New seed-starting mix available in market

A new seed-starting mix food for flower and vegetable seeds is now available in the market, particularly in the garden section of Ace Hardware.

This is the Homegrown Seed Starting Mix from GreenHearts The Garden Shop.

It is an all-natural soilless mix formulated specifically for growing plants from seeds right at home.

It is an all-natural soilless mix made up of varying proportions of organic matter and other naturally-occurring materials that have been pre-measured to give the perfect levels of aeration, drainage and moisture retention for maximum seed germination.

It has a mild formulation that gives the delicate seeds the right blend of nutrients and a healthy environment as compared to plain garden soil that may just do more harm than good to seeds.

Since Homegrown is ready-to-use, it makes sowing as easy as 1-2-3.

All you need are a packet of seeds, a seedling tray or small pots, and Homegrown soilless potting mix in which to sow the seeds and you are all set!

The sooner you start, the sooner you get to enjoy a more colorful garden.

And the best part is, growing your own flowering delights can easily be worked into your hectic schedule.

Here are some tips to help you start your very own easy-does-it Garden of Eden.

GO FOR ANNUALS.

Annuals are flowers that grow and bloom quickly from seed, and then die within a relatively short period of time.

Examples are petunias, cosmos, four o’clock, zinnias, vincas, celosias, marigold, mums and several others.

Some people prefer just growing perennials – such as bougainvilleas and roses – plants that live on for years and years.

But annuals provide a unique kind of reward for busy gardeners because of the plants’ quick life cycles.

Fulfillment comes quick and easy as these flowers provide dazzling burst of color in their short but colorful lives.

After they mature, the dropped seeds can actually return as new plants.

GROWING SEEDS IN CONTAINERS.

Although you can choose to just scatter the seeds straight into the ground, sowing seeds in pots and trays gives the seeds a safe and healthy start.

Instead of taking risks by exposing them to the harsh environment, away from strong wind and rain, until they are ready enough to be placed in the garden.

Where you plant the seeds is highly important.

Growing them on a warm surface helps speed up germination.

Your pot or growing container also matters.

It needs proper holes for good drainage.

Too much moisture can make the seed rot.

USE SOILLESS SEED STARTING MIX.

Ordinary garden soil is generally made up of loam, clay, silt, stones, organic matter, a multitude of organisms (both good and bad), soil-borne diseases, weed seeds, and even bits of trash.

Seeds and seedlings are very delicate and need a more hygienic environment in which to get started.

For best results, sow your seeds in Homegrown Soilless Seed Starting Mix.

Homegrown is an all-natural soilless mix made up mainly of well aged coconut dust and the right amounts of other organic matter to give your seedlings the healthiest start in life.

It is available nationwide at the lawn and garden section of Ace Hardware.

SOWING BASICS.

Seeds will not germinate if they are buried too deeply.

Generally, seeds should just be covered to twice their diameter; fine seeds should not be buried at all but just pressed firmly into the seed starting mix.

Some seeds also require light to germinate while others prefer total darkness.

That’s why it is important to read directions found on the seed packet.

It is also advisable to cover the pots or trays with a clear plastic sheet or wet newspaper to conserve moisture.

As long as the potting mix is well moistened upon sowing, you will not need to water until the seedlings emerge.

The quality of the plant also lies with the freshness of the seed.

The longer it takes for seeds to be planted, the greater the risk of growing low quality plants, or worse, they may not germinate at all.

If you are not planting your seeds right away, store them in an airtight container in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator.

AFTER GERMINATION.

After seedlings appear, remove the clear plastic or newspaper cover and transfer the container to a cooler environment where the sunlight is not too harsh.

This is the tender stage when many gardeners lose their seedlings to damping off which is the sudden collapse of seedlings; also the time when home gardeners most appreciate the use of a high quality soilless potting mix that is free from soil-borne diseases and pests.

Growing plants that you have sown from seeds yourself gives a unique sense of fulfillment.

And knowing the basics in sowing, with patience and determination, you are on your way to finding the great gardener in you.