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Planting and Transplanting Tips
Many gardeners germinate vegetable seeds indoors so that when it is time to plant vegetables outdoors they already have a head start on their garden. There is nothing complicated about planting seeds indoors. These nine tips show how simple it is.
1. The time to sow seeds indoors depends on when plants may normally be planted outdoors. Plant indoors a few weeks earlier so that the vegetables are ready to plant outdoors at the appropriate times. Look at the table below for approximate number of weeks before last frost date to start seeds indoors. Seed starting date is based on the "last frost" date. It's up to you of course but whatever date you choose this chart will help you set your seed starting dates.
2.Buy seeds from People that know seeds:
3. Sterilize containers used for sowing seeds
4. Use what ever containers are available:
- yogurt cups, margarine tubs etc. should have holes in the bottom for drainage
- plastic trays are ideal for small seeds
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paper egg cartons, old cardboard toilet rolls or peat pots can be planted outdoors, with the growing seed still inside, at planting time.
5. When sowing seeds:
- use loose, well-drained, and fine textured soil or potting soil
- water the seeds in
- put pots in clear plastic bags
- leave in a warm place out of direct sunlight
6. After germination:
- take pot out of plastic bag
- place pot in bright light
- let soil dry between waterings, but do not allow seedlings to wilt
7. Start “hardening off” two weeks before planting outside:
- gradually move seedlings to an area with cooler temperatures
- when first place seedlings outdoors, keep them in the shade
- bring them inside at night
- gradually move plants into the sunlight for short periods each day
- slowly increase the amount of sunlight and time seedlings spend outdoors.
8. Transplant seedlings into the vegetable garden on a cloudy day or late in the afternoon to prevent sun damage.
9. Once in the garden,
- check the seedlings daily
- water when necessary to prevent wilting
- cover with nets to protect from birds
- look out for slugs and other pests.
- cover if frost is forecast
Germination Temperatures for Vegetables
In general, it is better to sow your seeds a little late rather than too early. If the soil temperature is not warm enough for the variety of seed you are sowing, the seed will often rot in the ground before it has a chance to germinate. Remember - the temperatures listed below are for the soil, not the air.
In the spring, the air temperatures may be warm for a few days, but this will have little effect on the soil temperature. Only when the days and nights both stay warm for an extended period of time will the soil temperature start to rise.
Sowing vegetable seeds in the spring should not begin until the soil temperature at seeding depth reaches or exceeds the necessary minimum temperature for germination.
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