Planting seeds Time of year?Time of year? –Cool-season crops - radishes, lettuce, spinach beets, carrots, onions, cole crops (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale), peas, snapdragons and pansies. Germinate if soil is 40-55°FGerminate if soil is 40-55°F These plants come from temperate climatesThese plants come from temperate climates They will tolerate freezing conditionsThey will tolerate freezing conditions

Planting seeds Time of year?Time of year? –Warm-season crops - Tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, vine crops (cucumbers, squash, melons, snap beans, lima beans), sweet corn, marigolds and zinnias Require >60°FRequire >60°F Killed by freezing temperaturesKilled by freezing temperatures

Row covers Wall of water Clear plastic “mulch”

Techniques in sowing Seeds should be sowed 2-3x their diameterSeeds should be sowed 2-3x their diameter Seeds needing light (small seeds) should be sowed directly on the surface and then perhaps covered with horticultural grade sandSeeds needing light (small seeds) should be sowed directly on the surface and then perhaps covered with horticultural grade sand Gently water and keep evenly moistGently water and keep evenly moist

Watering Once you wet a dry seed, it must remain moist!Once you wet a dry seed, it must remain moist! Use propagation dome to help keep in moisture when starting seeds insideUse propagation dome to help keep in moisture when starting seeds inside

Propagation dome

Light Depends on the seed!Depends on the seed! Generally, small seeds need to be planted near the surface and larger seeds can be deeper.Generally, small seeds need to be planted near the surface and larger seeds can be deeper.

Light Rule-of-thumb:Rule-of-thumb: –Plant seeds 2 - 3x their diameter

Techniques in transplanting Prick-out seedlings (can use a “dibble” or a pencil or popsicle stick)Prick-out seedlings (can use a “dibble” or a pencil or popsicle stick) Handle only by cotyledons… NEVER the stem!Handle only by cotyledons… NEVER the stem! Best to have a hole made in the potting mix first before moving the seedlingBest to have a hole made in the potting mix first before moving the seedling After planting, firm the medium around the seedling roots and waterAfter planting, firm the medium around the seedling roots and water

Frost-free dates This is the approximate time of year when you would expect no more frosts during the growing period.This is the approximate time of year when you would expect no more frosts during the growing period. For Burlington, the spring frost-free date is:For Burlington, the spring frost-free date is: –May 8th For Burlington, the last frost free date in fall is:For Burlington, the last frost free date in fall is: –October 3rd It is important to know these dates for your growing area!It is important to know these dates for your growing area! Check with your local Master Gardener Program, Weather station, of College/University in your areaCheck with your local Master Gardener Program, Weather station, of College/University in your area