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| STARTING SEEDLINGS | | When starting seedlings, timing is everything. Start too
soon, the plants may end up spindly or root bound. If you procrastinate, then you have a shortened growing season.
Here's a chart to help you determine WHEN to sow seeds. |
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| ZONE HARDINESS | | The global warming
trend doesn't only affect icebergs, our gardens are heating up as well, but you might not notice that by looking at the
USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone Map, published in 1960. The National Arbor Day Foundation came out with a map showing
that average wintertime temperatures recently have risen by as much as 8 degrees in parts of the country. Check out
the NADF map. |
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| TEST
GERMINATION TIME FOR SEEDS | | Curious
how to find out how much life you have left in those seeds you saved? | Count out 5 - 10 or more seeds (the greater number the more accurate the result).
Dampen several layers of paper towel or unbleached coffee filters, distribute the seeds over it, then roll up the towel or
filter carefully so that the seeds stay in place not touching. Label a plastic bag or put in a clean yogurt container with
the type of seed, date started and the bag or mark the yogurt container. Seal the bag or container and keep at
room temperature. Sprouts are slow to germinate in cold temperatures.
Check the seeds every day, look
for signs of germination. Allow the seeds one week after the first ones have sprouted give the rest a chance, then calculate
the germination percentage. Divide the number of germinated seeds by the total number of seeds in the test and multiply by
100. You can make use of the sprouted seeds, by the way, if it is time for them to be planted. Carefully placing
them in the soil blocks or out in your garden (weather permitting). |
[ #seeds divided by 100 = %germination ] |
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| SEED STORAGE | You could use the same packet of seeds for several years IF they are
stored correctly.
Ideally, seeds should be kept cool and dry and out of direct sunlight. Jars with screw on lids
are a good choice. Put the seeds in envelopes, add an envelope of silica gel or powdered milk to absorb moisture, then
place in the refrigerator.
Keep in mind, NOT all seeds like to be kept in a jar. Legumes seeds prefer to
breathe. Store these in a cloth or paper bag in a cool place out of the sun. |
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SAFE SETTING-OUT DATE FOR PLANTS
Use
this chart to help you determine how early and how late you can plant seeds.
Working
from your regions frost-free date, use the chart to figure out how many
weeks
before and after the frost-free date you can plant and still harvest vegetables
during
the growing season.
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WEEKS BEFORE FROST-FREE DAY WEEKS AFTER FROST-FREE
DAY
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CROP
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6
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5
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4
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3
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2
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1
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FROST-FREE DATE:
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1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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Basil
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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Beans (snap)
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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Beets
|
|
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X
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X
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X
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X
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Broccoli
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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Brussels sprouts
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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Cabbage
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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X
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Carrots
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X
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X
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X
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X
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