Growing Seedlings & Transplants Michele Martz SongHaven Farm Whatever happens to seed affects the web of life. ~Vandana Shiva 1
What is your goal? 2
The Germination Process 3 Photo: http://wonderopolis.org
Seeds contain all they need for life and are triggered to grow by moisture, temperature and sometimes light. Moisture and stored nutrients energize the embryo and jumpstart a seeds growth with root formation. Once plants break the surface and form leaves they begin to draw nutrients from the soil and sunlight. In every seed lie the components of all life the world has known from all time to now. ~Sister Joan Chittister, Sacred Seed 4
Factors for Success Good Quality Seed Proper Soil Mix Humidity & Water Warmth (for some plants) Light & Air 5
Seed Who to buy seeds from? Save your own seed and/or purchase from other farmers or gardeners who grow in a similar climate. Store seeds in a cool dry place 6
Soil ~ Purchased Mixes About 90% of all soil mixes contain sphagnum peat moss. Is sphagnum peat moss a non-renewable resource? The U.S. gets up to 80% of sphagnum peat moss it uses from Canada. There is some debate as to whether the peat bogs can be restored to their premining condition, and how long the process takes. The North American Wetlands Conservation Council estimates that harvested peatlands can be restored to ecologically balanced systems if not peat bogs within five to 20 years after peat harvesting. Some wetlands scientists assert that... a managed bog bears little resemblance to a natural one. Like tree farms, these peatlands tend toward monoculture, lacking the biodiversity of an un- harvested bog. ~ Wikipedia Consider using Coconut Coir/Fiber as an alternative 7
Making your own soil mix Experiment to see what works best for you! Ingredients that you may want to use: Compost Coco Fiber or Peat Vermiculite or Perlite Worm Castings Mycorrhizae Inputs 8
Our general mix A ratio that I generally use is: 18 gal Rubbermaid container 1/2 screened compost 1/4 coco fiber 1/4 perlite If I have worm castings I will add that to our mix If I am sowing flower seeds I will add some sand to my soil mix to allow for better drainage. 9
Trays 101 20 row 24 cell photos:johnnyseeds.com 72 cell 1020 tray 10
Tools Hand Seed Sower Widger Soil Blocker 11
Water All plants will germinate quicker with humidity Use warm water whenever possible - especially in the beginning Make sure the trays are thoroughly wet & kept moist (while germinating) Use different waterers for different stages pump-sprayer watering can water wand 12
Warmth, Light & Air Most seeds will need warmth for germination, some more than others Some seeds need light, most need dark to germinate Air movement is important to prevent dampening off - use fans once plants come up! 13
Scarification & Stratification Scarification - scratch with a file or sandpaper, just enough to cause seed to become slightly dull. Then, soak 12-24 hrs and plant. Stratification - Moist (not wet) vermiculite, perlite or sand into a ziplock bag with your seed. Place in fridge 10-12 weeks. Carefully plant seed along with medium www.groworganic.com video on seed germination on Vegetable Seed page 14
Important things to remember Use trays that drain and are clean. Always set mouse traps when you begin your seedling house. If you have aphid and whitefly problems, address them before you get your seedlings underway. Give your plants attention and love! Talk and sing to them! Minimize stress - never let plants get root bound Protect seedlings from frost 16
Determining when to start seeds What are other farmers recommendations for planting dates? Use seed catalogs to determine how many weeks to start the seeds before t-plant date. Work backwards - When do you want to have the crop by? Can use farmers almanac or biodynamic calendars for determining optimal planting dates. KEEP GOOD RECORDS! 17
Generally, we start these crops: Determining what to start as seedlings and what to direct sow Kale, Chard, Cabbage, Joi Choi, Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Fennel, Basil, Herbs, Flowers Generally, we direct sow these crops: Beans, Squash (summer and winter), Carrots, Beets, Salad and Mustard Greens, Scallions, Cilantro, Parsnips, Corn, Sorghum, Amaranth 18
Our process ~ the beginning years Coldframes 19
Our first High Tunnel 20
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The Hothouse 22
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Hardening Off 24
Transplanting 25
The seed is a manifestation of nature s intelligence and carries the wisdom and life force of the Earth. ~David Frawley 26