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We are excited to start a short gardening series with Lori Coats from My Raggety Herbs! If you’re here in Oklahoma, you probably haven’t planted that garden quite yet. We have had some cold weather!
Now that you’re probably thinking of getting some flowers, herbs or veggies planted, check out this great article from Lori Coats.
If you haven’t followed her page on Facebook, we can recommend it! She has tons of info for the beginner and more advanced gardener. So, stay tuned for more information and tips in the coming weeks! Who’s excited about learning to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, making your own apothecary and more? ~ Melissa & the CQ Team
Germination – The Promise of a Plant
by Lori Coats from My Raggety Herbs
As spring approaches, many backyard kitchen gardening enthusiasts have already started their seeds indoors anticipating warmer weather and the upcoming growing season. It is helpful to understand what germination is and then you can also understand why getting the jump on Mother Nature by starting seeds indoor is beneficial.
Germinate: The beginning of growth in seeds, the action of sprouting, budding or shooting, above the soil. This occurs whenever a plant or seed begins to vegetate into leafy young plants. The breaking of dormancy in seeds or the sprouting of pollen grains deposited on a stigma.
- Environmental factors must trigger the planted seed to grow. Some of these factors include depth of planting, water availability, temperature and light. The first change that occurs is that the tiny seed grows a root in order to access water underground. Next, shoots, or plant growth above the ground begins to appear. The seed sends a shoot towards the surface, where it will grow leaves to harvest energy from the sun. As the plant matures a study stem develops along with larger leaves and later fruit.
- Many things can cause poor germination. Old seeds that are no longer viable are sometimes used and their germination rate is zero to very low. Overwatering can cause the seedling to not have enough oxygen and drown. Planting seeds too deeply causes them to use all of their stored energy before reaching the soil surface. Dry conditions mean the plant doesn’t have enough moisture to start the germination process and wind can often times batter tender seedlings before they have a chance to become established.
- If you are going to direct seed (plant your seeds directly into your garden soil and not start them ahead of time indoors) then it is important to be aware of the proper planting dates for your Hardiness Zone, monitor the weather and have your beds properly prepared. By doing a few simple things you can give your seeds their best possible chance to germinate. One handy trick when direct seeding your cool weather crops into a small area is to plant your seeds, water them in and then cover them with clear plastic wrap for the first few days to heat up the soil and encourage germination. You will need to secure the plastic wrap around the edges and ends to keep it secure and then remove it once you see shoots pressing against it.
There is nothing more exciting than to experience the mystery and wonder of dropping a tiny seed into the soil, covering it up and then seeing it reappear as a promising plant!
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