Growing Vegetables From Seed

At a glance..

Growing vegetables from seed is often more demanding than growing vegetables from transplants. There are more steps in the process, as well as more critical tasks to perform. Yet most vegetables are commonly planted in the garden as seed; thus, it is important that the essential operations be understood and followed.

The details..

Growing vegetables from seed can be a demanding process with critical tasks to perform but it is important that the essential operations are understood and followed. This book covers everything you need to know about site selection including proximity to water sources and adequate sunlight exposure as well as soil preparation such as having a soil analysis performed before planting.

The author also emphasizes on selecting high-quality seeds of hybrid varieties which often combine increased productivity with improved horticultural characteristics along with disease resistance when compared to open-pollinated varieties. The importance of not saving seed from hybrid varieties is highlighted since they will generally not exhibit the same yield potential or quality as their parent plants.

Storing seeds properly is another key aspect covered in this book where vegetable seeds may be stored for several years if kept cool and dry while homegrown seeds may be placed in small containers with tight-fitting lids then stored inside a refrigerator or freezer until ready for planting.

Finally, readers are guided through proper techniques for planting the selected seeds at the right time, depth and spacing using stakes and string to make straight rows while ensuring that soil surface remains moist throughout germination.