“Viable seeds are living entities. They must contain living, healthy embryonic tissue in order to germinate. All fully developed seeds contain an embryo and – in most plant species – a store of food reserves, wrapped in a seed coat. Seeds generally “wake up” and germinate when soil moisture and temperature conditions are correct for them to grow. Seed germination may be defined as the fundamental process by which plant species grow from a single seed into a plant.”
In permaculture, we know that soil is where a healthy ecosystem starts, so it should be no huge surprise that it makes a substantial difference to seed germination. It starts with how seeds are put in the soil, and it is good practice to tamp them down so that they are for sure in contact with the soil beneath them. The soil they are covered with is best when fine so that it won’t impede the progress of tiny sprouts trying to break the surface. The soil should be kept moist (not saturated) and aerated, something accomplished with the aid of organic matter, specific something like coconut coir. And, the soil should be warm, with most seeds preferring spring-like temperatures in the 15-20 Celsius (60-70 Fahrenheit) range.
Some seeds are easy to germinate and can be simply cast about, but when the going gets tough, taking a little more time to put them in the soil can help. Dry soil is a death knell, so be sure to water regular and have plenty of absorbent material in the potting mix. Saturated soil is also bad, so be sure the moisture can drain away when overabundant.
• One of the major benefits of using seeds is that options become much greater. Gardeners who only buy seedlings are much more limited. That said, it’s not a bad idea to check out the typical germination of new seeds before attempting it.
• Some types of plant really don’t like to be transplanted (roots, legumes, squashes), while some take to it readily (brassicas and nightshades), so it is important to note this when cultivating by seed. It’d be a shame to work through all the germination and watch a seedling die because it’s been transplanted.
• Agitating sprouts regularly via “petting” them will help them to grow strong and stocky. Some people use a fan to produce this effect.
• When seeds have been cultivated in protected spaces, the young plants should be “hardened” before being put in the garden. This is a week-long process of slowly exposing the plant to increasingly greater outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours in the day and allowing for an overnight outing before planting them. ※
Source: Vital Force Wellness / Jonathon Engels – Permaculture Research Institute
