When a seed fails to sprout there is usually a simple and easily correctable reason. Here are the most common reasons seeds do not sprout along with troubleshooting solutions. Soil is too dry. Small seeds sown very near the surface often fail from lack of moisture. They may have enough moisture to germinate, but then […] More
Getting seeds started indoors can be as simple as re-purposing pressed-paper egg cartons. Egg carton cups are just the right size for starting seeds and growing seedlings on to size. Half egg shells and newspaper cones set in egg carton compartments will work just as well. Poke a hole in the bottom of each egg […] More
Seed vitality or shelf life is an important concept. If you saved seed from last season or the season before or if you’ve been given seed and are not sure how long it’s been around, you might want to perform a seed vitality test a couple of weeks before you plan to sow. Seeds more […] More
Here’s a quick outdoor seed sowing schedule for spring. These suggestions are on the conservative side. Hardy vegetables can withstand frost and will grow best in cool weather, coming to maturity before the weather turns hot. Tender crops can not withstand frost. If you plant tender crops and frost threatens, use a cloche or row […] More
To get a head start on the growing season, start your vegetable seeds indoors. Cold soil and unsettled weather will challenge seeds sown directly in the garden in early spring. Cool-season crops that are the easiest to start from seed indoors are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, and lettuce. Warm-season crops to start indoors […] More
Starting seed in the garden can be challenging, especially early in the season. Garden soil either too cold or too wet are the chief obstacles to germination in late winter and early spring. The solution: start seeds indoors early in the season. Vegetables that are the easiest to start indoors from seed are broccoli, Brussels […] More
There are three ways to get your vegetable garden growing: Sow seeds directly in the garden. Start seeds indoors and transplant them to the garden when the weather warms. Transplant seedlings purchased at the garden center into the garden. Starting seed indoors will give you: Earlier vegetables allowing you to stretch the growing season. Wider […] More
Is the seed you have on hand still viable–will it germinate? A seed contains an embryo–a partly developed root and stem, a supply of stored food, and a protective coating. Seeds sprout through a process called germination. Germination–depending upon the type of seed–requires just the right conditions for growth–usually an abundant supply of water, an […] More
If you haven’t started already there’s no time like the first month of the year to jump-start spring. In the coldest regions, the first weeks of January are the time to begin planning the spring and summer garden. As soon as your plans are set, get seeds ordered. In low frost and frost-free regions of […] More
You can start vegetables, herbs, and flowers–both annuals and perennials–from seed. Starting plants from seed is less expensive than purchasing plants from a garden center. Seed starting will require some time and effort but can be very rewarding. Many more varieties of vegetables and flowers are available in seed than are offered at garden centers […] More
When it comes to starting seed for the garden, do not start too early and do not start too late. Seed started indoors should be ready for transplanting into the garden when the soil and weather are ready to take the seedlings into their proper growing season. That means the time to start seeds can […] More
Stephen Albert