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Best techniques to Early Germination
By Ahmed Esat aesat.56@gmail.com
Getting an early start to the new season is uppermost in the minds of vegetable gardeners. In this Post I will show you ways to successfully germinate summer vegies in winter. Best of all you achieve 99% success without the use of a greenhouse. Watch the video below then scroll down for more great ideas.
Video-Best Secrets for Quick Germination
More Great Tips Below
Best Secrets for Quick Germination of Seeds
Why is Early Germination Necessary?
With the approach of Spring. the vegetable gardener will want to make a quick start. Germination of many spring and summer vegies will not be possible until later in the season when frosts diminish. The simple truth is that while Spring days can be warm, the minimum temperature can plunge to frosty levels. By the time conditions improve, there is little of the season left for vegies to grow and mature fully. Before long, it is autumn again and plants will be approaching dormancy.
The gardener who can have his seedlings established in the ground holds a huge advantage. Come the settled Summer weather and these seedlings will take off and produce generouly over a longer period of time as well as provide seeds for the future.
Another potential problem in places like Brisbane is that nothing will flourish in the 2 hottest months thereby further shortening the season.
Indoor Germination
The trick is to germinate seeds indoors in late winter using a mini greenhouse idea adapted to save costs. The secret weapon is the humble plastic tub with a tight sealing lid. I purchased one from the Reject Shop for a humble $2.50 and the results have been impressive. the most important consideration is to check for germination daily and remove those pots to the window sill otherwise the seedlings will become long and leggy.
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Plastic Tub does the job of a greenhouse.Seed Selection
Selecting seed is also more important than most gardeners realise. All too often, seed from unknown individuals are not true to type or are old and erratic. Seeds should always be taken from the best specimens of a crop or purchased from trustworthy sources. If a gardener can document the crop that seeds were taken from this would be most useful.
 Ebay is a great source for rare and unusual seed.
There are a number of reliable and ethical suppliers
who can provide almost anything you require. The purple
grape tomato is one such example and will be featured in a
future post.
Using Peat Pots Degradable Pots or Cardboard.
Apart from being a responsible gardener who is environment -conscious, the use of degradable pots for germination makes practical sense. Initially, the products were expensive but any $1 store today has a reasonable product.
In addition to saving the planet, you will also be saving yourself a heep of time and effort. When it come to planting out, the pots need only be soaked in seaweed solution and inserted into the growing hole. The roots will feed on the pot then break out and carry on their merry way.
 Germinating Medium
It is tempting to gather soil from beds to use as a germinating medium but this can be shortsighted. Such soil is full of pests and potentially hazardous spores. The newly sprouted seedlings become an easy meal for some ravenous bug and for the gardener this means re-germinating.
Always use a sterilised commercial mix which is inexpensive and remember to water gently and regularly even if the mix contains water crystals.
 After Germination Care
It is easy to overlook what is happening in the tub but it must be checked daily for early germination. As the amount of light is inadequate the sprouts will tend to stretch out long and thin in search of more light. To prevent this happening, they must be removed and kept indoors by a window sill and watered daily or they will quickly die. Do not plant out until you have made preparations outdoors.
 A lining of newspaper absorbs spills. Preparing Beds for Early Planting in Spring
This preparation must begin in late Winter with the addition of lime and manure/compost to the beds. After watering in very well, top the beds with a very thick layer of straw or cane mulch (at least 30 cm/12 ins if possible) This will generate heat in the bed so that 3 or 4 weeks later, the mulch can be reduced or adjusted according to the weather and the seedlings planted out. Watch for CATERPILLARS and other pests.
Preparing for early planting- A nice thick layer of straw mulch to warm the soil.
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Great post. Very useful and practical.
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