Re: Re: HYB:Seed:Potting:Techniques:101

In a message dated 11/15/2003 12:46:21 PM Central Standard Time, 
rshadlow@wildmail.com writes:

> 
> Betty,
> 
> I have two questions,  
> 
> 1:  Do you cover the seeds with dirt, and if 
> so, how deep?  


Yes, I cover them with approximately 1/2 inch of soil.  I dig into the 
settled soil with a table spoon making little trenches.  In the earlier years, I 
planted all the seed in a clump in the middle to improve germination, but more 
recently I've started making a couple of little rows (?).  The best germination 
I've ever had was one year when I put all seed of one cross, sometimes 100+, 
in the center.  But, it was such a pain to untangle all those roots!  

The general rule of thumb with any seed is to plant it to a depth that equals 
3 times the diameter of the seed. 

> 
> 2:  Do you think that sunlight is a factor 
> while the pots are in a trench?

Robin, I'm sticking my neck out here . . . cause I'm not 100% sure, but I'd 
say they will get enough sun.  Remember the mulch I mentioned?  I've planted 
where the seed were in almost total shade AND had the mulch and still had 
extremely good germination. I moved them around a lot, looking for that perfect spot 
each year. This year I have virtually NO trees so everything will be in full 
sun. 
> 
> I have some space that I can dig my pots into 
> the ground here in my back yard, but it doesn't 
> get that much sun.  In spring when its warm 
> enough to lift the pots out, I can move them to 
> a sunny area.  My other alternative is to plant 
> them out in full sun at my field, but I can't 
> make it out there very often to water, 
> certainly not everyday.  

I don't think it's necessary to water every day.  In my opinion, (just that) 
it's important that the seed be soaked well going into winter.  I think it 
helps break dormancy.  Remember I don't presoak in the toilet tank!  Melting snow 
also helps keep them damp.

The reason the trench works is because the pots stand in water for part of 
the winter months, providing moisture from the bottom up, yet the seed don't 
stand in water.  (seed don't rot) 

Betty W. in South-central KY Zone 6

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