Seeds a Complete Guide Contents

How to Start Seeds A Complete Guide Contents

Top 5 Reasons to Garden From Seed 1 Seed Starting Guide 3 Stratification and Scarification 7 Average Last Frost Date and Maps 9 Soil Temperatures and Chart 10 10 Tips for Beginning Seed Gardeners 12

Appendix 14 Indoor Sowing Guide 15 Outdoor Sowing Guide 16 Botanical Interests Seed Packet Plant Tag 17 Seed Depth Diagram 17 Seed Starting Worksheet 18

www.botanicalinterests.com Top 5 Reasons to Garden From Seed by Judy Seaborn, Co-owner

Gardening from seed has big advantages.

The experience of taking what looks like a tiny stone, sowing it, and watching it grow, seems magical; it is faith realized, and it nurtures us as we nurture it. While sometimes that inspiration is all we need to garden from seed, there are some other very important reasons, too.

1. Know what you grow. Did you know that many of the conventionally- grown vegetables at the grocery store test positive for pesticide residue even after washing The cost of the packet is $2.69. A six pack of and peeling? Some of the worst offenders are plants will run you $4 and only plants 2 feet spinach, tomatoes, celery, and peppers. The (pssst…green beans don’t transplant well so choice of organic foods and goods is a lifestyle expect lower yields). Five pounds of (less than path that many have adopted. Growing your fresh) green beans at the grocery store will own allows you to choose what goes into your cost around $15. Did we mention the seeds in family’s food, where it came from, and how our example are certified organic? fresh and nutritious it is; you simply can’t get more local! When goodness and love go in, 3. More choices. goodness and love come out in the harvest. Grocery stores and garden centers offer only a fraction of available selections. Gardening from 2. Save money. seed gives you the option to grow something Growing from seed is much less expensive unique, exotic, or rare. We frequently hear than buying plants or produce, especially from gardeners that they never knew they organic choices. For example, most food liked tomatoes until they grew a variety bred gardeners I know grow green beans because for flavor and not shelf life. This is why we the quality is so much better than the grocery are always scouting and trying new varieties store and they are a pretty easy crop (they to add to the over 600 proven varieties we also add nitrogen to the soil!). A seed packet already carry; so you can sow and grow exactly of bush beans sows about 16 feet of bean what you are looking for. plants which will yield about 7 lbs. of beans.

botanicalinterests.com 1 Top 5 Reasons to Garden From Seed cont.

4. Reduce plant stress. shorter growing season, as I would never Nature direct-sows, and in many cases see a pepper produce fruit if I sowed it sowing seeds in place versus transplanting directly outdoors. from greenhouse-started plants leads to quick, stress-free growth, meaning faster, and I can’t tell you how many times I have often more flowers and fruit, particularly in wandered out to the garden saying, “Let’s see the case of plants that are sensitive to root what’s for dinner.” I slow down from my busy disturbance. This is especially true of quick-to- day when I stroll out to the garden with a glass mature crops like mesclun and cilantro, or root of wine and my favorite wooden bowl to see crops, sunflowers, and those in the Cucurbit what piques my culinary interest that evening; (cucumbers, squash), bean and pea families a personal reward for all my time spent to name a few. nurturing the garden!

5. Perfect timing. There are advantages to starting some crops early indoors; usually vegetables that tolerate transplanting and take a long time to mature, like peppers, onions, or tomatoes. Starting these indoors gives me a head start in my

botanicalinterests.com 2 Seed Starting Guide

Botanical Interests makes seed gardening easy!

Every Botanical Interests seed packet is rich with information on both the outside and inside to guide you through each step of growing from seed, to ensure your gardening success.

We use your average last frost date to determine when to sow because it is based on your own garden’s climate. The front of each packet highlights the variety’s

best qualities, while the back has more in-depth information to help you choose INSIDE INFO MORE

what is right for you and your garden. On FLAPS BACK PEEL the inside of every packet you will find the best growing conditions for the variety along with information about special care, organic black-eyed susan gardening methods, and tips to improve Rudbeckia hirta your gardenThe throughout state flower of theMaryland seasons. has With Black-Eyed 2"–4" daisy-like flowers with hundredsSusan oforange/yellow varieties petals. of flower, This beautiful, herb, and vegetable heirloomseeds thatrudbeckia are blooms untreated over a and Non- long period—at least 8 weeks; winter $1.79 GMO Projectseed Verified, cones supply Botanicalfood for birds, Interests will too. Black-Eyed Susan is a short- 500 mg inspire andlived educate perennial the (USDA gardener zones 3–7), in you! that may come back for a second or third year, but is often treated as PERENNIAL Should I startan annual. my Great seeds cut flower. indoors North FULL SUNthan transplants. Large-seeded crops such as American native wildflower; may Blooms summer or outdoors?re-seed itself and is an excellent beans, corn, and squash germinate quickly 24"–36" tall addition to wildflower areas. when sown directly into warm soil, often Deer resistant. ba Seedling ck o f p within a few days. Root crops such as carrots, ac NATIVE When to sow outside: 2 to 4 weeks ke before your average last frost date, and t Bright, cheerybeets, turnips, and radishes should always be as late as 2 months before first fall frost. color! Perfect Days to Emerge: When to start inside: 8 to 10 weeks sown where they are going to grow so their 10 – 15 Days before your average last frost date. If for wildflower started inside early enough, may bloom roots develop undisturbed. Seed Depth: areas as it 1/8" the first year. Seed Spacing: is drought A group of 3 seeds tolerant,The self- advantage of starting certain seeds everyThere 12" – 24" are benefits to both methods. Sowingsowing, indoorsand is that you get a head start on the Thinning: Whenoutdoors 1" – 2" tall, is often the way to get the best attracts beesseason, and you have more control over the thin to 1 every OPEN POLLINATED and butterflies are dedicated to inspiring and educating the gardener in you. We why we’ve put even more helpful information inside. That’s results,12" – 24" and you’ll ANDsave time sowing directly growing conditions. For crops like tomatoes

cut out for plant tag UNTREATED to the garden. Datein Seed the Sown garden. Usually, plants sown directly and peppers that take a long time to produce © Botanical Interests, Inc. Excellent cut outdoors are660 Compton more Street, vigorous Broomfield, andColorado healthier80020 fruit, starting indoors is usually preferred. Also, www.botanicalinterests.com flower. botanicalinterests.com 3 Seed Starting Guide cont.

annual flowers started indoors will flower When is the correct time to sow seed in earlier in the season, and perennial flowers my garden? may flower in their first year. Many varieties Botanical Interests uses the average last frost need warm soil temperature to germinate, so date as a guideline for when to sow seed. This if you don’t start them inside, you may have is identified as the first day in spring when to wait to sow outdoors until 2 to 4 weeks there is less than a 50% chance a frost will after your average last frost date. occur (see page 9). Historical Information: Ancient Each packetItalian gives you indoorGenovese and outdoor If you don’t already know your average last frost sowing instructions and often a Romans and Greeks believed that Family: Laminaceae (formerly date,one contact had to yourshout local, and independent scream curses garden recommendation to which is Labiatae) Mint family, includes centerwhile or sowing local Cooperative basil seeds Extension. to get There basil, coleus,preferred catnip, for thatlavender, variety. arethem also towebsites grow. They that providealso thought maps and charts salvia, thyme, mint, and marjoram. withthat frost basil dates leaves specific left under to your a potcity or zip code.for a few seconds beforehand will result in Members of this family have a Usewould that turndate intoas a scorpions.guideline to It sowwas seed at thebetter color retention when defrosted. Freeze characteristic square stem. correctbelieved time that for yoursmelling location. it would even in ice cube trays. When frozen, store cubes in Native: Probably Africa, but in create scorpions in the brain! In a sealed container. Ideas for Using: In addition to Italian foods cultivation for so long that it cannot It’sRomani, also helpful a boy to accepting know your a averagesprig from first fall such as pesto and other pasta sauces, fresh be verified. frosta girl date meant so you they can are determine engaged theto number Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual be married. basil is wonderful in green salads, atop of frost-free days in your growing season, Plant Dimensions: 18"–24" tall, Tradition has it that when a man gives buttered bread, as an accent to fish, poultry, 10" wide helpinga sprig you of basilto better to a planwoman, your she garden. will rice, and many vegetables including squash, Variety Information: Large, dark fall in love with him and never leave eggplant, cabbage, carrots and spinach. Basil green almond-shaped leaves. This is Seehim. pages Cooking 15–16 her for a deliciousa helpful guidepesto for whenalso makes a nice tea (steep 1 tsp. dried the true Italian pesto basil from the todinner sow crops. with basil would probably work leaves with 1 cup boiling water) and an Genoa area of Italy, pesto capital of even better! excellent vinegar. the world. StartingOther Information:Your Garden OutdoorsThe botanical Recipe: PESTO: In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 c. of extra virgin olive Optimal Growing Conditions: Soil:name Your of soil basil, can Ocimum be very differentbasilicum, even from oil, 3 tbsp. of pine nuts or walnuts, 2 or SOIL: Well-drained, light, and rich soilcomes that’s fromin a neighboring the Greek wordsyard. A for soil test in organic matter. WATER: Keep soil “smell” and “kingly”, which may 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 tsp. salt; can help you determine what type of soil you evenly moist. EXPOSURE: Prefers allude to its fragrance and the purple blend. Add 2 c. of fresh basil leaves, being full sun but will grow in part shade. have(the and color provide of royalty) suggestions flowers for ofimproving many it.careful not to overprocess the leaves. At this FERTILIZER: Not necessary in fertile Contactbasil varieties. your local Basil Cooperative has few Extensionpests for point it can be frozen. Just before use, add soil, and overfertilization decreases informationand repels about quite soil a few. testing. Japanese 3 tbsp. of Parmesan cheese. Serve over freshly flavor. If plants appear stunted, or Beetles may find it tasty, but basil is cooked hot pasta. Mangia! are in containers and the media Temperature:said to deter Useflies, a soilthrips, thermometer mosquitoes, to has no nutrients, add a balanced determineand ants. the temperature of the soil right Illustrated by: Donna Clement fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorous, before sowing, as optimal seed germination and potassium in equal ratios). temperaturesIn may the vary Kitchen by variety. Last Day of Frost Average Your SPECIAL CARE: Mulching soil will How to Store: FRESH: Store fresh- help retain moisture, but do so after Seecut page basil 10 stems for more in a jar information or vase with on soil soilRecommended has warmed growing up so as not to temperatures.water on the kitchen counter (as you slowconditions growth. found insideOnce packet basil has 3 to would flowers) for up to one week. Do 4 sets of leaves, pinch the top to not refrigerate, as low temperatures encourage branching. Basil can brown the leaves. DRIED: In a cool, be grown inside in a bright, sunny well-ventilated area (below 86°F), botanicalinterests.comwindow or under grow lights. hang stems upside down or pinch 4 Harvesting: Basil flavor is best off leaves and place them loosely in

before the plant flowers. Harvest up a brown paper bag for 3 to 4 days or or less) is defined as “the first day in spring on which there is average last day of frost (32°F The information is crucial when planting a garden. To This chance a frost will occur.” less than a 50% find out your average last day of frost, call local independent garden center or county Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service. Also inquire about the average date of first fall frost. to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving until dried. if using a dehydrator, a low enough for the plant to be healthy temperature setting is best. FROZEN: and keep producing. Harvest prior Purée batches of fresh basil leaves to frost; basil is very frost sensitive. with a little olive oil. Blanching leaves Seed Starting Guide cont.

Moisture: After sowing seed, make sure variety. Once the seeds germinate, though, the thin top layer of soil where the seed is room temperature (70°–75°F) will help most growing stays moist, but not soggy. Depending seedlings grow best. Warm-weather-loving on your garden’s climate, you may need to plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and water more than once a day to keep the seed peppers appreciate warmer soil conditions and soil moist. Too little moisture can prevent and may benefit from the use of a special the seed from germinating, while too much heat mat when sown indoors. water can contribute to seeds rotting. Moisture: Covering your containers with a Light: Most flowers and vegetables need at clear lid or clear plastic wrap helps retain least 6 hours of direct sun each day, which is moisture and increase humidity during considered “full sun”. Some plants will grow germination. After your seedlings emerge, in “part shade”, 3 to 6 hours of direct sun remove the cover. A spray bottle or mister each day, and filtered sunlight through trees is a great way to keep growing medium or structures the rest of the day. A few types moist without damage to seeds and young of plants will be happy in complete shade, or seedlings. Check soil regularly to prevent filtered or indirect sun. seeds and seedlings from drying out; moist, but not soggy is ideal. Starting Seeds Indoors Containers and trays: Almost any container can be used to start seeds including milk or egg cartons, yogurt cups, or berry containers. When reusing any container, it should be cleaned, sanitized, and have holes in the bottom for drainage. For easy transplanting, sow in a biodegradable pot that can be planted directly into the garden. This saves you time and minimizes root disturbance to your seedling. Try Botanical Interests eco-friendly, pop-open Recycled Paper Pots.

Medium: High-quality seed-starting mix is loose and lightweight yet holds moisture and is free from sticks and bark. Avoid potting mixes, which can be heavy and contain large chunks, or soil from your garden that may have pests, weeds, or diseases. It is a good idea to moisten medium before filling your container.

Temperature: Optimal medium temperatures for seeds to germinate will vary for each botanicalinterests.com 5 Cherry Belle Optimal Growing Conditions: GENERAL: Proper thinning is crucial Family: Brassicaceae (formerly for good radish development; Cruciferae) Mustard or Cabbage thin to 2" apart when seedlings family, includes alyssum, iberis, emerge. SOIL: Loose, light soil with watercress, broccoli, turnip, Brussels a fair amount of organic matter, oil, 1/4 c. rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp. celery seed, sprouts, cauliflower, and kohlrabi. free of rocks and clods. WATER: salt and pepper, 6 romaine lettuce leaves. Native: Unknown Keep evenly moist. Too little water DIRECTIONS: Using a mandoline or box Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual produces a small, spicy, bitter root. grater, shred the radishes and carrots. Cut the Plant Dimensions: 2½"–3" tops Seed StartingToo much Guide water promotes cont. excess celery into matchstick-size pieces. Toss the and 3/4"–1½" rounded root foliage and small root. Uneven vegetables and chives together in a medium Variety Information: Bright red watering may cause radishes to crack bowl. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, skin and a firm, crisp, white interior; or split. EXPOSURE: Full sun to part vinegar, celery seed and salt and pepper. Pour mild flavor. ’Cherry Belle‘ is a spring/ shade. FERTILIZER: Not necessary over vegetables and toss well. Serve on a bed summer radish. with fertile soil. SPECIAL CARE: of romaine lettuce. General Radish Information:Light: For best growth, seedlings need at least Circulation: Air circulation around seedlings Flea beetles leave small holes in MOM’S WEIRD SANDWICH: Place slices of SPRING/SUMMER RADISHES14 growhours of light per day. Even your sunniest can help prevent disease problems while the leaves, which can impact the radishes, mayonnaise, chopped green onions best in the cool weather of spring window mayformation not supply of the enough radish root. light If toyou grow (scallions)strengthening on bread. seedlings. Add salt Aand fan pepper on low to setting, through early summer and fall. live in an area where flea beetles are taste. To each their own… Usually small, radishes canstrong be globe plants. To provide adequate light, we not pointed at the soil, provides airflow problematic, cover the seeded area shaped or elongated, and pungencyrecommend using a shop light with cool white without drying the soil. with row covers until harvest. Quality You Can Grow With! ranges from mild to fiery spicy. or a mix of coolHarvesting: and warm Harvest white when fluorescent radish Most of us at Botanical Interests are avid WINTER RADISHES are sown in mid- bulbs placedis 1"–2"no larger above than 1½"the seedlings.in diameter. YouIf gardeners,Fertilizer: so If we your understand medium the does trust notthat contain to late summer because they require allowed to grow bigger, ’Cherry Belle‘ gardeners put in seed suppliers to provide shortening day length to triggercould root also purchase special grow lights. To nutrients, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer may become pithy and hot. high-quality seed. Germination tests are growth, need more time to mature, make it easier,Other plug Information: your lights Leavesinto a timerare also that performedwhen seedlings on every have lot of atseed least we twobring sets in, of and can overwinter in the ground in is set to turnedible on and and off are automatically. best eaten fresh when andleaves. we accept Check only the the label best forquality the available.recommended mild climates. Some varieties are thin small, or cooked at any stage. You If you find a problem with our seed, simply and long, while others are short and rate to mix for seedlings. can also allow some of your radishes write to us at the address on the back of round. Usually milder than spring/ to flower and go to seed. The edible this packet or use the Contact Us link at summer radish, although some seed pod is delicious in salads or www.botanicalinterests.com,Hardening off: This is the and final we will step be before Last Day of Frost Average Your can be pungent. Stores well in the stir-fry dishes. happyplanting to help your you. seedlings into the garden. It is refrigerator, up to a month with tops ~ From all of us at Botanical Interests removed. Often cooked or pickled. In the Kitchen a 7 to 14-day transition period that helps the Special Sowing and Germination How to Store: Rinse radishes in cold Illustratedtender seedlings by: Donna adjust Clement to outdoor conditions, Instructions: Radish plants thrive including exposure to direct sunlight, wind, in cool temperatures, but the seeds water, remove tops (store separately), require fairly warm temperatures to and store both in sealed containers and changes in temperature. germinate. To help warm the soil, in the refrigerator. Greens store up to a week, and roots store for up to you can place black plastic sheeting On the first day, put seedlings in a protected on the growing area 3 days before 3 weeks. sowing. Sow the radish seeds under Recipes: RADISH CONFETTI location out of direct sun and wind. Leave or less) is defined as “the first day in spring on which there is average last day of frost (32°F The information is crucial when planting a garden. To This chance a frost will occur.” less than a 50% find out your average last day of frost, call local independent garden center or county Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service. Also inquire about the average date of first fall frost. the sheeting, and after 4 days, SALAD: INGREDIENTS: 2 c. radishes, them outdoors for 1 to 2 hours then bring check daily for seedlings. Remove washed and trimmed, 1 medium carrot, 1 celery stalk, 2 tbsp. chives them back indoors. Each day, leave them plastic immediately after seedlings outdoors longer, and gradually move them have emerged. cut into one-inch pieces, 1/4 c. olive into more exposed areas, while checking the Look for recipe and craft soil moisture frequently. suggestions inside each packet. Enjoying Your Garden Now you’re ready for a successful gardening season! Read the inside of the seed packet for harvesting tips, how to store vegetables and herbs, delicious recipes, and how to use flowers in your landscape and arrangements.

Gardening from seed is very rewarding. We hope that every packet of Botanical Interests seed will further inspire and educate the gardener in you.

botanicalinterests.com 6 Stratification and Scarification

Have you seen special germination instructions Soak seeds in tepid water for 12 to 24 hours on the back of our seed packets? Don’t worry! (not longer; seeds need air too). These extra steps are easier than you may think. Scarification should be done just before Scarification sowing, since this treatment leaves Seeds with a hard, almost impenetrable seed seeds vulnerable coat (“testa”) need some help breaching to decay. the seed coat to allow the seed to absorb (“imbibe”) water so it can germinate. In nature, these seeds would go through a process of freezing and thawing that would naturally break this seed coat. Here are a few easy ways to mimic the natural process (with most seeds you can choose any one of these three).

Roll seeds over sandpaper or a file. Once you see a color change in the seed coat, they are ready; you don’t want to damage the inside of the seed. You can also line a container (like a film canister or tin can) with sandpaper and shake the seeds inside the container for about one minute.

Nick the seed coat with a nail clipper or knife on the opposite end of the area that looks like an “eye spot” (or the pointed end in some cases), which is where the first root (“radicle”) will emerge, always being careful not to damage any tissue inside of the seed.

botanicalinterests.com 7 Stratification and Scarification cont.

Stratification Stratify using your refrigerator. Stratification is a cold, moist period that breaks seed dormancy. In nature, this process occurs Sow seeds into a sanitized container of in winter, keeping seeds from germinating moistened seed-starting mix, following until conditions are more ideal in the spring. instructions on the packet for seed depth. Perennials (plants that live for several years) are more likely to require stratification. Cover the container with plastic wrap.

You can promote natural stratification by Place the container in the refrigerator for 3 to sowing in the fall for spring germination. 8 weeks, checking moisture regularly. Refer You may experience a little seed loss due to to the seed packet for the ideal number of critters, but because this is an easy method, weeks to stratify. most gardeners feel it is worth it. Remove the container and place in a warm (some packets list an ideal temperature range), indoor area, leaving the plastic wrap in place until seeds have germinated. Refer to the seed packet for any special light or darkness requirements for best germination. Keep seeds and seedlings moist.

botanicalinterests.com 8 Average Last Frost Dates and Maps

How do I use my average first and last How do my average last and first frost frost dates? dates help me choose varieties?

Helping home gardeners grow their best Once you know your average last frost date, garden is our mission. To do that, we suggest you can count days until your average first using your average last frost date to help frost date to see if your growing season is determine the best time to sow your seeds. long enough to grow the variety, using the Using your average last frost dates is different days to maturity. Our vegetable packets list from referencing your USDA Hardiness Zone. the “days to maturity” which means the While the hardiness zone does tell you your number of days it will take to produce fruit average coldest winter temperature, it doesn’t with ideal conditions. tell you much more about your climate or growing season. Your average last frost date is the date that there is a 50% chance that frost is over until the end of your season. This date guides your sowing calendar, and in short-season areas, it may guide your variety choices. Check your seed packets or our Indoor and Outdoor Sowing Guides to fill in your sowing calendar.

botanicalinterests.com 9 Soil Temperature for Higher Germination

Soil temperature is just as important as thermometer will also give you an advantage proper moisture to quickly achieve optimal towards successful germination, as you can germination rate. Without the right soil monitor and adjust the indoor environment to temperature range, germination can be reach the optimal temperature. Germination delayed or prevented, and the germination temperature requirements are often higher rate will decrease. Temperatures below than what the plant needs to grow, so once minimum can leave seed vulnerable to mold germinated, most varieties can be transplanted or hungry wildlife. into cooler soils (after hardening off, and your average last frost dates). Soil temperature generally lags behind air temperature in spring, which may require you How to use your soil thermometer to wait longer to sow, consequently eliminating direct-sowing of some longer-season varieties A soil thermometer is an easy-to-use, from your garden. For example, some indispensable tool that can make gardening pumpkins take 120 days to mature, but also from seed more successful, helping you require soil temperatures of 70°–90°F for achieve a great germination rate. Here are germination. If your soil doesn’t typically warm some tips for using a soil thermometer to in time for a variety to mature, you can start accurately measure soil temperature. those seeds indoors, essentially extending your growing season by giving plants a head Take soil temperature measurements twice a day start. Even inside, however, some plants for an average, in the early morning and in the will need additional heating to maintain that afternoon/evening. Taking and recording readings ideal soil temperature; for those plants, use over a couple of days will give you an even more a waterproof seedling heat mat. Using a soil accurate average of your current soil temperature.

botanicalinterests.com 10 Soil Temperature for Higher Germination cont.

Tips: Note: A soil thermometer with a metal probe • Place the thermometer 1"–2" in the soil is sturdiest and safest. If your thermometer’s for seeds, and as deep as the pot in the probe is glass, create a pilot hole with a tool case of transplants. like a screwdriver that is slightly narrower than • Shade the thermometer if it is in direct sun. the thermometer probe. The slightly smaller • T hermometers may read slowly, so wait hole will ensure the thermometer is still getting until the temperature holds steady. good soil contact. • Store your soil thermometer indoors, away from moisture. • Reference our soil temperature chart below!

Ideal Soil Temperatures for Vegetables

Ideal Soil Temperature Range Ideal Soil Temperature Range Variety for Germination (°F) Variety for Germination (°F) Amaranth 68–75 Leek 60–85 Artichoke 70–80 Lettuce 60–70 Arugula 50–70 Mache 40–68 Bean 70–85 Melon 70–90 Bean, Fava 40–75 Mustard 60–75 Beet 60–85 Okra 80–90 Bok Choy 75–85 Onion 60–85 Broccoli 60–85 Parsnip 50–70 Broccoli Romanesco 70-85 Peas 60–80 Brussel Sprouts 60–85 Pepper 70–90 Cabbage 75–85 Pumpkin 70–90 Carrots 60–85 Quinoa 45–50 Cauliflower 70–85 Radicchio 60–75 Celery 70–75 Radish 65–85 Collards 75–85 Rutabaga 60–80 Corn 65–90 Sorrel 68–86 Cucumber 70–90 Spinach 50–75 Edamame 70–85 Squash 70–85 Eggplant 80–90 Swiss Chard 75–90 Endive 60–70 Tomatillo 80–85 Fennel 60–75 Tomato 70–90 Kale 65–85 Turnip 65–80 Kohlrabi 65–85 Watermelon 70–90

botanicalinterests.com 11 TIPS for Beginning Seed Gardeners

10Even though it’s one of our favorite things to do, at first, seed gardening can feel overwhelming. As with any new endeavor, a few tips from an expert can put your efforts way ahead, making the overwhelming seem very doable. Here’s some of our best tips we’ve learned over the many collective years of seed gardening we have at Botanical Interests.

1. Focus. What are your favorite flowers or vegetables? Make a short list and start with those, to ensure you will want to eat and enjoy what comes up in the garden. 4. Keep it clean. If you start seed indoors or outdoors in 2. Create a sowing calendar. containers, always sanitize the containers and Find your average first and average last frost use seed-starting mix rather than garden soil, dates, which vary by area (see page 9). which can introduce pests and disease. Read Use an internet search or contact your local more about growing in containers. Cooperative Extension. This will go a long way to guiding you as to the correct time to sow 5. Test the soil. seeds of different varieties. Once you know Like humans, plants need particular nutrients your dates, use our Sowing Guides (pages for healthy, green growth and fruits. When 15–16) to create a garden specific to your those nutrients are out of balance, the result growing season. can be a beautiful, large tomato plant with no fruit or in the case of over-fertilization, it can 3. Sow outside. leave plants susceptible to pests and disease If you don’t already have grow lights and an and even cause pollution. A soil test from your indoor growing space, then start with seeds local Cooperative Extension or private company you can sow directly outdoors. The outdoors can save you that frustration. Because there are is a seed’s natural habitat, making sowing so many fertilizer and soil amendment options, simple, and in many cases it is the best option a soil test will tell you exactly what to add to for the plant. make your soil ideal for what you are growing. If your results don’t show major issues, great, no need to test annually. However, it is pretty

botanicalinterests.com 12 10 Tips for Beginning Seed Gardeners cont.

safe to assume that in a food garden you will 8. Ask a friend. likely want to add organic material annually Ask gardeners! Garden centers (and us!) are because plants use up the soil nutrients, and great resources for questions and concerns. once plants or fruits are harvested, those If you’re lucky enough to have a gardener nutrients leave the garden (and go into your friend, have them come visit. They may see food), so they need to be replenished for a opportunities and tips that you didn’t think to future successful garden. ask about. Don’t worry! All “expert” gardeners started at the beginning. 6. Exposure. Find where you get the most sun. Full 9. Keep a journal. sun means 6 or more hours of unshaded Growth as a gardener can really be helped exposure, which is ideal for most vegetable along if you have a good record of when and plants. Some varieties will grow well in part what you grew, what excelled in your garden, sun/part shade, which means 3 to 6 hours of what flavors you preferred, etc. This habit will sunlight per day. help you to continue to move forward year to year, and it also gives you time to simply 7. Water. reflect in your garden. Our Garden Journal In the beginning of a plant’s life it will need template can help keep your notes organized. frequent, shallow waterings, but as it grows, watering more deeply and less frequently 10. Stay positive. will promote deep, strong roots. If you aren’t Starting something new can always be a sure if your plants need more water, don’t be challenge. But as gardeners know, Mother afraid to poke a finger into the soil. The vast Nature can dampen all your efforts, so it’s majority of roots will be in the top 6" of soil. important to look forward. Most established plants can handle the first 1" drying out temporarily, and drought- Gardening is part science experiment and part tolerant plants can handle even more. creative outlet. Seeds are designed to grow with soil and sun to feed them, and while they may not be originally adapted to our area, like peppers, we can learn a few tricks to help them along. If you ask almost any gardener, part of the fun of gardening is the learning, so let’s get started! Learn more about seed starting with our seed starting articles.

botanicalinterests.com 13 Appendix

Indoor Sowing Guide 15 Outdoor Sowing Guide 16 Reading a Botanical Interests Plant Tag 17 Seed Depth Diagram 17 Seed Starting Worksheet 18

botanicalinterests.com 14 Indoor Sowing Guide

VEGETABLES & HERBS

10–12 weeks before 6–8 weeks before Collards 1–2 weeks before your average last frost date your average last frost date Fennel your average last frost date Kale Artichoke Amaranth Kohlrabi Quinoa Celery Borage Lettuce before Eggplant Cabbage, Head and Savoy Okra 2–3 months your average first fall frost Onion, Bulb and Shallot Catnip Radicchio Rosemary Chives Shiso Cabbage, Napa Lemon Balm Sorrel Celery 8–10 weeks before Marjoram Swiss Chard Kale your average last frost date Mint Tomatillo Onion Short-day types Dill Oregano Tomato (Mild climates only) Endive Parsley Watercress Radicchio Leek Sage Onion, Bunching Tarragon 2–4 weeks before 4 months before Pepper Thyme your average last frost date your average first fall frost Savory Brussels Sprouts 4–6 weeks before Bitter Melon Stevia Cauliflower your average last frost date Broccoli Raab Wild Bergamot Cucumber Basil Melon Broccoli Pumpkin Broccoli Romanesco Spinach New Zealand Cabbage, Napa Squash, Summer and Winter Cauliflower Watermelon Chamomile

FLOWERS & ORNAMENTALS

10–12 weeks before Stock Hyacinth Bean Calendula your aver age last frost date Sweet William Hyssop True Cardinal Climber Viola Iceplant Chinese Lantern Columbine Yarrow Impatiens Cosmos Echinacea Lace Flower Flax ‘Scarlet’ Grass, Little Bluestem and before Larkspur Forget-Me-Not Blue Grama 6–8 weeks your average last frost date Linaria Grass ‘Frosted Explosion’ Heliotrope Love-Lies-Bleeding Honeywort African Daisy Lavender Lupine Russell Blend Hyssop Lavender Ageratum Petunia Mexican Sunflower Marigold Aster Verbena Milkweed Mina Lobata Balsam Nicotiana Moonflower Bells of Ireland 8–10 weeks before Painted Daisy Morning Glory your average last frost date Black-eyed Susan Vine Penstemon Orlaya Bluebells California Bee Balm Phlox Sweet Pea Bluebonnet Black-Eyed Susan Poppy, Iceland and Oriental Zinnia Canterbury Bells Carnation Portulaca Castor Bean Cottage Pinks Pumpkin on a Stick 2–4 weeks before Celosia Dahlia Salvia ‘Early Bonfire’ your average last frost date Chocolate Flower Dusty Miller Scabiosa Cleome Gourd Feverfew Shasta Daisy Coleus Money Plant Lobelia Strawflower Coreopsis Nasturtium Ornamental Pepper ‘Black Pearl’ Sweet Annie Craspedia Ornamental Millet Pansy Verbascum Cup and Saucer Vine Sunflower Salpiglossis Cypress Vine Salvia ‘Blue Victory’ 4–6 weeks before Delphinium Snapdragon your average last frost date Four O’Clock Statice Foxglove Alyssum Gaillardia Amaranth Gomphrena Ammi Can also be sown in late summer Grass ‘Bunny Tails’ Bachelor’s Button to early fall or winter in mild Hollyhock Bupleurum climates. See packet for specific information. botanicalinterests.com 15 Outdoor Sowing Guide

VEGETABLES & HERBS

6–8 weeks before 2–4 weeks before 1–2 weeks after Oregano your average last frost date your average last frost date your average last frost date Pepper (Mild climates only) Pumpkin Bean, Fava Arugula Amaranth Tomatillo Cover Crop Fava Beet Basil Cover Crop Soil Builder Bok Choy Baby Choi and ‘Toy Bean, Bush and Pole 3–4 months before Choy’ Bitter Melon your average first fall frost date 4–6 weeks before Carrot Bok Choy Tatsoi your average last frost date Catnip Cabbage, Napa Brussels Sprouts Cauliflower Broccoli Collards Corn Cover Crop Crimson Clover Cucumber Celery Broccoli Raab Collards Cabbage, Head and Savoy Leek Edamame Lettuce Fennel Endive Chamomile Parsnip Chervil Swiss Chard Lemon Balm Turnip Mint Pea Chives Rutabaga Endive Watercress Melon Kohlrabi Wild Bergamot Okra Quinoa 1–2 months before Mâche your average first fall frost date Mustard 1–2 weeks before Rosemary your average last frost date Mustard Spinach Sage Cover Crop Crimson Clover, Onion, Bulb Borage Savory Soil Builder, Fava Bean (except in mild climates) Broccoli Romanesco Shiso Radicchio Onion, Bunching Cauliflower Spinach New Zealand Radish, Winter Onion, Shallot Celery (Mild climates only) Squash, Summer and Winter Parsley Chinese Kale | Kailaan Tarragon Late Summer–Early Fall Pea Cilantro Thyme Artichoke (Mild climates only) Radish, Summer Dill Tomato (Mild climates only) Chinese Kale | Kailaan Rutabaga Kale Watermelon Onion, Bulb (Short-day types, Spinach (except New Zealand) Marjoram Mild climates only) 2–4 weeks after Sorrel your average last frost date Sorrel Wild Bergamot Cover Crop Common Buckwheat Eggplant

FLOWERS & ORNAMENTALS

6–8 weeks before Love-In-A-Mist Celosia 2–4 weeks after your aver age last frost date Milkweed Coleus your average last frost date Phlox Corn, Ornamental Penstemon Shasta Daisy Cosmos Ageratum (Mild climates only) Verbascum Cottage Pinks Canterbury Bells 4–6 weeks before Cup and Saucer Vine Craspedia your average last frost date or as Verbena Cypress Vine Dahlia soon as the soil can be worked Wheat Delphinium Gomphrena Bluebonnet 1–2 weeks before Dusty Miller Gourd Columbine your average last frost date Four O’Clock Grass ‘Bunny Tails’, ‘Frosted Feverfew Foxglove Explosion’ Flax Blue and Breezy African Daisy Heliotrope Honeywort Gaillardia Alyssum Hollyhock Hyssop True Larkspur Ammi Hyacinth Bean Lace Flower Lavender Bachelor’s Button Hyssop Lavender Ornamental Millet Lupine Pixie Delight Carnation Impatiens Pumpkin on a Stick Pansy Chinese Lantern Lobelia Statice Poppy Chocolate Flower Love-Lies-Bleeding Strawflower Snapdragon Coreopsis Lupine Russell Blend Wheat Sweet Pea Flax ‘Scarlet’ Marigold Yarrow Viola Forget-Me-Not Mexican Sunflower Iceplant Mina Lobata Late Fall - Early Winter Linaria 2–4 weeks before Money Plant Lupine Pixie Delight your average last frost date Painted Daisy Moonflower Salpiglossis Morning Glory Bee Balm Nasturtium Bells of Ireland Can also be sown in late summer 1–2 weeks after Nicotiana Black-Eyed Susan to early fall or winter in mild your average last frost date Orlaya Bluebells California Portulaca climates. See packet for specific Bupleurum Amaranth Salvia information. Calendula Aster Scabiosa Cleome Balsam Stock Echinacea Black-Eyed Susan Vine Sunflower Flower Mix Broom Corn Sweet Annie Grass, Little Bluestem and Cardinal Climber Sweet William Blue Grama Castor Bean Zinnia botanicalinterests.com 16 Botanical Interests’ Seed Packet Plant Tag

Each packet of Botanical Interests’ seed has

a plant tag that details how to sow the seed tomato Every Botanical Interests’ plant Cherokee tag provides the variety or cultivar for best germination and growth. You can name for quick, at-a-glance accurate also cut out the tag and use it to identify your Purple identification right in your garden. seedlings and plants.

Seedling illustration demonstrates what the seedling should look like after the leaves develop so you can distinguish the seed you sowed from undesirable weeds. “Days to Emerge” refers to the approximate number of days from sowing a seed until Seedling the seedling emerges from the ground. Days to Emerge: 5 – 10 Days Seed Depth: Sow seed at this depth for both 1/4" inside and outside sowings to get Use this spacing when sowing Seed Spacing: the best germination. seed to avoid crowding and A group of 3 seeds seed waste. every 24" – 36" Row Spacing: 36" Thinning: “Row Spacing” refers to the distance needed After seeds have germinated, remove extra When 2" tall, thin to between multiple rows of the same variety so seedlings (called “thinning”) to the recommended 1 every 24" – 36" plants have enough room to grow, as well as number and spacing so seedlings can grow and Maturity: proper sunlight exposure and air circulation. develop to their potential. 80 Days from transplanting Date Seed Sown An estimate of when your vegetable or fruit will be ready for harvest. Use this space to record when you’ve sown your seeds.

eg: poppy, lettuce Seed SURFACE 1/4" eg: zinnia, carrot Depth 1/2" eg: sunflower, radish

Diagram 1" eg: winter squash, sweet pea In most cases, the larger the seed, the deeper it should be sown. As a general rule, 2" seed depth should be eg: fava bean two to three times the width of a seed, with the exception of seeds

that benefit from light. To scale.

botanicalinterests.com 17 Seed Starting Worksheet

Germination Transplant (if starting indoors) Future Variety Date # Days Qty/Row Ft In/Out Comments Date # & Size Comments Suggestions Adj Date

12 planted 4-6 in. apart, Crystal Palace Lobelia 2/15 15-20 7 in grew fast! 3/8 6pk need more next year start later 3/15