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| I'm scared about covering seeds with too much soil. I'm using bird grit too as suggested by Gardenweed whose had excellent germination.
I want to get started today. I figure less is best and know gardeners make the mistake of covering seeds too much. I know you're suppose to cover seeds based on the size of the seeds, but some of the seeds are itsy-bitsy, then to lay grit on top of that. Another problem is.. How many seeds to put in each container? Should I sow 3 times the average amount considering some may not germinate? I've also looked up the seeds that need light to germ and I've only have a couple of those, Correopsis, Gallardia, pampass Grass and Salvia the Red varieties. Those I'll only sprinkle with the grit. I could show you a picture of my grit, but will have to get back to you. Wish me luck and prayers, I hate to waist these good seeds. Were you gyes nervous your first yr. or is it just me? Micki |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by gardenweed_z6a 5b/6a N CT (My Page) on Fri, Dec 23, 11 at 13:21
| Yes I was nervous and no, you don't need to cover the seeds. Alternating freeze/thaw cycles will allow them to make contact with the growing mix. The grit just aids in soil contact. I sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon or a pinch about the size of a pencil eraser of fine/tiny seeds over the surface of the moistened growing mix. Larger seeds (i.e., Siberian iris, blackberry lily, Echinacea) I actually place the seeds in rows about an inch apart. I very lightly push them down with the flat end of a ballpoint pen, then sprinkle the grit over the surface. If you're scared about covering seeds with too much soil, leave them uncovered or just use a light sprinkle of grit instead. I don't cover my seeds with any soil--all I use is grit. |
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| Thank you Gardenweed, this actually makes it so much easier, one less step to have to do. I hope I have runined anything so far. Oh well experience is the best teacher. And it can't be all bad, Ma Nature will get me on track, happy days, Hope you're feeling good and sowing away. |
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- Posted by albert_135 Sunset 2 or 3 (My Page) on Sat, Dec 24, 11 at 12:48
| As you note, experience is a good teacher, for example last year I experienced Swiss chard inadvertently planted deeper was less frail than the shallowly planted chard. |
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| i just throw them in and let winter do the rest. keep it simple. Per jug is usually one pack of seeds. I sow thickly. I was crazed my first year and now I am so lazy I actually see how little i can do and get good results. |
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