Posted by admin on June 18, 2011
It is important when starting seeds to use new and/or clean containers. Select a seed starting or potting mix which is airy while also holding moisture. Seeds should be planted at the depth specified on the packet and watered often enough not to dry out.
Ensure to start seeds at the time recommended on the seed packet.
If starting seeds indoors, use fluorescent lights a couple inches above seeds for at least 14 hours per day. They can be moved outside in the shade to be hardened off once there won’t be frost.
If starting seeds outdoors, either plant in seed starting mix, soil amended with aged compost, or other healthy soil.
Ensure to thin out plants as specified on the seed packet and/or when they are a couple inches in height.
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Filed Under: seeds
Posted by admin on May 28, 2011
We did some seed tests in various potting and seed starting mixes for both vegetables and flowers. The most interesting findings we had were that to grow seeds in containers outdoors, it is best not to use Miracle-Gro seed starting mix. Both seed starting mixes were more expensive than outdoor potting mixes. They do contain wetting agents each to retain moisture.
Above image: Miracle-Gro seed starting mix, top has thin layer of moss growing after a few weeks
Above image: Jiffy seed starting mix - plants are growing ok but not quickly, better than Miracle-Gro seed starting mix
Above image: Miracle-Gro potting soil in a regular big bag was the best
Overall, small bags of indoor seed starting mixes with a wetting agent are best to use indoors. Regular big bags of potting soil can be used to start seeds in trays or pots outside if they have nutrients, are well drained, and are sterile. It is also important to use the right brand of potting soil. We find it helpful to see a sample of the soil before buying. OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) shows samples in clear plastic containers in the soil section, which we appreciate.
Posted by admin on May 22, 2011
From our extensive experience, it takes some time to figure out what, when, and how to grow vegetable seeds in the home garden. Often seeds need other conditions, soil, or timing.
- For us, one in ten kinds of seeds works out great in our garden. Considering seeds usually cost $1-3 per packet, it will be worth finding out which work best.
- It is very helpful to talk to neighbors to find out what has and hasn’t worked from them. It is also very useful to know what worked for people they know in the area.
- If there are gardening books to buy about your area, or to check out from the library, it can be very useful reading up. Over recent decades there are likely gardeners who want to help and share their knowledge.
- Happy gardening!
Posted by admin on March 2, 2009
Dwarf Sunflowers are terrific as an annual to grow each year in your garden, or to use as a cut flower. These plants are easy to grow from seed. They can flower quite early in the spring and due to their dwarf growth habit, they have strong stems which can hold up well in a bouquet with other flowers. A dwarf sunflower generally grows from 1 foot to 2 feet in height. The Dwarf Sunflower in this photo is about 16 inches in height. These flowers are generally 3-6 inches in diameter. Dwarf Sunflowers are great for borders, container use, or as cut flowers. The seeds go very far with Dwarf Sunflowers. That means a small number of seeds can cover quite a nice sized area. They can be sown directly in the soil in the spring after the last frost, planted in containers to later be moved into the garden, or even kept as is. Dwarf Sunflowers like rich, well drained soil. Dwarf Sunflowers do best with a good amount of water. The best amount of sun for a sunflower is at least six hours, preferably a full day of sun. Dwarf Sunflowers grow best when fertilized. The Dwarf Sunflower in this photo is a few months old, from seed to bloom!
Three Month Old Dwarf Sunflower From Seed to Bloom
- This is our favorite seed company for both quantity and quality.