What You Need To Know About Vegetable Seeds
December 12, 2022
Some seeds are more rewarding and sprout easily whereas others might take a bit longer. Seeds such as lentils, radishes, and kale sprout easily. Sprouting is the process of germination when the seeds start to grow stems, roots, and leaves. The seeds contain all the nutrients that the plant needs to grow the first pair of leaves. Keep the soil moist at this stage because it might affect the plant's growth rate later.
There are two methods of germinating the seeds - on a paper towel and directly in the soil. Sowing directly in the soil is a convenient way of germinating the seeds. Soak the larger seeds overnight to soften their outer core. Soaking the seeds in water activates an enzyme within the seed that is vital for germination and later growth of the plant. Sometimes, for larger seeds, scratching their surfaces with sandpaper helps in quick germination, sprouting, and increases water absorption.
The other method of germinating the seeds is planting them directly in the soil, which is what most people do. Keeping the soil moist during this process helps in faster rooting. Once a vegetable seed has sprouted, light provides the energy necessary for plants to produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis.
Choose a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny patio would be a great spot for container gardening. Cloudy days greatly decrease the amount of photosynthesis, which directly reduces the number of carbohydrates produced. Fewer carbohydrates mean less energy available to grow vegetative material and produce grain. The length of uninterrupted darkness is critical for “short-day” crops, such as soybeans, to initiate flowering.
