These are the perennial flowers I would like to germinate indoors and plant in the spring after the last frost. If you could please dumb it down for me I am only a beginner who loves nature. 1. New England Aster 2. Scarlet Monarda (bee balm) 3. Common Rue 4. Blazing Star 5. Joe-Pye Weed 6. Columbine Eastern Red
Joe Pye weed will need cold stratification and I've included instructions below.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/joe-pye-weed/growing-joe-pye-weed.htm
See a list of other seeds needing this treatment: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-stratification.htm
All the flowers you mention have a care article on this website. Just "search" for the flower. Perennials often won't bloom the first year when grown from seed and Columbine is one of those.
To sprout your seeds indoors, you can either use sprouting trays, peat pots or even egg cartons. Use fresh seed starting soil and follow directions on your seed packets for determining the depth and coverage for each strain. Keep the soil damp. Your seed packet will tell you if you need light or warmth for sprouting with each individual strain. The key is to wait until the seedlings have a strong root system before placing them in the ground in the spring.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bee-balm/propagating-bee-balm-plants.htm
I saved quite a few seeds and pods from places I visited last year and wanted to pot them out in the propagator for this year. What is the best time to start and what's the best way to do this? It's my first attempt!
The best time to start seeds is 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. It can vary depending on the seeds. For example, are they all flower seeds or are some vegetables? Cool season vegetables can be started sooner than warm season vegetables, etc. We have lots of instructional articles on this website to help first timers like you so be sure to search our database for growing information. The propagator is like a mini greenhouse. Seeds are watered, then covered with plastic. Once the seedlings emerge, the plastic cover is removed.
Here are some to get you started:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/fungus-control-in-seed-trays.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/leggy-seedling.htm
When should I start seeds inside for planting outside in spring
Each seed packet will contain different information for when to start each variety of seed. Generally, most things can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Some plants have other specific starting information. It is always best to consult your seed packet for information before planting. This article will give you more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
I was given a lovely gift of a small mini portable greenhouse. It’s very basic, 5 shelves and a cover up. My question is that I recently moved back to Maryland from Alabama and when it comes to seeds and starting them inside an outdoor portable greenhouse is going to work well for germination in March with the lower overnight temperatures would I even be successful in this climate using an outdoor mini greenhouse? Just a thought but could setting up my greenhouse indoors in my family room that has full southern sunlight throughout most of the day be a better way to go?
That could be a great way to start seedlings! I have done something similar with a rack in my home on many occasions. This can be useful for the temperatures, and weather won't cooperate.
I want to create 3 6-8 inch terracotta pots of Basil and Cilantro for my windowsill. Is it necessary to sow the seeds in the little seed starting kits or can I go directly to the terracotta pots? Will the soils be different, therefore i should start in the little kits? Thanks for your help! Sincerely, Newbie
You can start in the terminal pot, but the problem arises if you are not familiar with how to water such a young seedling. Since the plant is very young, it will not need the entire container to be wet. It won't dry out often enough to give proper root formation fast enough. If you can only water what is necessary, and it is dry within 2 or 3 days of watering, then it won't be a problem. It is just much easier to get a good watering amount pinned down with a "just fit" pot, but it is not impossible to start them in the terminal pot.
I have been placing seeds in a wet napkin, then inside a ziplock baggie, and finally I put the baggie into the my fridge.
Do they germinate? If not, I would try putting the baggie near or on a windowsill. The fridge may be too cold. If your method is working for you, that's great. You didn't mention what kinds of seeds you're germinating. Here's more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-germination-terms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
"berries" that appear on the plant after the flowers fall off?
Generally, you want to wait until those pods are starting to crack open a little on their own. This will let you know that the seeds are ready for germination, and mature.
You can still try and germinate those seeds, but you will want to let them dry out, first.