Gardening, the hobby for the impromptu ‘green thumb’ and favorite past time for the young and old, it is accessible across all markets and for genuine lovers of nature. What is special about this hobby is because it all starts from a tiny seed.
However, good soil with a healthy level of nutrient retention and frequent doses of water are not all required to make a seed bloom. There is another process called, ‘germination‘ which also factors in ‘purity rates.’
What are these and why are they so important?
The process of germination begins as soon as a seed is planted because germination encourages the seed to grow into a seedling in the form of an embryo filled with nature friendly germs. These embryo like forms are important for overall seed growth otherwise a seed would remain just a seed and would not sprout.
This is where ‘purity rates,’ come into the picture. These rates tell you how pure your seed really is, along with how successful natural germination will occur. These rates are listed and labelled accordingly on the back of the seed packet. For instance, Vermont Wildflower seeds packets make sure they display this information on their packaging.
How can you use this for gardening success?
However there are many ways to get the germination process started and each process is different for each type of seed. Water, oxygen levels, temperature (the seasons) and light exposure factor in and heavily influence this process. For example, take the rose seed.
These seeds can be planted preferably in the cooler spring months. Bury them in the soil about ½ inch deep, as for soil most gardeners use Sunshine Mix #4. Keep them watered and do not let them dry out because heat is not good for the germination of rose seeds.
Direct sunlight is recommended but if colder temperatures are foretold such as frost, place the plants in shade. Germination takes about six weeks and the rose seedlings will start to sprout when the weather gradually gets warmer.
Plants like tomato plants however are better to be germinated into seedlings before being put into soil because the older the tomato seed is, the more their germination rate decreases. Tomato seeds can germinate in any container, you can use a plastic cup, as long as the seed gets lots of moisture and warmth.
Soak some soil mixed with water overnight before placing the tomato seed and keep this out of direct sunlight in a place where 27 degrees is the highest temperature. Tomato seeds can germinate in this setting after 5-10 days. Once a seedling has formed up to 3 inches long, you can plant your future tomato plant.
Germination and purity rates are valuable factors to take into account and can ensure any garden’s overall future success.
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