Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
be put on an inexpensive timer so seedlings get 16 hours of
light and 8 hours of darkness every day.
Don't forget: Once seeds sprout, shine the light on them!
Temperature
Many publications provide various tables with all sorts of
data about the optimum temperatures for germination of
different garden seeds. For starting seeds in the house, almost
all seeds normally used to start garden seedlings will
germinate just fine at ordinary room temperatures. The only
time temperature could become an issue is if the area used for
seed starting regularly falls below 60 degrees or goes above
80.
If seed-starting operations get banished to the basement or
garage where temperatures are routinely below 60 degrees,
germination could definitely become a problem. The easiest
solution for this situation is to use a heat mat (available at any
agricultural supply store) underneath your flats that will raise
the soil temperature about 20 degrees higher than the
surrounding air.
Water
Seedlings should be bottom watered by placing their
containers (which contain holes in the bottom or absorb water
directly) in water and allowing the starting medium to evenly
water itself by pulling up whatever water is needed. Seedlings
are delicate and their roots are shallow, so top watering can
disrupt and uncover the vulnerable roots.
