Choose plants that are suitable for growing in the place you choose. Plants can not live anywhere. Temperature and climate factors are the key factors affecting their growth. If you live in the north, it is definitely inappropriate to plant a plant from the tropical rain forest. Therefore, when selecting seeds, you should know a little about what kind of plants are suitable for growing in your own place. Some seeds are suitable for growing in many areas and can adapt to various conditions. If you are a beginner, such seeds are more suitable for you; They are easy to survive and can make you feel successful.
Know when to sow. The sowing time depends on the plant variety and its growing environment. If they have to live a long and cold winter, you may have to wait until the middle of spring to sow. If spring comes early, you can start early. There is usually sowing time on the seed bag. You can pay attention to it. Planting too early or too late is not conducive to germination, so we must choose the right time.
Remember, most vegetable seeds need to be planted at least two weeks before the last frost, and some may need to be planted two to three months in advance. Even if you live in a cold area, plan early to ensure that the seeds germinate smoothly.
Find something that can promote seed germination. Most seeds need similar growth conditions when they germinate. At this time, seeds generally have very strict requirements on soil, sunlight and temperature. Before sowing, you need the following items:
Seed trays for seeds. Each seed needs 1-2 inches to germinate and take root. You can plant all seeds in an open platform or separately. You can try to make a small flower pot from a used yogurt cup or egg holder. The growth substrate of seeds. The seed itself contains the nutrients needed for germination, so the substrate does not need to contain too many nutrients. Don’t use potted soil because it is difficult for new roots to pass through dense soil. You can mix some vermiculite, perlite, peat or compost and coconut shell in the soil. If you don’t want to do it yourself, the nursery also sells this kind of mixed fertilizer.
Prepare the grow containers. A container which has a great drainage system is great for seedlings. If you use fabric grow bags, you don’t need to open holes, it will naturally drain water out. If you use bucket, then you need to drill several holes. Thoroughly wet the growth substrate to provide a good environment for seed growth. Place the substrate in the container and leave a space of about 1/2 inch from the top of the container. Place the container in a sunny and well-ventilated place, and ensure that it is constant temperature and warm. The planting method depends on the plant variety, so you need to carefully read the planting instructions on the seed package. Many seeds can be evenly scattered on the surface of the medium. Don’t play too many at one time. It’s easy to squeeze.
Some seeds should be planted about 1/2 to 1/4 inch below the growth substrate. You should read the planting instructions carefully to check the planting depth. Some seeds need to be refrigerated or soaked before sowing. Provide suitable light for different seeds. Most seeds do not need light to germinate, but once they germinate, they immediately need sunlight. Most seeds grow best at 25.6 ℃, but some need higher or lower temperature. You can wrap a layer of plastic film around the seeds to ensure that the seeds are moist. Don’t water too much, or the seeds will easily drown. They need to be wet, not swimming. Ensure the health of seedlings. After the seeds germinating, you will see the green stems break out of the “soil”. At this time, the container should have direct sunlight, and the seeds need a moist and warm environment. Pull out the weak seedlings. You can do this in a week or two, which will allow more growth space for the good ones. Leave 2-3 seeds in each container.
Transplant before the last frost. If the planting time is appropriate, the seeds should have grown a set of mature leaves and have reached the conditions for transplantation; The transplantation time is usually before the last frost. Generally, the transplant month varies according to the region. If you are not sure when the frost is, consult the local gardener!
Place the container in a sheltered outdoor area. A few days before transplantation, put the container into the outdoor growth box. This allows them to adapt to the outdoor environment. Without this transitional stage, the seeds may not be able to bear it. If you don’t have a ready-made outdoor growth box, you can make one yourself. Let the seedlings be exposed to the sun during the day, and put them in cartons at night to avoid the wind and cold. Of course, you can also lower the room temperature to make it consistent with the outdoor temperature; The same can be achieved.
Prepare planting beds according to the needs of plants. The planting bed should be placed in a place with suitable light and shade. The acidity and alkalinity of the soil should be appropriate and nutritious. In addition, ensure good drainage. Plant the seedlings in the ground. According to the instructions on the seed package, the pit depth is appropriate. Ensure that the space between pits is appropriate, so that plants have suitable living space. Carefully lift the seedling from the container, gently separate the root system, and then move it into the pit. Water, fertilize and provide conditions suitable for their growth.