Garden Seed Guide

Selection

• Purchase seeds from reputable dealers and select varieties adapted to your area and bred for resistance to common diseases. You should only purchase enough seed for a single season's planting. Since only 65 to 80 percent of the seed you purchase will germinate, buy a little extra each year to ensure adequate amounts.

Treatment

• Some seeds require special treatment before they will germinate. Scarification requires nicking the seed coat with a knife or soaking the seed in hot water to soften the seed coat. Stratification requires exposure to several weeks of near-freezing temperatures.

Planting

• Plant species vary as to when you should plant their seeds. Some will die if exposed to cold or frost, while others grow well if exposed to chilly early-spring weather. Always follow instructions on the seed packet with respect to planting time and depth. If starting seeds indoors, use a sterile potting mix and ensure seedlings receive adequate light by placing them in a south-facing window or under a fluorescent light for 16 hours per day.