Greenhouses afford an ideal environment for starting seeds, allowing the gardener to get an early jump on the summer growing season. Precisely knowing the best time and conditions to plant seeds in a greenhouse can make a considerate difference in how good you can grow. Below are basic factors of greenhouse seed starting from the timing to special considerations for different types of plants that this article will cover.
Before delving into the details of seed-starting homes.
Understudy The Greenhouse Environment:
Greenhouses vary in size and design, and therefore in microclimate. Important factors one must consider in the greenhouse include temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation.
1. Temperature:
Most seeds germinate best at a temperature from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Fact is, the need can be to some extent different depending on the specie. But what’s most important is to provide a stable temperature. For this, you can use for example radiators, fans, and thermostats/heaters.
2. Humidity:
A greater level of humidity is needed for these seeds and their young plants to grow to their best. Maintain 50-70% of humidity during germination. Once more, it can be managed by use of misting systems and/or humidifiers.
3. Light:
Proper lighting is an important parameter to promote the optimal growth of seedlings. Most seeds require 12-16 hours of light every day. Some of the grow lights can help in this regime for short winter days.
4. Ventilation:
This means that other than the cooling needed against the inhibition of plant fungal problems, there should be a consideration for fans and vents to establish good greenhouse conditions in general.
When to Start Sowing Greenhouse Seeds
Is dependent on factors such as the last frost date in your area, the type of plants you are trying to raise, and whether you are starting them for transplanting outside or for a garden within a greenhouse.
1. Cool Season Crops:
These crops like it a bit cooler and can be started in the greenhouse early. Some examples include lettuce, spinach, kale, peas. Begin seeds for these 6-8 weeks beforehand counting from the date when the last frost was supposed to be.
2. Warm Season Crops:
Crops that require warmer temperatures for growth than cold-season crops. Classic examples are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and eggplants. Start seeds for these plants 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, but make sure that your greenhouse temps are nice and warm enough to get sprouting to occur.
3. Perennials and Herbs:
Most perennials and herbs start in the greenhouse several weeks prior to the last frost date. For example, that can be either basil, oregano, thyme, or lavender. Be sure to check on the requirements for designated plants as the earlier start might be necessary for some.
4. Plants :
Starting plants in the greenhouse can give your garden a colorful head start. Annual plants: marigolds, petunias, and zinnias can be started 6-8 weeks in advance of the last day of frost. Perennial planting times may vary, check on the seed packs according to the best time to plant them.
Successful Greenhouse Seed Starting
1. Choose Good Seeds.
Always buy good quality seeds from a reliable source. The best quality has good rates of germination. Make sure the seeds haven’t expired and are correctly stored.
2. Prepare Seed Trays and Soil:
Use clean seed trays and sterile seed starting mix. It helps prevent soil-borne diseases. Moisten the soil mix before filling up the trays; to do this, ensure the mix gets an even hydration.
3. Plant Seeds at the Appropriate Depth:
Follow instructions on the seed packet for appropriate planting depth. In general, sow seeds at 2–3 times their diameter.
Use plant labels and marker pen to label each tray, showing the plant’s name and date sown. That way, it’s easier to follow the times of germination and different seedlings.
4. Provide Some Space for the Best Conditions:
Store away the seed trays in your greenhouse’s warmest, brightest available spot. You might also need to combine this spot with the use of a germination mat to ensure the soil has steady temperatures. Proper lighting also needs to be given through sun exposure or grow lights.
5. Water Wisely:
Maintain a consistently moist but not over-watered medium or mix. Mist lightly or use a gentle watering can to apply moisture to the mix’s surface as to not scramble the seed position. Bottom watering also works well by letting the soil soak up water from the tray.
6. Monitor and Adjust:
Monitor often and adjust temperature, humidity, and soil moisture to keep all conditions right at an optimal level for germination and growth.
7. Thin and Transplant:
When the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them in order to get rid of some in order for proper spacing. Transplant seedlings to a bigger pot if it’s the case in order to allow them room to grow until it’s time for outdoor planting or moving to their final greenhouse location.
Benefits of Greenhouse-based Seed Starting
1. Long Growing Season:
Starting greenhouse seeds extends the growing season, so there are earlier harvests and multiple crop cycles within a year.
2. Controlled Environment:
A controlled environment is probably the most important purpose of a greenhouse. It protects the seeds and seedlings against extraneous weather conditions, pests, and diseases.
3. Diverse Plant Selection:
Under greenhouse conditions, one can grow a whole array of different types of plants, probably planting plants that would not look well in your very own climate.
4. Improved Germination:
The controlled environment of a greenhouse leads to better germination rates and healthier seedlings.
5. Cost-Effective:
Plants germinated from seeds are, by coincidence, far cheaper than established plants bought for larger gardens.
Common Problems in Germination and their Remedies
1. Damping Off Disease:
This is a fungal disease that usually affects seedlings; it will eventually kill the infected seedlings. The disease can easily be prevented by using only sterile soil and causing good air circulation without overwatering.
2. Leggy Seedlings:
When light is not enough, seedlings tend to grow in length and become weak, and the condition is termed “leggy”. Keep a better light arrangement in crowded places and keep grow lights as close as possible to the seedlings.
3. Pests:
Common in greenhouses are aphids and whiteflies. Check always for plants and consider other natural ways to control the entire pests.
4. Crowding:
Crowding tends to increase chances of diseases through poor air circulation. Control overcrowding by thinning out seedlings when they are sprouting.
5. Temperature Fluctuation:
It is important to regulate the fluctuation in greenhouses because there are fluctuations in a short time that cause stress to seedlings. Maintain a regular temperature with heaters and fans.
Conclusion
Growing seeds in a greenhouse is a very rewarding process. The gardener can start growing many weeks before the outdoor growing season. If he or she starts seeds early, the result will be robust, hardy plants. Know your greenhouse environment, ideal sowing times, and providing the best conditions for sowing, germination, and growth, as all of this will amount to a great garden. Whether one is an experienced grower or a novice, greenhouse seed starting advances a whole new realm to the opportunities in growing a blooming, diverse garden.