Many hobby gardeners really enjoy growing their own vegetables from seeds. This method offers advantages but requires a lot of patience and attention. If you take the special needs of the plants into account, you can enjoy a high-quality harvest.
How to grow plants from seeds?
To cultivate plants from seeds, you need nutrient-poor potting soil, suitable growing containers and the knowledge of whether the plant is a light or dark germinator. Moisture and humidity are also important for successful seed germination.
Which plants are suitable for cultivation
It is common for annual and biennial species to be cultivated from seeds. Annual specimens go through their entire development cycle during one growing season. Summer annual plants germinate between April and May. They reach seed maturity from late summer to autumn. Winter annual representatives sprout a little later from June to July and bloom in late autumn or after the snow melts in spring.
Biennial plants usually develop a rosette of leaves close to the ground in the first year. After overwintering, they invest their energy in the formation of flowers, which will ripen until the next winter. Annual and biennial herbs are suitable for seed cultivation.
Cultivating seeds
For cultivation, we recommend a nutrient-poor potting soil that you loosen with sand. Spread the seeds over the soil. To save yourself the hassle of pricking out later, you should use small plastic pots (€10.00 on Amazon) as growing containers and grow one seed in each pot. Coconut tablets are a convenient alternative.
Light or dark germinators
Every plant has individual requirements regarding germination conditions. While some species require light for germination, other plants' seeds only grow in dark conditions. You have to cover the latter with a layer of soil. For light germinators, it is important that they lie openly on the substrate.
Pricking
Carefully lift the plants out of the soil by inserting a stick into the substrate directly next to the plant and carefully levering out the roots. Sort out sick and weak specimens and only use the strong plants. When removing it, fine roots may tear off or be damaged. Small injuries are not a problem as they stimulate the plant to form new roots.
Tip
Insert the plants so deeply into the new soil that the cotyledons grow close to the substrate. In this way you prevent the thin stems from bending when watering.
Care
Every seed needs moisture to overcome the survival condition and stimulate germination. Hand-warm water promotes rapid sprouting. Use a spray bottle to avoid washing away the seeds.
Preserve humidity:
- Cover plant pots with cling film
- Place coconut tablets in the mini greenhouse
- Do not place vessels in direct sunlight
Benefits of dressing
The seedlings grow under optimal conditions and are better adapted to the prevailing temperature, light and humidity conditions. They have a growth advantage over purchased potted products and are ready for planting outdoors sooner. This way you can make the most of the entire growing season from March to October.
