Comments on: Vegetable garden seed ordering tips

By: Tyler

Tyler — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Nice to know how long my seeds will last. Good content!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Great article. Thank you for the information!

By: TED

TED — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:12:00 +0000

You can eliminate the problems you describe in #3 if you use the Square Foot Gardening method.

By: Anthony Vanwhy

Anthony Vanwhy — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:37:07 +0000

I know some people who just take the seed packets and after the seeds are planted they put the packet on a pop-sickle stick, sticking out of the ground around the edge so it can be seen easily but not impede growth. Seems like a fair system for the time investment as long as it isn't going to go blowing away easily.

By: Greg Seaman

Greg Seaman — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:42:32 +0000

Yes, the same principles apply regardless of the climate zone.

By: leopardgeckoinfo

leopardgeckoinfo — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:56:25 +0000

Thanks for the guide here. I am from the Philippines and also starting my own organic farming. I also raise my own african nightcrawlers. With the difference in climate and weather condition, do you think the same procedure will work?

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:13:58 +0000

Ira, you didn't say where you live, but my best guess is that you are planting too early when the soil is cold or too wet. Or maybe it is so hot and dry the seeds are drying out.
Sterile potting soil can be bought to start seeds inside, which I prefer. As seed gets more expensive this is a good way to ensure successful germination.

By: Greg Seaman

Greg Seaman — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:10:02 +0000

Good point. We should add to the list : "get more seeds than you need to allow for sprouting failures."

If you pre-soak your seeds, be sure the water temperature is kept from getting too cold. Set the tray near your heater or in a sunny spot.

The most common cause for seed sprouting and seedling failure is damp off. Sterilizing your seed starting mix reduces fungal spores and other problems associated with sprouting. Potting mix can be baked at 200 degrees for 30 minutes to sterilize. Leave the fan on to reduce odors.

By: IraGarcia

IraGarcia — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:10:00 +0000

I order seeds every year from several different companies and the truth is that many of them never sprout at all. I wonder what I’m doing wrong? I follow the planting instructions and over 50% of the packages never come up at all. Still, I’ll be at it again this year.