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Starting Seeds Indoors (Continued)
Special Seed Handling Techniques
Many seeds require special handling, so there are a few tricks you should know to ensure that your seeds will sprout. The seed packet should list any special requirements.
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Treatment
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Description
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Seeds
That Should Be Treated
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| Scarification | Seeds with especially hard outer shells often benefit from this abuse. Rub the outer shell of the seed with sandpaper or a file. It takes a little practice to make a cut that's deep enough to help, but not deep enough to damage the plant. |
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| Soaking | Seeds that have a hard outer coat will germinate faster if they are soaked in water overnight. |
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| Stratification | This process helps recreate the natural seasons so that the seed knows it's time to germinate. For cold stratification, place the seeds in moist peat moss or vermiculite in the refrigerator. For warm stratification, place the container in a warm spot. After the first month or so, examine the seeds regularly for signs of germination. As soon as the small white primary root appears, plant the seed in soil. |
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Seeds
That Need Light to Germinate
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Seeds
That Need Dark to Germinate
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Starting Seeds Indoors
Ensure your success with seeds! This 32-page booklet from Storey Publishing is packed with all the information you'll need to grow perfect plants from seeds.
Hints
- Pre-sprout lima bean seeds to reduce chances of their rotting in the garden.
- Start some extra quick growing lettuces like buttercrunch and place them here and there between other seedlings in the garden. They will be harvested and out of the way by the time the other plants need the space.
