TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE – SEEDS
Seed Starting
Check packaging date on seed packet. Do not use old seed.
Check soil moisture at least twice a day. Don’t allow seed to dry out.
Tiny seeds need light to germinate. Sprinkle these on the surface of soil and press.
Medium and large seeds need darkness to germinate. Cover them with soil.
Most seeds require 70 to 75 degrees to germinate. Soil should not be too hot or cold.
Bury seeds 2 to 3 times their diameter. Do not bury too deeply.
Make sure seeds are in good contact with soil. Tamp down after planting.
Make a ball of soil…if you are able to knock it apart easily, the texture is correct.
Some seeds require cold treatment, water treatment or scarification.
Seedlings
Do not over water seedlings. If using a container, water from the bottom up.
Do not overcrowd seedlings. Follow package directions for thinning(1 to 2 in.).
Watch out for pests. Young seedlings are vulnerable to damage.
Leggy seedlings: inadequate light, overcrowding, high temperature.
Seedling Recipe
1/3 Potting Mix, 1/3 Vermiculite, 1/3 Perlite.
Suggested Reading
Burpee Seed Starter by Maureen Heffernan.
Sunset Western Garden Book.
Harlow Gardens
5620 E. Pima Street
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520)298-3303
