John Myers
Many hobby gardeners enjoy growing their own vegetables from seeds. This method offers advantages but requires a lot of patience and attention. Those who take the special needs of the plants into account can look forward to a high-quality harvest.
Which plants are suitable for cultivation
It is common for annual and biennial species to be cultivated via seed. Annual specimens go through their entire development cycle during one growing season. Summer annual plants germinate between April and May. They come to seed maturity from late summer to autumn. Winter annuals sprout a little later, from June to July, and bloom in late autumn or after the snow has melted in spring.
Biennial plants usually develop a rosette of leaves close to the ground in the first year. After hibernating, they invest their energy in the development of flowers, which will ripen by the next winter. Annual and biennial herbs are suitable for seed cultivation.
Cultivate seeds
A low-nutrient potting soil, which you loosen up with sand, is recommended for cultivation. Spread the seeds on the ground. In order to save yourself the pricking out later, you should use small plastic pots as seed pots and grow one seed in each pot. Coconut tablets are a convenient alternative.
Light or dark germs
Each plant has individual requirements in terms of germination conditions. While some species require light for germination, other plants only grow seeds under dark conditions. You need to cover the latter with a layer of soil. With light germs, it is important that they are open on the substrate.
Pricking
Carefully lift the seedlings out of the soil by inserting a pronged stick into the substrate right next to the plant and gently prying out the roots. Sort out sick and weak specimens and only use the strong plants. When removing, it can happen that fine roots are torn off or damaged. Minor injuries are not serious, as they encourage the plant to form new roots.
Care
Every seed requires moisture to overcome the state of persistence and stimulate germination. Hand-warm water promotes rapid expulsion. Use a spray bottle to avoid washing away the seeds.
Maintain Humidity:
- Cover plant pots with cling film
- Place coconut tablets in the mini greenhouse
- Do not place vessels in direct sunlight
Benefits of getting dressed
The seedlings grow under optimal conditions and are better adapted to the prevailing temperature, light, and humidity conditions. They have a growth advantage over store-bought pots and are ready for planting outdoors sooner. In this way, you can exhaust the entire growing season from March to October.
