The time for first seed sowing is coming soon

For many of us, February is still a winter month when one should still enjoy the winter rest… Nevertheless, those of us who have a garden to take care of never really stop thinking about it or rather about what to grow outside or in the greenhouse this year. In short, the time for sowing and growing seed on window sills is coming. So, which plants should you sow? What substrate should you use? Should you accelerate germination? And what about other interesting tips? Keep on reading and we will give you all the answers and add something more…

Seeds that belong in bowls or pots and on the windowsill

If you already have seeds, you can start sowing. Pre-growing is definitely a good idea. You can also pre-grow seeds in a heated greenhouse or winter garden. Early sowing is recommended for:

• celery,
• eggplant,
• broccoli,
• peppers,
• early salad,
• and others.

In February, you can start pre-growing onions, tomatoes or parsley. As for ornamental plants you can pre-grow:

• lobelia,
• common snapdragon,
• petunias,
• canna lily,
• Drummond’s phlox.

Photo: Pixabay

What substrate should you use for sowing?

Choose a light substrate that does not necessary have plenty of nutrients as they are not needed that much during germination and the first growing stage. A special substrate designed for sowing and propagation is your best choice, or you can easily prepare your own substrate. All you need is:

• a regular garden soil,
• sand,
• perlite,
• peat,
• and a little bit of compost.

Press seeds to the surface and do not cover it with soil, but cover the substrate with a perforated plastic or foil. Planting pots are optimal. Make sure to moist the pots regularly by spraying mist on them. The ideal location is on the southern or eastern windowsills.

Photo: Pixabay

Soak seeds in water first to accelerate germination

Seeds usually sprout quite quickly but try soaking the seeds first. An interesting fact: nature somehow made sure that the first rain will not make seeds to germinate. Seeds contain so-called germination inhibitors. So, if you soak seeds first you will simulate a steady and repeated rain – and speed up the process significantly.Simply put, germination inhibitors will stop working if the moisture lasts longer. Soak the following seeds:

• lettuce – about 4 hours,
• tomatoes and peppers for 1 to 2 days,
• onions, celery, parsley and carrots for 3 days.

Interesting tips and tricks

If you soak seeds of heat-loving plants such as peppers and tomatoes, you should do so at a temperature of around 16 °C. If you soak for a longer period of time, change the water. Dry seeds gently before sowing. Instead of water, try using an extract from various herbs. For example, an extract from common horsetail is perfect.

Preview photo: Pixabay