5 tips to maximize the germination of your vegetable seeds

Therefore, you have decided to save even more money with your garden by starting your plants with seeds. There is no doubt that the amount of money you save when you start with seeds is tremendous. The price of seed packages varies from one dollar to three dollars and the amount of seeds you receive for such a low cost is only one penny (or less) per seed.

Just because the cost is low doesn't mean you shouldn't take the necessary steps to maximize the production of the seeds you buy. Here are some tips I have outlined to help you do exactly that.

Start inside

Give your seeds a head start before the frost ends by starting them indoors. Find a place in your home, like a window sill, that gets sunlight first thing in the morning. By placing the seeds planted in this location three to six weeks before the end of frost in your area, your seeds will have germinated and you can move the plants outdoors. As a note, just because frost ends in your area doesn't mean that all plants can be moved outdoors. For example, tomatoes and peppers love warm weather, so you will want to properly plan your area when those weather conditions occur.

Initial seed soil

Use a good seed from the soil. If you have been conditioning your own garden with compost and manure techniques, then use your garden soil. The transplant will be much easier. Just remember if you are taking your soil from the outside to the inside to warm up first before planting a seed in it. If using your own soil may not be ideal for you, use a good seed starting soil available at any home or garden center for just a few dollars. They retain moisture very well and are produced for seed initiation.

Propagation dome

Think of a propagation dome as a mini indoor greenhouse. Propagation domes allow a better environment for seeds to start by allowing the air around the seeds to be at a constant but warm temperature. This increases the chances that the seeds will germinate and at a faster rate (sometimes). They are available at any home center or online and can cost anywhere from $ 3 to $ 50, depending on how advanced you are. You can also create your own by using yogurt cups as seed starter pots and then placing clear plastic bottles on top.

Irrigation

Don't over water your seeds. Excessive watering will prevent your seeds from germinating in many cases. Only a slight watering will do. If you are using a propagation dome, I have found in my own experiences that you lightly water your seedlings once in the beginning and you will not have to water again until you move them outdoors. Their results may vary.

Hardening

Hardening is the process of acclimatizing your Buy Vegetable Seeds Online outdoors. If you simply take your seedlings from the interior directly to the exterior, you may surprise the new plant and its growth may stop and / or the plant may die. Get used to your new seedlings outdoors first by moving them around during the day when temperatures improve and then bringing them in before they cool down at night. This will help increase the chances of success for the plants when you finally move them outside.

As a side note, if you are growing tubers like carrots, beets, turnips, etc., it is best to start them directly outdoors when temperatures allow. Try to use seeds that are more recent than five years, as the germination rate of the seeds decreases for many varieties after five years. When not in use, be sure to store your seeds in a cool, dry place to maximize their shelf life.