THE DIRT CHEAP GARDENER
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Seeds and Plant Propogation
Seeds and Plant Propagation
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There are many advantages to cultivating plants from seeds not the least of which is the cost. A packet of seeds costs just a couple of dollars compared to a couple of dollars for a single seedling from a nursery. Once you know how to harvest seeds, your garden propagates itself.
Other advantages include:
Plants grown from seed tend to be :
Seeds store the genetic information from many preceding generations of plants. They also contain the instructions for the next generations. These instructions have natural variations and no two seedlings are exactly alike. Plant breeders can use this to their advantage in order to produce new varieties.
Harvesting
The main thing to keep in mind when harvesting seeds is to allow the plant time to dry thoroughly. If the seeds are picked too soon, before they are dry enough, they will mold and rot. Save seeds only from healthy plants, as some diseases can be carried through the seeds.
Storing
To store the seeds, make sure they are completely dry, then keep them in an airtight container at 40 degrees F with low humidity. If stored properly, seeds from many plants can remain viable for up to 5 years.
Germination
Different plants have different germination requirements. The seeds have an outer protective coat with the endosperm (food supply) underneath, with an embryo of a new plant in the center. In order to germinate the seeds, we must bring them out of a dormant state by creating favorable conditions. Even so, some seeds will be difficult to germinate.
Water, light, and heat and oxygen all contribute to the germination process. The seed must be kept moist, but not wet. Water penetrates the seed shell, and causes endosperm to swell. The water in the endosperm dissolves the nutrients stored there, which makes them available to the embryo, and the growth process begins.
Some seeds need light to germinate and need to be sown on the surface, others, the light will inhibit their growth, so they will planted below the surface. The seed packet will have instructions if you buy your seeds commercially. Vermiculite mixed with potting soil works as a good growing medium for seed germination. The vermiculite helps keep the medium moist without being too wet.
Other seeds require a process call cold germination They can be germinated by placing them in a plastic bag with a little bit of sand and water. Place the bag in the refrigerator for one to three months, until you see the seed beginning to sprout.
Cuttings
Root Cuttings
Make cuttings 2 to 4 inches long from roots that are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter from newer root growth.
Leaf Cutting
Some plants can be grown by removing a piece of the parent plant, placing it in water, and allowing new roots to form. Succulent plants such as jade and aloe can be propagated by leaf cutting.
Stem Cutting
Cut a stem from a vigorous new growth with no flower buds. The stem should be 3 to 4 inches long with a few leaves attached.
Other advantages include:
Plants grown from seed tend to be :
larger
have more vigorous blooms
have stronger roots
Seeds store the genetic information from many preceding generations of plants. They also contain the instructions for the next generations. These instructions have natural variations and no two seedlings are exactly alike. Plant breeders can use this to their advantage in order to produce new varieties.
Harvesting
The main thing to keep in mind when harvesting seeds is to allow the plant time to dry thoroughly. If the seeds are picked too soon, before they are dry enough, they will mold and rot. Save seeds only from healthy plants, as some diseases can be carried through the seeds.
Storing
To store the seeds, make sure they are completely dry, then keep them in an airtight container at 40 degrees F with low humidity. If stored properly, seeds from many plants can remain viable for up to 5 years.
Germination
Different plants have different germination requirements. The seeds have an outer protective coat with the endosperm (food supply) underneath, with an embryo of a new plant in the center. In order to germinate the seeds, we must bring them out of a dormant state by creating favorable conditions. Even so, some seeds will be difficult to germinate.
Water, light, and heat and oxygen all contribute to the germination process. The seed must be kept moist, but not wet. Water penetrates the seed shell, and causes endosperm to swell. The water in the endosperm dissolves the nutrients stored there, which makes them available to the embryo, and the growth process begins.
Some seeds need light to germinate and need to be sown on the surface, others, the light will inhibit their growth, so they will planted below the surface. The seed packet will have instructions if you buy your seeds commercially. Vermiculite mixed with potting soil works as a good growing medium for seed germination. The vermiculite helps keep the medium moist without being too wet.
Other seeds require a process call cold germination They can be germinated by placing them in a plastic bag with a little bit of sand and water. Place the bag in the refrigerator for one to three months, until you see the seed beginning to sprout.
Cuttings
Root Cuttings
Make cuttings 2 to 4 inches long from roots that are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter from newer root growth.
Leaf Cutting
Some plants can be grown by removing a piece of the parent plant, placing it in water, and allowing new roots to form. Succulent plants such as jade and aloe can be propagated by leaf cutting.
Stem Cutting
Cut a stem from a vigorous new growth with no flower buds. The stem should be 3 to 4 inches long with a few leaves attached.
