Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
STEP-BY-STEP
the world have seeds that require a moist, cold period before they sprout. You can grow these seeds by sowing them in pots and setting the pots outdoors in late fall or winter. Known as "stratification," this treatment replicates the natural conditioning the seeds would undergo in their native habitat, breaking down the internal mechanisms that inhibit their ability to germinate. The seeds will germinate when temperatures rise in the spring. This rather low-tech method, which is also called moistchilling, works well for starting seeds of many perennials, including bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.), columbine (Aquilegia spp.), globeflower (Trollius spp.), masterwort (Astrantia spp.), monkshood (Aconitum spp.), penstemon, garden phlox, and turtlehead (Chelone spp.). It's also very useful for starting the seeds of many fall-ripening trees and shrubs, such as barberries, dogwoods, lilacs, species roses, and viburnums.
produce changes in the seeds at a slower rate.) If you opt for a cold frame, line it with a layer of moist sand so you can bury the base of the pots to help keep them upright. Covering the pots with wire screen will keep out rodents and birds.
4. Thin or Transplant
When the seedlings have grown their second set of true leaves, thin or transplant them to prevent overcrowding. If you don't need many plants, thin to one seedling per pot by cutting off the extras with small scissors. If you want a lot of plants, transplant the seedlings, one per container, into 2 1/4- or 3-inch-wide plastic pots filled with moist, peat-based potting mix. Use a fork to gently lift the seedlings out of their original containers and tease them apart. Handle the seedlings by their leaves to avoid damaging their stems. Water the seedlings and place them out of direct sun for a few days to recover. After a week, put them in a place where they receive morning sun. Begin feeding the seedlings once a week with liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
ALTERNATIVE COOLING METHODS If you live in a warm-winter climate, or if you want to plant in the spring or summer, you can provide a period of moist chilling by placing already sown pots of seed in the refrigerator for about six weeks. Alternatively, stratify the seeds between layers of damp sand in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Sow the seeds as soon as they sprout, or after six weeks.J.H.S.
SOURCES OF SEEDS Many horticultural societies hold seed exchanges, which are excellent sources of uncommon varieties. For an extensive list, consult Gardening by Mail, by Barbara J. Barton (Mariner Books, 1997). A few societies known for their seed exchanges include the North American Rock Garden Society (P.O. Box 67, Millwood, NY 10546-0067; www.nargs.org), the Hardy Plant Society (c/o Pam Adams, Little Orchard, Great Comberton, nr. Pershore, Worcestershire, England WR10 3DP), and the Scottish Rock Garden Club (P.O. Box 14063, Edinburgh, Scotland EH 10 4YE).J.H.S.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1998
31
gh
Your FREE subscription to Gardeners On the Go! (our online-only magazine) Horticulture Radio with FREE recorded Podcasts on topics youre interested in Workshops at Garden How-To University that will help you keep growing as a gardener And much more!
At HortMag.com you can subscribe to Horticulture and become part of one of the oldest and most respected gardening communities around today. Some of our gardeners have been playing in the dirt for decades, and some are just finding their way into this hobby that so often becomes a way of life. You can either share your gardening knowledge or find the answers youve been looking for to make your garden grow. Please join us!
GardenersHub.com Youll find even more great downloads like this one at GardenersHub.com. Plus, youll tap into a resource library of books, CDs and recorded workshops that cover almost every imaginable garden topic. Visit us today!