Sowing & Germination
Did you know that it is quite normal that seeds do not all take the same time to germinate. For example, the 42 day tomato will often germinate 7 days before the Gardener's Choice, Olga Todorova or Oscar Gonthier, even if sown at the same time. And sometimes, even for seeds of the same variety, they can have a lag of up to 7 days between the first emergence and the last. Tomato seeds usually germinate with the right temperature in about a week, parsley 2 weeks, ground cherries 4 weeks...
For the germination period, it is important to maintain a moist soil (not soggy / risk of seed rot) AND an ambient temperature of more than 22C. If your seedlings are on a window sill, your house is at 20C (therefore colder at the edge of the window when cloudy) and 17C at night, this is enough to greatly affect the germination potential of the seeds.
Water: Unless you're shopping for royal tendonitis, drop the ''Pouch-Pouch'' bottle! This 'technique' generally moistens only the surface. As a result, the seeds will not germinate or will take much longer than expected. We opt for a 'fine-delicate' jet but which allows you to water deeply, I like the empty bicycle, honey or ketchup bottle.
We 'kick out' the lid or the ''saran-wrap'', unless you are a pro in adjusting the humidity by varying the opening as needed each day, the humidity cannot regularized quickly, if you put too much water, it will rot.
Potting soil, soil that is too heavy or too rich for starting seedlings can be harmful, just as a soil that is almost sterile and devoid of nutrients is just as harmful such as 'peat pucks' or a mixture that is too sandy can. be.
Do not forget to respect the depth of sowing: 2X the diameter of the seed. If a seed is 1mm, it must be sown 2mm deep. If the seed is too deep, the seed will not make it to the surface.
1- SOIL for sowing or house mix 'suitable for sowing'
2- DEPTH of sowing
3- TEMPERATURE
4- HUMIDITY (not just on the surface and not wet either)
5- Check the germination time specific to the vegetable/plant sown (See our blog article on the subject or seed website, sachet, google...)
When it's germinated: We keep our artificial light about 3 inches from the plants to avoid etiolation and let the soil dry out between waterings. The temperature can drop to 20C during the day and colder at night. About 4 weeks after germination, transplant into richer 'growing' soil or add a little liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water. Tomato, cucumber or squash plants are planted under the base of the first leaves to encourage the growth of new roots that will help strengthen the plant.
Happy sowing!
Julie