Central Sierra: Economies of a Seed
Economies of a Seed
by Julie Silva, UC Master Gardener in Tuolumne County, CA
Are you a combination of both picky and frugal? Do you know exactly what you want and enjoy hunting for the best price? Are you not satisfied with the choices on the shelves? Going shopping anywhere today makes all of us feel the pinch. Prices are up; we’re all looking for ways to save.
The economics of seed starting is money-smart. By starting your own plants, you achieve higher yield for the money. One package of seeds provides enough plants for repeat continuous planting through the season and enough to share with neighbors. The selection is huge for almost any plant – new and vintage varieties, different colors, flavors, and sizes. It is possible to become lost and confused with tomato choices alone!
When starting your own seeds, being organic is guaranteed. There is no worry about chemicals applied to your plants since you are in control. Any chemical fertilizers or herbicides are your choice.
The reward of starting seeds yourself is healthier, stronger plants. You are the quality control. By following seed packet instructions, appropriately watering, applying enough light and heat, providing the correct amount of fertilizer, and using the right planting mix, you will have super-strong plants.
Seed starting invites the group activity of seed swapping. After all, how many red zinnia seeds do you need from your seed packet? Frequently seeds are sold by the ounce; light-weight seeds will create far more plants than you want or need. Sharing seeds leads to sharing knowledge and achieving success.
How do you choose what to plant? Your weekly grocery shopping trip will help create your seed list. Comparing vegetable and herb prices will help in the decision making.
Tomatoes are favorite spring vegetable plants. Depending on the variety, one plant over a growing season will produce 10 to 30 pounds of tomatoes. Leaf lettuce produces throughout the growing season; harvest the outside leaves, then allow the plant to regrow. Romaine lettuce is the highest yielding variety. A row of 10 plants will provide a family of four with salad every other night for the season. The growing season can even be extended by using a cold frame or frost cloth.
Cucumbers may be trellised, putting 2 to 3 plants in one cage. Each plant may provide 10 to 20 fruits over the season, with even more of the smaller varieties. Specialty peppers are easy to grow and love our summers. Almost any pepper will be a huge savings over grocery store prices since pepper plants are high yielding and productive. Herbs are expensive in stores and economical to grow at home. Many herbs are perennials and may become permanent in your garden.
To start seeds, you have to get the timing right. Seedlings should be ready to transplant into the garden when weather is favorable and soil is warm. Check seed packets for instructions and timing.
Finding the right planting container is easy. Containers can range from paper cups to yogurt cups (with drain holes punched) to plastic six packs made for seed starting. The container needs to hold 2 to 3 inches of fresh, sterile, planting medium that is made for growing seeds. Do not use soil from your garden or from old pots. Before adding seeds, dampen soil medium so that it is moist, but not sopping wet. Fill containers and press down enough to remove air gaps. Seed medium has few nutrients, so remember to start feeding your plants with a liquid fertilizer a couple of weeks after germination.
Seed packets provide correct planting depth information. Some seeds need light and will be sprinkled on top of the soil; others will be buried. Plant two seeds to a pot and, after germination, keep the strongest plant.
As seeds grow, water using a mister until the soil is moist but not soggy. Set up a fan to provide air movement, prevent disease, and strengthen plant stems. Use liquid fertilizer regularly according to package instructions.
Seeds need about 15 hours of light a day. A warm south-facing window or grow lights will provide the needed requirements. Remember to gradually move your new plants out of doors.
Seeds mean control of many things – money, quality and choices. You can change a food desert into an oasis by growing your own plants.
Julie Silva is a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener of Tuolumne County. UCCE Central Sierra Master Gardeners can answer home gardening questions, from rainwater tanks to drought-resistant plants. Call 209-533-5912 or fill out our questionnaire online. Want to learn more about UC Master Gardeners? Visit our webpage , find us on Facebook, or on the radio at kaad-lp.org or 103.5 FM on Motherlode Community Radio.