I read that new flower seed should be place in a moist coffee filter or paper towel and placed in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks to force germination. Is this true? Is it true for all plant seeds?
No, you don't have to do it this way - it is really dependent on the seed and type of plant you are growing. Some seeds require cold treatment in order to germinate, while others do better in warm temps. Here are some articles that may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/seed-germination-terms.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/seed-stratification.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/soaking-seeds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/growing-vegetables-with-seeds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
We live in Ohio and have not had our last frost yet. I plan to till our garden before planting and I just received my seeds for the veggie and fruit garden. When should I start growing my seeds inside? (I planned to plant the seeds and start the plants, then move them outdoors). But I don't want to start them too soon and have the plants outgrow the mini-nursery. Thanks for your help!
It really depends on the plant, but the general rule of thumb is 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Don't worry if that time has passed. In Ohio, you can wait as long as the end of May to plant in the ground and the plants will catch up quickly, so you really have until the end of April to start seeds without hurting the plants in the garden.
I'm starting my first legit garden and I started everything in .5 pint sized styrofoam containers. They all have clear plastic lids and I usually take lids off during the day and water them enough, I think, then put lids on at night. I just don't know if I'm doing this properly. All seeds are organic and "Guaranteed to grow." My question is, what is the proper way of getting the best results for the first few stages of the plant?
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/growing-vegetables-with-seeds.htm
Best method for germination for garden seeds? Also, what brand of bottom heating pad is good?
Really any type of heating pad will work. Just be sure to put it on the lowest setting with a towel on in. These articles should help with starting your seeds: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/soaking-seeds.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
My seed packets say to use by this year. Why? Can I freeze the unused seeds?
This is simply a best used by date and does not necessarily mean you have to use them all, though it's recommended. As long as you store the seeds in an airtight container until ready to use again, then they should be ok. Do not freeze the seeds though, as this will kill them.
I'm ready to buy seeds, but am needing to know if non-hybrid seeds are listed on the package. In other words, I am wanting to buy non hybrid. I see packages that are listed as organic, and some listed as hybrid. Then there are packages that say neither. Does that mean it is a non-hybrid seed? Thank you.
Typically if they are not marked, they are hybrid. Organic and non-hybrid are different, so a seed can be organic but hybrid too. You may want to buy seeds from companies that specialize in non-hybrid seeds, like rareseeds.com or seedsavers.org.
I live in Missouri. Because of the excessive rain we have had, I have not got my annuals planted. Is it too late in the season to plant the seeds now?