GROWING PLANTS FROM SEED 

 
With more than 50 years experience, Gardening Jones (well, her Dad) will explain what's needed for successful seed starting. 
 
The first requirement is to start out with the proper equipment.  
· You will need a container to hold the growing medium. We recommend a clear plastic dish 8" in diameter which is normally used under flower pots to catch excess water. These dishes are easily obtained in garden centers and are relatively inexpensive.
· Next you will need a piece of 1 & 1/2" PVC pipe about 2" long. See your plumber for some scrap pieces. (He/She  might even cut them for you) or go to your plumbing supply house. It cuts easily with a saw.
· You will need a small sieve for screening the soil to cover the seeds after they are sowed, this is the same type of screening used for screen doors. See your hardware dealer.
· Finally the growing medium. A few are listed below.
1. Vermiculite: This is obtained at your garden center. It is a non organic substance which has the ability to hold water. The advantage of vermiculite is the seedlings are easily removed when it is time to transplant them. Disadvantage is having no organic properties a little plant food should be added to the water.
2. Seed starting formula: Many seed starting mixtures are on the market for this purpose such as Scott's Potting Soil for Seed Starting. Contains complete instructions.
3. Pro Mix: A popular item used by many professionals.
Now that we have all the equipment together lets get started. 
Place the piece of PVC pipe in the center of the clear plastic dish and carefully fill in the space with your growing medium. The purpose of the piece of PVC pipe ( if you haven't guessed it by now) is for watering the seedlings. It is important that the seedlings are watered from below. Smooth the growing medium with your hand so that it is even all around.
Next carefully pour water into the center of the piece of PVC until the growing medium is completely moistened. This may take a little time of the growing medium is completely dried out. Now it's time to sew the seeds. The plant we are featuring today is the DIANTHUS ( di-ann-thus). Or commonly referred to as Pinks. They are low growing perennials that are very aromatic, suitable in rock gardens or as a house plant. Keep in mind that when growing from seed you will have a large number of plants on hand to give away or plant in your garden.
SOWING THE SEEDS
Carefully cut off the top of the seed package with a scissors. With your fingers, make a crease in one side of the seed package, while holding it upright so as to not spill the seeds. The purpose of the crease is to guide the seeds out over the edge of the package and onto the growing medium. Carefully hold the seed package over the growing medium about four inches while gently tapping the package with your finger to coax the seeds out of the package and onto the growing medium. Try to space them out so that they are not too crowded. Now it's time for the sieve. Follow the directions on the seed package which says to barely cover with soil. A small piece of cardboard can be cut out to fit over the PVC pipe to prevent it getting filled with the sieved dirt.
These next instructions are very important. Never let the growing medium dry out. Keep it evenly moist. After the seedlings have sprouted you can cut back on the watering a little but still maintain some moisture. Place the container with the seedlings in a location with even heat, about 70 degrees, until the seeds have germinated. They can then be moved to a cooler location such as a window sill. Never put them in direct sunlight or on a furnace or radiator. Germination time can be speeded up by providing bottom heat from a heating coil. See your garden supply house or if you want specific instructions contact Gardening Jones.
It will take from 4 to 14 days for your seed to germinate so sit back, relax and let nature take place. 

By Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Walter Kunz