Considerations before growing: the seeds

SEEDS, THE BEGINNING OF SUCCESS

The origin of plant life begins through a small (or large) element, the seed. We are used to seeing sachets of prepared seeds or we even skip this step and buy vegetable seedlings. However, if we want to gain experience growing, we have to know, as a minimum, the beginning of every crop, the seeds. We are going to see some considerations, sowing schedule, disinfection, etc.

SOIL, THE VITAL GROWTH FACTOR

It is not the first time that we remember that the soil is, without a doubt, the special condition when it comes to cultivating. As you know, there are many factors that interact in the growth of a plant, be it the climate, irrigation, cultivation work, the fauna that inhabits the environment, etc., but none of these is comparable with the way in which that the soil influences the plant material.

It is so important that we have a category dedicated to this element, in which we try to include factors to improve its quality, conditioning factors ( pH, texture, drainage, etc. ) and anything that, in any way, has something to do with the land we cultivate.

You can access this category here.

The soil has to offer all the conditions so that a seed, of whatever type, allows it to develop. If this is very good but it is planted in a low-quality substrate, it is likely that nothing will come of it. On the contrary, if you sow a seed with a reduced germination capacity in very good soil, it is possible that, after all, a plant will be obtained from there and, as one might suppose, a harvest.

WORK TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF A SOIL

Basically there are some tasks that we have to do to offer a floor in full condition:

  • That it has a suitable pH .
  • That it has adequate drainage.
  • That is not a saline soil.
  • That it is disinfected and does not harbor underground pests or diseases.
  • Have a good level of fertility.

THE GERMINATION CAPACITY OF A PLANT

Seed collection
Photography: Rickproser

We can say that the germination capacity is the probability that a seed develops properly, under suitable conditions. That is, good temperature, good humidity, good lighting and good soil quality.

We cannot give empirical data on the appropriate values ​​for each one because it varies in a complex way depending on the species we are trying to propagate. Some seeds need cold to germinate, others that the layer that covers them is removed, etc.

Some seeds have a waterproof coating on the inside. Evolutionarily they have developed it so that the stomach acids of the animals that feed on them scarify it and “sow” it with their stools. Although it sounds bad, the heat of the animal together with the fresh “compost” produced, gives rise to a large plant.

You can know the germination capacity of some of the seeds according to the passing of the years, you can use   this link .

HOW TO AVOID PLANTING DISEASED SEEDS

The sanitary state of the seeds will allow the plants to grow properly or not. Those that present physical anomalies or are suspected of having been affected by pests and diseases should be eliminated. Not only because it will have many growth problems (if any), but also because it is a perfect transmission medium, which can cause, from a single seedling, the deterioration of many, once it spreads.

If in doubt, either they are eliminated, or they can undergo any of these treatments:

CHEMICAL APPLICATION

Copper oxychloride:  widely used to slow down and prevent fungal growth on plants. In seeds, it performs the same function.

Manganese dithiocarbamate: it  is known as Maneb and is still present in the VADEMECUM of phytosanitary products of 2014. It has fungicidal activity in a wide field of action on endoparasitic fungi. It is not considered very toxic so it is highly recommended.

Metalaxil:  a product still tolerated in 2014 that has a fungicidal action and is especially indicated to combat fungi that attack the neck and roots, and the entire mildew group  .

However, there is much more on the market. You can consult them in MAGRAMA.

TEMPERATURE APPLICATION: THERMOTHERAPY

It is especially suitable for seeds that are included in organic farming. It is a totally natural procedure that is based on the use of heat, both dry and humid, to disinfect the seed. The disadvantage is that, often, to effectively eliminate all the harmful organisms that the seed may contain, its germination capacity can also be lost .

Endocarp of persea americana ( avocado )
Photography: Marco Finke

WHEN TO SOW, A VERY IMPORTANT TASK

The sowing conditions, as we have said, were governed by a series of parameters. Be it the soil, the top, the type of seed, etc. In this case, speaking of the weather, it is vital that it always be sown when the time is right. To do this, you have to resort to a sowing calendar.

CULTURESOWINGHARVESTMARCOGERMINATION TIME
SHEOctober JanuaryJune July20 x 20 cm
CHARDMarch-OctoberAll year40 x 30 cm7-9 days
CELERYMarch, JuneOctober-February40 x 30 cm15-20 days
EGGPLANTFebruary MarchJuly-October50 x 50 cm7-10 days
BORAGESpring fall140 days40 x 20 cm
BONIATOFebruary MarchOctober November80 x 30 cm
EARLY BROCCOLIMay July150 days70 x 40 cm
LATE BROCCOLIAugust150 days70 x 40 cm
PUMPKINMarch April120 days120 x 60 cm5-10 days
ZUCCHINIMarch April90 days100 x 60 cm5-10 days
CANONSJuly September90-150 daysFilas 20 cm
CARDOMarch mayOctober December90 x 90 cm
EARLY ONIONAugust OctoberMay July20 x 10 cm8-10 days
LATE ONIONDecember-MarchSeptember October20 x 10 cm8-10 days
AUTUMN SPROUTSApril June150 days60 x 40 cm5-6 days
WINTER SPROUTSJune August150 days60 x 40 cm5-6 days
SPRING SPRINGSSeptember November150 days60 x 40 cm5-6 days
EARLY CAULIFLOWERSMay July150 days60 x 40 cm5-6 days
LATE CAULIFLOWERSJuly September180 days60 x 40 cm5-6 days
SUMMER STUFFMarch, June90 days40 x 30 cm
WINTER ESCAROLAAugust October90 days40 x 30 cm
SPINACHAugust February90 days20 x 12 cm5-7 days
GREEN PEASOctober-February120 days50 x 40 cm5-10 days
BROAD BEANSSeptember November120 days50 x 30 cm
JEWISHApril June90-100 days60 x 50 cm5-10 days
WINTER LETTUCEAugust October90-120 days30 x 20 cm7-8 days
SPRING LETTUCEFebruary may90 days30 x 20 cm7-8 days
CORNApril JuneAugust September70 x 30 cm
MELONApril May120 days100 x 50 cm3-7 days
NABO DE MESAMarch-October60 days15 x 15 cm3-6 days
POTATOFebruary mayJune September70 x 30 cm
PARSLEYAll year90 days10 x 5 cm20-30 days
PEPPERFebruary April150 days50 x 40 cm3-5 days
LEEKSFebruary July120-150 days30 x 10 cm10-12 days
RABANITOSAll year40 days10 x 5 cm4-6 days
BEETMarch, June90 days30 x 20 cm
WATERMELONApril May120 days100 x 50 cm6-8 days
TOMATOFebruary may150 days50 x 30 cm5-8 days
CARROTMarch-October120 days20 x 5 cm12-15 days
Showing from 1 to 40 of 40 records

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