6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed

They are as far from windows as I can get them (it's drafty in the winter), and located on a shelf above the oven. How else might I keep them warmer?

I start things on top of my refrigerator and my upright freezer. Its seems to be just the right amount of heat
to start seeds. then after they germinate I put them under
lights. Hope this helps.

gemfire

newbie in NJ I think it is time to call hardyplants.
They seems to be having problems with emails. I had to call too and got my seeds few days later.
I still will use them in future they decent company and everyone is allowed to have some glitches once in a while.

There's a number of small seed vendors that I like. JL Hudson has a great selection and their seeds are always fresh. I like Diane's Seeds as well. Summer Hill Seeds, Garden Store n More, Trade Winds Fruit (they have lots of tropicals, not only fruit), Silverhill Seeds, Lonnie's Bulk Seeds, Country Garden and Seed Sprout for brug seeds and a good Ebay seed source is One Stop Poppy Shop. There's others but I can't think of them offhand.
Karyn

Thanks for reply, Its is PRO-MIX .. After reading your reply, I maybe over watering.. I'm waiting a day or so between watering, maybe i'm watering to much when i do water.. The seeds were dry and in great shape, I scuffed the ends up slightly and soaked them in water for 24 hours. The Wisteria has a hard shell coat..

aspin, I suspect you are keeping the soil too moist. Some sowers report that watering with chamomile tea, or dusting the top of the soil with cinnamon stops the 'fuzz' if it has started. I will generally top my seed pots with a layer of vermiculite or chick grit, both light enough that seeds push up easily through it but neither make good habitat for algae, mold, mildew and, for those pots you may have around that take months to germinate - moss.

I cast another vote for winter sowing.

Yes, and some of those seeds will benefit from or need a period of cold to help break dormancy. So winter sowing will provide this in your zone. Most perennials won't bloom until next year anyway. So you really don't need to get them going as early as possible (or do you?). Do you have seeds of all of these already? Your list is so large. Can you narrow down to a few must-haves?

Clumping is much easier. Trying to individualize the seedlings kills more than half of them as it's just too hard to separate them without ripping up the roots. Too much transplant shock.

Dave

certain things do better if left in a clump. Alyssum is one of them...thank goodness!

What would be the best time to start seeding these petunias ? I live in MN so by the time I can put them outside it will be way in May. What about Lobelias ?

Thanks,

Dennis

10-12 weeks prior to your last frost date

If you insist :D

See paragraph 3 under Identification and Life Cycle....

Here is a link that might be useful: Dandelion Management

Just so you don't feel so alone... I actually pick 'em and blow 'em in hopes of more growning!! They are great forage for my animals. I'm sure alot of people would have heart attacks at some of the "weeds" I pick and scatter the seeds!LOL! But, forage is forage, and it's only a "weed" if it's not wanted...right?
Cristi

Thanks!

Hi
I was glad to see your posting because I love cacti and succulents as well--and I live east of Lake Wa. I would love to start them from seed (for the fun of it) and somone told me they are not that difficult. Is that a reliable source for fresh seeds?

That's great that they came through for you! I wintersowed these in 2007, now I'm looking forward to some blooms in 2008!

I just winter sowed some last week and sorry to hear I have to wait until next year for bloom. Too bad! OH well...I am sure I will have plenty of others blooming to keep me busy. Thanks for coming back to this post and updating. I LOVE that!

:-)
pm2