With Some Plants, itÕs Sprouting Seeds At Home - Or Not At All

Because many plants have such a long growing seasons, their seeds have to be planted early. And, unless you give these plants a head start indoors they just won’t flower or bear fruit when they should. So, just set aside a small indoor area for this incubator gardening—and start sprouting seeds at home!

Other plant seeds may not need to be sprouted at home, but will flower or be more productive for a much longer time— if started early. But, any plants being cultivated by planting seeds that are tiny or wispy should be sprouted indoors to protect them from harsh weather.

Unless, You Live In a Treehouse, Sprouting Indoors Eliminates Insects and Diseases

Indoor seed sprouting also eliminates garden pests, weeds and hungry birds. And if you’ll be transplanting to the outside eventually, you’ll make more productive use of your garden area if you start with plants instead of seeds.

For sprouting seeds inside, it’s important to have either a good, sunny window or a cool-white florescent fixture. Use ready-made plant containers, complete with soil. Or make your own out of egg containers with drain holes punched in the bottoms.

Seeds can be started in just about any soil mixture, vermiculite or sphagnum. Fill with water. If you choose to sterilize the soil, to kill weed seeds and pathogens, pour into a shallow pan and bake at 350¼ F. for 1 hours.

Now, you’re ready for a few more tips on in-home sprouting:

• Constant florescent lights are better than daylight
• Keep under lights 24 hours a day until sprouting
• Reduce to 12 hours 3-6 inches from plant tips
• Rotate containers so sprouts grow evenly
• Only when leaves sprout use weak plant food

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