My Cold Stratification Seed Starting
If you have extensive experience with planting seeds outside in the fall or winter in order to give them that 30 to 90 days of cold, wet, even freezing condition they need, please weigh in. This is only my second attempt.
This week I used two half gallon milk containers.
Mark the 3-inch soil level so you know where to cut the top of the container. Leave the handle corner attached.
Soak the planting soil until the water runs out the holes you put in the bottom for drainage.
Some seeds would enjoy being planted on a layer of seed starting mix, but it is not necessary.
Plant the seeds at the depth indicated on the package. Usually large seeds need dark to germinate so they are planted one-half inch deep. Small seeds like many perennials, need light to emerge so they are put onto the surface of the soil.
Gently press the top of the soil or the seed so there is direct contact between soil and seed. Use a
spray bottle to moisten the seeds and the soil on top of them.
Prepare a marker for your planter, if you want to know what you have coming up. I usually put the date planted, the seed provider and sometimes the number of seeds as a germination check.
Then, tape the container closed. Leave the top off the carton and put it outside. Moisture should be able to enter the top and drain out the bottom.
Of course, this is only for those of us who cannot stand being away from our gardening activities no matter how busy the season is.
This week I used two half gallon milk containers.
Mark the 3-inch soil level so you know where to cut the top of the container. Leave the handle corner attached.
Soak the planting soil until the water runs out the holes you put in the bottom for drainage.
Some seeds would enjoy being planted on a layer of seed starting mix, but it is not necessary.
Plant the seeds at the depth indicated on the package. Usually large seeds need dark to germinate so they are planted one-half inch deep. Small seeds like many perennials, need light to emerge so they are put onto the surface of the soil.
Gently press the top of the soil or the seed so there is direct contact between soil and seed. Use a
spray bottle to moisten the seeds and the soil on top of them.
Prepare a marker for your planter, if you want to know what you have coming up. I usually put the date planted, the seed provider and sometimes the number of seeds as a germination check.
Then, tape the container closed. Leave the top off the carton and put it outside. Moisture should be able to enter the top and drain out the bottom.
Of course, this is only for those of us who cannot stand being away from our gardening activities no matter how busy the season is.
Comments
Merry Christmas, Martha.~~Dee
Wayne - I hope you try again with your students and that you'll let me know which seeds worked and which type didn't. It's all new to me and I'd like to eavesdrop on your learning.