Seed starting is a foundation of successful gardening. Essentially, this gives gardeners control over plant timing, quality, and varieties and refers to the process of growing plants from seeds. This is usually done in an indoor and controlled environment before moving plants out into the garden. This post will tell you all you need to know about seed starting so that you can promote healthy seedlings and prevent disease, which can be a serious issue when it comes to seed starting. Read on to find out more.
Understanding Seed Germination
First, it is helpful to understand seed germination when it comes to growing tomatoes seeds and any other type of seed. This is the process where a seed develops into a seedling, which occurs when the seed absorbs water, swells, and breaks its protective layer. Oxygen then starts cellular activity with optimum temperatures activating enzymes needed for growth.
Common Seedling Diseases
It is also important to be aware of seedling diseases that can affect growth. One of the most notable is “damping off”, which is a disease that causes sudden wilting, mushy stems, and stunted growth. Damping off is caused by pathogens such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium. There are also other fungal infections to be aware of, including powdery mildew and mould, which tend to occur in damp and/or poorly ventilated spaces.
Prevention Strategies
The key to successful seed starting is being aware of how to prevent disease. Here are a few of the best prevention strategies to utilise:
Sanitation
Use sterile pots, trays, and tools to avoid introducing dangerous pathogens. Wash all materials with hot, soapy water and disinfect with diluted bleach.
Proper growing conditions
Light, airflow, and temperature are critical for healthy growth. Make sure that seedlings are placed under grow lights and ensure circulation to reduce humidity levels. Try to maintain a stable temperature at all times.
Watering Practices
Use proper watering techniques to avoid overwatering seedlings. This can include bottom watering, which involves filling trays with water so that the soil absorbs from below. When the topsoil feels dry, you can water again.
Soil & Growing Medium
Using sterile potting mix can help to prevent contamination, while perlite can be added to improve drainage and prevent roots from sitting in water.
Seed Selection & Sowing
Use high-quality seeds to improve disease resistance and germination success. You should also use proper seed-sowing techniques, including using cellular trays with proper spacing to prevent overcrowding.
Hopefully, the information in this post will be useful and help you with seed starting. This is the foundation of successful gardening, but it is vital that you understand how you can prevent disease and encourage healthy growth. The advice in this post should help you gain an understanding of seed germination, common diseases, and the steps that you can take to prevent disease.