We are back up and running! I'm thankful for having some back-up which saved documents, but all of my pictures were lost. I will have to rely on Denise's "flicker pictures" which is better than what I had anyway.
So, where did we leave off? Is your garden ready for planting? What about seeds versus seedlings from your local nusery? You can save a bundle by propagating from seed. Below is a chapter from an Ebook I have been working on but haven't had the time to complete:
Seed Purchased or Collecting
Seed purchased from seed suppliers or garden centers usually provide useful information on the package. The information may include best time to plant according to the hardiness zone, how to plant, expected germination rate (% you can expect to germinate), and when the seed was packaged. When the seed was packaged is important because the germination rate of some seed decreases dramatically over time. Look for seed that has been packaged for the current season.
Need to know information on the package includes variety or cultivar, color, size, and other requirements. All is helpful in planning garden design. Not only for attractiveness, but for the amount of sunshine required, soil conditions, bloom time, and the like. Any specific germination requirements are given as well.
If you have received seed from a friend or through a seed exchange, try to obtain as much information about the plant (seed) as possible. Gather the type of information given on packaged seed purchased from suppliers. This will improve your chances of germination, plant development, and where best to place it in the garden.
Seed collected from individuals rather than a supplier may not produce the same plant expected. Random pollination by insects or other means will impact the seed produced in the home garden environment. Random pollination will often affect almost every aspect of the plant such as color, size, and disease resistance. Seed suppliers are careful to produce seed in areas surrounded by the same variety/cultivar which decreases possibilities of random pollination. Suppliers will also treat their seed for protection against certain diseases that can occur during the germination period.
Saving your own seed or collecting from a seed exchange does have advantages. Big savings and obtaining seeds that are not available commercially. These are usually common self pollinated, non-hybrid varieties.
Seed starting supplies can be found at http://www.parkseed.com
Poppy, you must have a camera somewhere around our house. LOL. We spent part of early Sunday evening going through our seed collection. I hate to admit, but I spent most of my time reviewing the sunflower collection we have. Denise, on the otherhand, spent her time organizing them alphabetically. Which by the way, comes in very handy. Just about name it, and we have it. Not always in great quantiy I must say. Well until next time.
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