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Re: two simple questions

	I think it really depends on what you are growing. You really can't make
static statements about what all seeds like. I grow all kinds of plants
here in tucson and most I start in full sun or under ca. 50% shade cloth,
or in the greenhouse. Never under lights or with an opaque covering. Of
course I grow many desert shrubs, trees, etc, but I also grow herbaceous
perennials and annuals, cacti & succs, even Bromeliads (Tillandsias) from
seed. I even spore ferns under 30% shade cloth in the greenhouse. All these
plants need different care. Some need acid treatment, some need
stratification, Some need localized humidity (I make a little "uterus"
setup for that here in the desert). Some I soak for a time in tepid water.
Some I actually burn. You need to understand the plant, its ecology, what
selective pressures it has been influenced by, etc. When I get seeds from a
plant I have never grown, first I talk to people who have grown the
specific plant. Next I do some homework and look up where the plant is
from, what kind of ecology the plant experiences, etc. Sometimes there will
actually be literature on seed treatment of that specific species. Often
though I have to do some homework. If you are growing anything that is
commonly grown in the trade, and not weird stuff like I grow, you should be
able to find literature on that specific species. Throw away all those
general gardening books that tell you what to do with all seeds! Absolute
garbage! Talk to some of us who grow the plants you are interested in.

Jared

      Tucson Growers             Jared R. Shortman
tucgrow@earthlink.net         jared@libcong.com
2509 N. Campbell #338         (520) 882-7060
Tucson, AZ 85710
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