We are going to look at germination for an average climate. If you live in a considerably colder climate, there will be a slight variation in germination methods.
The first thing you need to consider when calculating the germination time for garden seeds is the years first frost. This is how you will know when to start germinating. On average we will start the germination process around 6 weeks before the first frost.
To start the germination process. make sure you use light, friable soil. The seeds will need to absorb 40-60% of the weight in moisture to trigger germination. Make sure you use quality soil. You see, when the seeds sprout they will take moisture from the film of water around the soil particles, and they will take air from the space in between those same particles.
The next thing to focus on is warmth. Seeds need a soil temp of 68F. So if you live in a cold climate make sure to plant the seeds close to the house or a porch. (Definitely try to keep them in the sunlight as well).
If you cant find a good spot, go ahead and plant them in a glass or plastic covered cold frame.
The germination time for garden seeds is usually between 6-20 days. Here is a chart of the average times for various vegetables: Beans (dwarf) 7-10 Beans (climbing) 7-10 Beetroot 10-14 Broad beans 10-14 Broccoli 6-10 Brussels Sprouts 6-10 Cabbage 6-10 Capsicum(Peppers)10-14 Carrots 10-21 Cauliflower 6-10 Celery 14-21 Chinese Cabbage 6-10 Cucumber 6-10 Eggplant 10-14 Endive 10-14 Leeks 10-14 Lettuce 6-10 Marrow 6-10 Melons 6-10 Okra 10-14 Onions 10-14 Onions (Spring) 10-14 Parsnip 21-28 Peas (Dwarf) 7-10 Pumpkin 6-10 Radish 5-8 Rhubarb 10-21 Silverbeet 10-14 Spinach 14-21 Squash 6-10 Swedes 6-10 Sweet Corn 6-10 Tomato 10-14 Turnips 6-10
During the germination process make sure you keep the seeds moist, not wet. When they start to sprout you will keep spraying them, but you will do it less frequently.
Keep them in the shade when young, but gradually increase the amount of sunlight they receive, as a way to make the seeds grow accustom to sunlight. (There is no exact standard , but just use your own discretion)
Once the seeds sprout, and they begin to take on the roots, place them in small planters. This will allow the roots to gain strength before you plant them in real soil outdoors.
This is just an outline or a guide. When you begin to grow more frequently, you will start to discover your own timing and method. The germination time for garden seeds definitely varies from climate to climate and soil to soil. Make sure you write down your progress and how the seeds react and grow. Doing this ensure your future success. Most gardeners keep track of planting methods and seed reactions to different timing and soils.
I hope that this helps you out. I know it can be tough when first start out, especially with the germination process. We are so involved in the germination process. Its up to us to provide everything the plant needs. It may seem exact, but if you make sure to keep to the guidelines, you will find that the process can vary.
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on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 7:37 pm and is filed under Hydroponic Grow System.
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