Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/13/03
Contacts:
Richard Jauron, Horticulture, (515) 294-1871, rjauron@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Jan. 17, 2003
Seed Starting Supplies - Let the Fun Begin
By Richard Jauron
Extension Horticulturist
Iowa State University
For many home gardeners, starting seeds indoors is great fun. Successfully growing seedlings indoors requires high-quality seeds, a germination medium, containers, lights and other supplies.
Seeds
Flower and vegetable seeds can be purchased at local garden centers. They're
also available from mail-order companies. Some mail-order sources include
Stokes Seeds, Box 548, Buffalo, New York 14240 (www.stokeseeds.com);
Park Seeds, 1 Parkton Avenue, Greenwood, South Carolina 29647 (www.parkseed.com);
Burpee Seeds, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974 (www.burpee.com);
and Harris Seeds, Box 24966, Rochester, New York 14624 (www.harrisseed.com).
Germination Media
Germination media should be lightweight, porous, and free of pathogens.
Excellent seed-starting media are commercially prepared soilless mixes,
such as Jiffy Mix or Redi-Earth. Use a high quality, well-drained potting
mix when transplanting seedlings into individual pots or cell packs.
Containers
Various containers can be purchased and used to germinate and grow transplants,
including flats, trays, pots and compressed peat pellets. Previously used
flats, trays, and pots should be cleaned and disinfected before use. Wash
the containers in soapy water, then disinfect them in a solution of one
part chlorine bleach and nine parts water. Cut-off milk cartons, plastic
jugs, paper cups, plastic food boxes and other containers also can be
used to start seeds.
Uniform moisture levels are required for optimum seed germination. To
maintain uniform moisture levels, clear plastic domes can be placed over
flats. Clear, plastic food wrap is a cheaper alternative.
Lights
Although plants can be grown in sunny windows, they often become tall
and spindly because of insufficient light. For best results, grow seedlings
under fluorescent lights. Light stands are great but can be a little expensive.
A standard fluorescent shop fixture containing two 40-watt tubes is a
much cheaper alternative. For best results, place one cool white and one
warm white tube in each fixture. The fluorescent lights should be no more
than 4 to 6 inches above the seedlings. A timer can be used to turn the
lights on and off.
Reference Books
Most seed packets provide germination and cultural information for the
crop. However, the information is usually rather brief. For many home
gardeners, a reference book with more detailed information is an indispensable
resource. The "Ball Culture Guide: The Encyclopedia of Seed Germination"
by Jim Nau is an excellent book for home gardeners and commercial growers.
The book provides germination temperatures, light requirements, germination
times, growing temperatures and crop times for more than 300 seed-grown
crops. These crops include annuals, perennials, vegetables and ornamental
grasses. "Burpee Seed Starter: A Guide to Growing Flower, Vegetable,
and Herb Seeds Indoors and Outdoors" by Maureen Heffernan is another
helpful book.
Other Materials
A few other materials are also helpful. A rubber bulb sprinkler is a handy
watering aid. The sprinkler produces a gentle spray, which won't dislodge
the seedlings or wash away the potting mix. Most seeds germinate best
when the medium temperature is consistently 70 to 75 degrees F. Placing
containers in a warm location in the house, such as on top of a radiator
or near a heat register, usually works fine. In cool environments, electric
heating cables or mats can be used to ensure warm medium temperatures.
Once you have all the materials on hand, it's time for the fun to begin.
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ml: isugarden
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