Learn how to propagate vegetable seeds this Saturday at SLO workshop
It’s not too early to think about your spring garden. Starting vegetable seeds indoors gives you a head start. It also saves on money; one packet of seeds costs about as much as a 4-inch tomato plant.
The soil media you choose should be fine, textured, uniform and airy. Don’t dig soil out of your garden. It’s too heavy and may contain disease-causing organisms. Instead, select a commercial potting mix especially designed for starting seeds. Or formulate your own mixture from 1/3 sterilized sand, 1/3 vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 peat moss.
Plant seeds in any containers that have adequate drainage. If you’re using recycled pots, wash them thoroughly, then soak and rinse them in a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part chlorine bleach. This prevents most seedling diseases from occurring.
Fill containers to within 3/4 -inch from the top with pre-moistened medium.
Plant seeds at a depth of two to four times the diameter of the seed. Plant more seeds than you’ll actually want, then thin them as they grow.
After seeds have been sown, moisten the planting mix thoroughly. Use a fine mist spray or place the containers in a pan or tray with 1 inch of warm water in the bottom. Avoid splashing or excessive flooding, as it might displace the seeds.
Make sure that seeds stay moist during the germination period by covering the pots with clear plastic wrap after the initial watering. Keep the plastic at least 1 inch away from the soil and remove the plastic as soon as the first seedlings appear.
After germination, keep starts at a consistent temperature, averaging 55 to 60º F at night and 65 to 70º F during the day. If bright, natural lighting isn’t available, place seedlings under fluorescent lights.
For more information on starting seeds for your spring garden, attend the Advice To Grow By Workshop this Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. to noon. It will be held at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.
Linda Lewis Griffith is a UCCE Master Gardener.
Got a gardening question?
In San Luis Obispo call 781-5939, Arroyo Grande, 473-7190 and Templeton, 434-4105. Visit us at http://ucanr.org/sites/mgslo/ or email us at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu. Follow us on Instagram at slo_mgs and like us on Facebook. Informative garden workshops are held the third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to noon at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. Garden docents are available after the workshop until 1 p.m. To request a tour of the garden, call 781-5939.
This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 6:49 AM with the headline "Learn how to propagate vegetable seeds this Saturday at SLO workshop."