Sowing seeds seems simple: Dig a hole, plop it in the ground.
In reality, each species needs individual attention and care. Some need more water, others prefer things a bit dry. Cool weather plants, such as kale, sprout best in cooler temperatures; others, such as peppers, demand heat.
In general, though, many herbs and vegetables may be raised from seeds using a basic routine.
Here are some tips
* While mountain residents can still start tomatoes from seeds, valley residents may wish to buy tomato and pepper plants, said Ray Tessmer, landscape instructor at Chattanooga State. “If you start now, it’ll be late summer before you get tomatoes.”
In mid-March, you can direct-seed (seed directly into the ground) lettuce, kale, broccoli, and other leafy greens and summer annuals. Plant zinnias, marigolds or moonvine in pots now, Mr. Tessmer added, transplanting them out after the last frost date. Last frost is about April 20 in Chattanooga valleys, about a week earlier in North Georgia valleys and a week later at higher elevations.
* If you’re starting seeds indoors, make sure they get plenty of light. Tomatoes, for example, become leggy without strong, direct light. When moving plants outdoors for the first time, introduce them to
sunlight in gradually increasing amounts. In large doses, the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays can damage plants raised under artificial lights.
* Easy herbs for the beginning grower include basil, dill, lettuce, lemon balm, borage and calendula, said Michele Brown, owner of Possum Creek Herb Farm in Soddy-Daisy.
Other species, particularly perennials, can be a bit trickier.
Popular herbs rosemary, thyme and lavender, for example, nearly always end up being propagated through stem cuttings or division.
“They’re very hard to start, they take awhile,” Ms. Brown said.
Basil pops up in 10 days or less. Thyme, on the other hand, takes its (sweet) time.
“These guys can take up to 60 days to germinate,” she added, “and they’re not going to be real quick on the growing.”
* Start with a high-quality soil mix, one that is sterile and offers good drainage while retaining moisture, said Jane Mauldin, garden coordinator of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s Community Garden downtown. Wet it thoroughly so that it is neither sopping wet nor dry before planting.
* One day plants will seem puny, then practically overnight they can become “pot bound,” with roots tangling in thick mats below the surface. Try to transplant before containers fill with root masses. A too-large pot can be a mistake, too. A containers walls literally “contain” roots, forcing them into a compact root ball, which aids a healthy transplant.
Wildflowers
If you’re looking for greater sowing challenges, here are three native wildflowers that provide food for butterflies and insects:
Bluestar, Amsonia. In fall, sow well-watered seeds in outdoor seed beds. Alternatively, sow in pots, place pots in plastic bag in refrigerator, or mix seed with damp vermiculite in a self-sealing plastic bag and store in refrigerator at least 90 days. Plant in spring as for any seed.
Beebalm, Monarda. Proceed as for Bluestar, above. Release seeds from pods by waiting until flower heads turn from green to brown. Pick and let dry, then mash over a screen. Seeds located at base of tubes.
Foamflower, Tiarella. Gather shiny black seeds in late spring or midsummer. Plant immediately, or store in plastic bag until fall. Plant as for any seed in fall. Fertilize frequently until seedlings grow large enough to work with.
Source: “Wildflowers” by William Cullina (New England Wild Flower Society: 2000)
Planting basics
Basic steps for planting easy-to-grow perennials and herbs:
Basil. Sow 6 to 8 weeks before last frost in a warm area (ideally at a consistent 65-to-70 degrees). Pinch back tops when about 5-to-6 inches tall to encourage branching.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). Sow 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Plant outdoors after first frost. For R. fulgida (e.g. ‘Goldsturm’), put seeds in moist growing medium in a plastic bag and refrigerate for two weeks before planting.
Blanketflower (Gallardia). Plant just at surface of the soil 6 to 8 weeks before planting outside. Plant outdoors when soil has warmed in late spring. Deadhead often to increase blooms.
Dianthus. Barely cover with soil, allow for up to 3 weeks for germination. Sow 8 to 10 weeks before planting outside, when soil has warmed in late spring.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea). Sow 8 to 10 weeks before planting outside. Allow up to 3 weeks for germination. Plant outdoors when soils are still cool, when light frost is still expected, or sow in mid-summer to plant out in late summer or early fall.
Source: “From Weed to Bloom” by Eileen Powell (Storey: 1995).
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