squashes are drier and more fibrous than summer squashes. Winter squashes include acorn, banana, buttercup, butternut, cushaw delicious, […] More
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Watermelon Seed Starting Tips
Watermelons are a tender, warm-weather crop. Sow watermelon seeds or set plants directly in the garden in spring 2 weeks after all danger of frost has passed after the soil has warmed to 70°F (21°C). Watermelon seed can be started indoors 8 to 6 weeks before plants are set out. For the sweetest flavor, watermelons […] More
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Rhubarb Plant Starting Tips
Rhubarb is a perennial plant grown for its leaf stalks. Rhubarb grows best in regions where the ground freezes each winter. Winter chill results in rhubarb plants with thick stems and red color. Rhubarb is not productive in areas with very hot summers. Rhubarb is commonly grown from root divisions called “crowns”, not from seed. […] More
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Eggplant Seed Starting Tips
Eggplants are a tender, very warm-weather crop. Start eggplants indoors 10 to 8 weeks before the average nighttime temperature is expected to stay above 55°F (13°C), Set eggplants in the garden after nighttime temperatures are consistently greater than 55°F (13°C) and daytime temperatures average 70°F (21°C). If temperatures are much cooler you should protect eggplants […] More
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Kohlrabi Seed Starting Tips
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop; it’s best grown in spring and fall. Sow kohlrabi in spring for an early summer harvest and use; start a second crop in mid-to-late summer for winter storage and use. Kohlrabi is not a root crop; the edible part of the plant is a swollen portion of the stem growing […] More
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Peas Seed Starting Tips
Peas are a cool-weather crop. Sow pea seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer. Grow peas so that they come to harvest when the weather is cool. Peas can be classified by how large they grow: dwarf, medium, or tall. The taller the plant grows the […] More
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Corn Seed Starting Tips
Corn is a tender, warm-weather crop. Sweet corn is commonly grown in gardens. Sow corn in the garden 1 week after the last frost when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). Start corn indoors 4 weeks before transplanting it to the garden. Seedlings as small as 1 inch (2.5 cm) can […] More
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Lettuce Seed Starting Tips
Lettuce grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Time lettuce seed sowing so plants come to harvest before very warm and hot weather, Hot weather will trigger bolting and seed-stalk formation. Bolting can be slowed by picking the oldest leaves first but it can’t be stopped. Lettuce that bolts will be bitter […] More
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Radish Seed Starting Tips
Radish is a cool-season crop. Radishes are best grown in spring and fall. Direct sow radishes in the garden 6 to 3 weeks before the last frost in spring. Sow succession crops every 3 weeks after. Growing tip: Shorter and cooler days result in radishes with rounder roots. For mild and tender roots, grow radishes […] More
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Chard Seed Starting Tips
Chard–also called Swiss chard–grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall but tolerates warm and hot weather as well. If you plan to grow chard into the summer, choose a heat-tolerant variety. Chard tolerates the light frosts of spring and the moderate frosts of autumn. If you want to grow chard for harvest […] More
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Pumpkin Seed Starting Tips
Pumpkins are a tender, warm-weather crop. Pumpkins are a type of winter squash—grown through the summer for harvest in the fall. Sow pumpkins indoors 3 to 2 weeks before the last expected frost in spring the transplant them into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Sow pumpkins outdoors when the soil temperature […] More
Steve Albert