germinating seeds
As the seedlings begin to pop up through the soil there are
a few environmental aspects that should be given proper
attention right away: light intensity, humidity and air
flow. Seeds from different plants will germinate in
different lengths of time, so check the seed package for estimated germination times to know
when to be ready. Many seeds can sprout in
total darkness, but once that plant breaches
the soil, a sufficient light source is imperative. Those first true leaves will need a
light source to perform photosynthesis
and create the carbohydrates to sustain
both normal plant growth and, most
importantly, root growth. Without
proper lighting the early vegetative growth of a plant can be
negatively affected and this could
cause long lasting problems that
may result in a lower yield.
Humidity can be helpful during
the initial germination process but as
the little seedlings begin to grow, high
levels of humidity can spell disaster. As
internal processes burn up the seedling’s energy sources, the plant will
need to release oxygen as a gas
through its stomata in a process
that is called transpiration. As
the oxygen leaves the plant,
water and elemental nutrients
are pulled up through the roots.
In a humid environment, the stomata will remain closed and the roots will
not take in water. If the growing
medium is moist, as it most
likely will be, the water
will have nowhere
to go and the
roots will likely
suffocate and
die. Air flow
and humidity almost
go hand
in hand.
A nice
flow of air
through
the plant’s
canopy will
encourage
the flow of
carbon dioxide to the leaves
and, subsequently,
oxygen away from the
Seeds
can be germinated in many
different styles of trays
and containers, so choose
the type that best fits the
project at hand.”
Many seeds
can sprout in total
darkness, but once that
plant breaches the soil,
a sufficient light source
is imperative.”
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Maximum Yield USA | February 2014
leaves, which is important for plants
in all stages of growth. A small fan on
medium or low can help keep humidity
levels low and the heat from any supplemental lighting to a minimum.
As for watering practices, be sure to
keep the rooting medium moist but not
too wet. Seedlings need water and going too
long without can result in serious damage,
but if the medium remains too wet for
too long, it may impair root growth. As
the seedlings grow they will eventually
exhaust any nutrient charge that the
growing medium had to offer, so light
fertilization with a nitrogen-based
fertilizer may be needed while waiting to transplant into a different or
permanent container.
So, day by day, as the seedlings
grow, given proper care and attention, they inch closer and closer to
fulfilling their own unique destiny.
And as we stand by, eagerly awaiting the literal fruits of our labor, it
is important to remember that every
plant we grow has entered into this life
as a small, almost insignificant looking
thing that so many people refer to as simply,
just a seed.