Starting Seeds Can Be Easier Than Ever

Growing flower and vegetable plants for the garden can be a rewarding experience when easy methods insure success. Most important for good seed germination (other than fresh seeds) is a clean, sterile medium. In the past, when soil was used in the seeding mix, sterilization was necessary. This meant that the material had to be treated with chemicals or heated in an oven. If sterilization is necessary, set the oven at about 200 degrees, and place the container of moist soil mix in it until it is heated thoroughly.

The center of the soil mass should maintain a temperature of at least 140 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Although these sterilization techniques are effective, they require time and energy. The gardener who wants to start only a few seeds may not want to be bothered with this step. Ready-to-use items may be the answer. One unique item for starting seeds is the compressed peat pellet. It is composed of peat moss covered with a fine netting that holds it together. Both the peat and the net have been compressed to about the size of a thick half dollar. When soaked in water, the pellet expands, forming a net container filled with peat moss.

When they are expanded, line them in a clean tray or flat. It will take only a few minutes for each one to expand. Place two to three seeds in each, and thin to a single seedling after germination has taken place. This technique saves transplanting the seedlings to pots from flats. Other similar timesaving items include cubes made of fiber or foam in which seeds also may be sown directly.

Prepackaged potting and seeding media are also available for the person who wants to use his own flats or pots. Most are a combination of fine peat moss and vermiculite with a small amount of fertilizer added. Some also contain perlite. They are clean materials and, when handled carefully and placed in clean containers, will eliminate the common seedling disease known as "damping-off."

Moisten these material thoroughly before placing them in pots or flats. These ingredients are very lightweight and may float or not wet properly after seeds have been sown in them while dry. These prepared media can also be placed directly in small peat pots instead of flats. The method is the same, and later transplanting is eliminated. Whatever method or material is used for starting seeds, moisten the unit thoroughly after planting. This settles the seeds firmly in the medium. Placing the flat or tray of pots in a sink or tub of water is better than surface sprinkling.

Do not submerge the pots or medium entirely. Allow the moisture to be absorbed from the base. After wetting, allow them to drain, cover with plastic, or place in a large plastic bag. Although there are some exceptions, most flower and vegetable seeds germinate best at temperatures from 70 to 75. Move the seedlings to bright light and cooler temperatures when germination is about complete. Remove the plastic cover gradually.

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