Seed Sowing Instruc.

Does anyone know a good website or forum on this site for annuals/perennials on seed sowing instruct. advise?
I just learned why my verbena wasn't coming up. I called Parks catalog & they sent me a page of instructions on growing verbena (need dark!).
There are so many seed that require prechilling, etc.

This is the one I use the most. http://www.backyardgardener.com/tm.html

^

butrbean, Tom Clothier has pretty good instructions on his site, too: http://users.anet.com/~manytimes/page52.htm

Soon I hope we'll have much more complete germination instructions within each entry in the Plants Database. I'm trying to round up all the various germination and propagation techniques from members. Once we have a good list, we'll incorporate it into the databse. Then each plant can have one or several recommended germination/propagation technique(s) as part of its entry.

And - depending on how Dave programs it - you even might be able to pull up a listing of all plants that are suitable for a particular technique. So if you're wanting a "throw and grow" (direct sowing) flower garden, you could pull up all the plants that are good candidates for direct sowing. All in all, it should be pretty handy information when it's done :)

i hope this url help u... http://www.gardenguides.com/TipsandTechniques/starting.htm

HTH... http://garden-gate.prairienet.org/teaching.htm

This message was edited Monday, Feb 4th 4:19 PM

Hi! This is my first year to start from seeds and I'm going to give it my best effort...Have a question though, most of my seed starting instructions say "out of direct sunlight" for germination. I have invested in a growlight setup. Should I use this for germination or just once the plants starts to grow?

Pamabigail, I'd wait to turn it on until the plants sprout. :)

Thanks go_vols...next question. How is the best way to maintain a constant temperature for germination? Most of the seeds I have fall into two temp. categories--70-75 and 55. I have bought a warming mat which will allow me to germinate in my house for those needing 70-75; but I am stumped on how to get 55. My garage (potentially) is too cold--probably 45. Would the warming mat in the garage be sufficient? Any advise is greatly appreciated.

I often see these precise germination temperatures, but I think seeds are a bit more forgiving and adaptable than some would have us believe :)

And finding a cooler spot can be kind tricky to achieve in a modern, energy-efficient home with central heat and air, can't it?

Try an unused bedroom with the air vents closed, and the door closed. Crack a window, even. But don't put the seeds where a cold nighttime draft will be on them. Even an unused closet on an outside wall can be cooler than the adjoining room - if you keep the door and any air vents closed off.

Or try the garage. If you happen to have a fridge or freezer out there, try putting the seeds on top of it, as the appliance puts out a bit of warmth, and can provide enough bottom heat to offset the slightly cooler temps.

If you're wanting to go for precise temperatures, get a small digital, battery operated thermometer and clock (under $10 at WalMart), that will record the minimum and maximum temperature for you. That way you'll know if the seeds are staying within the perscribed temperature range.

Ok, I am well on my way. I got two flats started on Friday night. I am using the Jiffy pellets with the dome. Last night before I went to bed I thought I would check on them and my Zinnia Profusion Orange and Cherry have ALL sprouted. I was so excited, I had to call my mother-in-law...anyway, I have my flats sitting on the germination mat under my grow lights, but I have kept the lights off until now. I have been told to keep the light off until the seeds sprout. Some of them have and some haven't...do I leave the light off until they all sprout? I have propped the dome open on the flat that has the sprouted Zinnias in it as per the instructions.

I only have one germination mat and one set of grow lights and I am torn on how to best use them.

Any suggestions?

I don't know of any websites, but one of the BEST books I have ever found as far as germinating seeds is "Parks Success With Seeds" by Ann Reilly. I got mine YEARS ago from Park Seed-- I don't know if they still have it. It covers germination of all the usual seeds, plus some houseplants and exotics.

If you are looking for germination instructions for something in particular, I can see if it's listed in the book and posted it here.