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- Q.Can I Use My Conservatory As A Cold Frame? - I live in the south of UK without a greenhouse! However I do have a large unheated conservatory which ...
- Q.Set Seeds About 1 And A Half Weeks And Saw No Signs Of Seedlings What To Do? - Soil is moist all the time; do I wait and see what happens or do I set more seeds?
- Q.Beet Germination - My beet seeds take 3 weeks to germinate. The seed packages say it should take 5-10 days. What's going on? ...
- Q.Germinating Seeds In Egg Containers? - Recently I bought some little cups that are made from the same material as an egg carton/container, they are meant ...
- Q.Packed For Date On Seed Packets - I have several unopened seed packets that are marked packed for 2020. If I put them in my garden now ...
- Q.When Should I Lay Compost When Overseeding? - Hi, Im planning on overseeding my 32m^2 garden and i wanted to know if i should lay a thin layer ...
- Q.Will Seeds Germinate If Only A Few Hours Each Day Are Below Their Minimum Germination Temperature? - This is my first year gardening, and I'm eager to start some of my warm season crops like zucchini, watermelon, ...
Asked by
Anonymous on
July 22, 2020Q.Can I use my conservatory as a cold frame?
I live in the south of UK without a greenhouse! However I do have a large unheated conservatory which is unused during the winter. Would it be suitable to use as a cold frame for germinating seeds etc to plant out in the spring?
Answered by
GKH_Susan on
July 23, 2020
Certified ExpertA.It looks perfect, as long as the temperatures don't fall below what you are planting can handle. This could be a good way to get a head start on the growing season. This article will help you to use a cold frame: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/cold-frame-hardening-in-spring.htm
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- Asked by
Mallisia on
July 27, 2020
Trinidad and tobagoQ.Set Seeds About 1 and A Half Weeks And Saw No Signs Of Seedlings What To Do?
Soil is moist all the time; do I wait and see what happens or do I set more seeds?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
July 28, 2020
Certified ExpertA.This depends on the type of seed, first and foremost.
Some seeds will not survive drying, some need stratification or scarification, and some even need burning to start. Age of the seed can also affect germination.
This will be dependent on the type of seed, mostly.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
dlass61 on
November 10, 2020
Houston TXQ.Beet Germination
My beet seeds take 3 weeks to germinate. The seed packages say it should take 5-10 days. What's going on? I keep them moist, soil temp is 75F, and I've even soaked them before planting. This happens EVERY YEAR. What's the trick to get them to germinate promptly?
- Answered by
Susan Albert on
January 8, 2021
Certified ExpertA.Hello:
Tamu Extension also says the more realistic soil temperature for beets is 45 degrees F. You might try germinating the seeds at a lower temp than you have been and see if that helps. Or wait and try the 85 degrees.Was this answer useful?00 - Answered by
GKH_Susan on
November 10, 2020
Certified ExpertA.Beets are a cool season vegetable and do best in the cool weather of spring and fall. The 75 degree soil temp may be a tad warm. Also, soil must be well drained. There are many variables for seed germination, such as soil, climate, etc. I'm sure germination varies for everyone from the seed packet.
This article describes the ideal conditions for seed germination of beets:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beets/growing-beets.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Answered by
dlass61 on
November 10, 2020A.I should add that I've never heard of anything horticultural where higher temperatures make things go slower. Seeds that don't like to germinate at high temps simply won't germinate.
Was this answer useful?00 - Answered by
dlass61 on
November 10, 2020A.Might want to think again. Everywhere it says that the best germination temps for beets are 65-85F. TAMU Extension actually says that 85F is "optimal".
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden15.html
Beets are generally a cool-season vegetable, but that evidently doesn't mean that germination is best at lower temperatures.Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Clarjs on
November 15, 2020
SpainQ.Germinating Seeds In Egg Containers?
Recently I bought some little cups that are made from the same material as an egg carton/container, they are meant to be used for germinating seeds. The problem is that because of the material, the cups never get fully dry, so they get soggy when I water them. Will this affect the germination of the seeds because it is not drained properly? Should I transplant them to plastic cups?
- Answered by
MichiganDot on
November 16, 2020A.Egg cartons are either a foam material or pulp. Foam doesn't drain and pulp may drain slowly; poke several holes in the bottom with a finishing nail. Soil that is too wet may cause seeds to rot. Do you place the cups into a plastic bag? This keeps the soil moist and little watering is required. (use a teaspoon to water if the soil dries) Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent over-heating of seeds. As soon as germination occurs, remove the plastic bag and put cups in full sun. Seedlings will need to be moved into larger containers when they have 1 or 2 sets of true leaves. These must have larger drainage holes.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Knitting rozz on
April 8, 2021
07726Q.Packed For Date On Seed Packets
I have several unopened seed packets that are marked packed for 2020. If I put them in my garden now in April, 2021, will they be okay?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
April 9, 2021
Certified ExpertA.Yes! Most seeds will last many years, in storage. It is always worth planting, since only a few will of the seeds will have died by this point.
Here is an article with more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/will-expired-seeds-still-grow.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
April 16, 2021Q.When Should I Lay Compost When Overseeding?
Hi, Im planning on overseeding my 32m^2 garden and i wanted to know if i should lay a thin layer of compost after aerating the ground and before seeding or after seeding. I have found conflicting info online regarding this. Also, when should i use lawn feed after overseeding and if it is better to get a liquid formula or granular. Thank you.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
April 20, 2021
Certified ExpertA.The compost comes before seeding. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-seeding-tips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-fertilizer-tips.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
dlschmitt0911 on
April 26, 2021
64086Q.Will Seeds Germinate If Only A Few Hours Each Day Are Below Their Minimum Germination Temperature?
This is my first year gardening, and I'm eager to start some of my warm season crops like zucchini, watermelon, and pumpkins. I've researched that many say 60 degrees is the minimum temperature needed for these plants to germinate. My 14 day forecast shows that I should have temperature highs between 70 and 80 most days and lows averaging around 55. If the soil temperature goes above 60 for a good portion of the day, is it safe for me to plant these crops, or do I need to wait for soil temperatures to never drop below 60? I've heard cool temperatures can stunt some plants, but is that true for even small seedlings?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
April 26, 2021
Certified ExpertA.Yes, it will be fine to plant them. These short periods of less than ideal conditions will not be so much that it will prevent germination.
Here are some articles that will offer more information on the care of these warm season crops:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini
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