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Growing from Seed: From Germination to Transplant

Growing from Seed: From Germination to Transplant
Hello friends!

I hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe during these uncertain times. I’ve been blown away by all the positivity and patience shown by Calgarians while we work to improve our online store, introduce curbside pick up, and maintain a safe and clean environment within our physical store. We sincerely thank you for your continued support.

You must be itching to get in the garden!!! This weekend, we were so looking forward to was seeing you at our Growing from Seeds seminar. We’re so happy to announce that we’ll be moving the seminars online! On the blog! I’ll be sitting down with our gardening experts each week to discuss gardening topics, so if you have questions, feel free to comment below, and we’ll get them answered.

  This week, I sat down with Colin Hayles, one of our highly experienced plant professionals here at Golden Acre, and host of our new internet show GAKidsTV.

Colin started his adventures in the world of horticulture back in 1997. Working as a landscaper in Montreal he got his horticulture diploma from the University of Guelph through an applied sciences degree. Eventually Colin made it to YYC where he happened to end up working at Golden Acre Home & Garden. He is now the purchaser of all hard goods and also works in marketing, social media and public speaking. With over 20 years of experience all across Canada he has developed a love of all things nature and gardening and is still the least famous or impressive person in his family.

  Q: Why grow from seed?

“A few different reasons, I’d say the biggest benefits were definitely selection. You can’t find the same varieties in pre grown as you can in seed (See selection here). The second is control, if you grow from seed you know absolutely everything that was used on it from the time you got it so when it comes to veggies you know what you are consuming.”

Q: What is needed?

“The 2 things every seed needs is moisture and heat. In order to achieve the best results I would say the needed things are a good soil/growing medium (pro mix seed starter), seed tray or pots (grow trays, jiffy peat pots) a heat mat and a spray bottle as you don’t want to use a watering can. A dome is also an excellent addition.”

Q: How do I take care of them?

“Moisture, heat and time are the key elements in seeds. They will take care of themselves, don’t let them get cold, and don’t flood them but don’t allow them to dry out either.”

Q: When do I start my seeds indoors?

“Each seed is different depending on when it can go outside, germination time etc. So the key is knowing your climate in your area. In Calgary that can be a real guess at the best of times. Use a chart  to help you figure it out. It’s always a good idea to have some extra room in case you can’t get them outside when intended.”

Q: When do I transplant my seedlings to a different size pot?

“When you notice they are getting too root bound. Most seed starting pots and trays will have drainage holes, when roots start poking out it is time to move up a level.”

Q: How do I harden them off?

“Slowly. The best way to do it is to get them out in the warm days and slowly extend their time outside. The goal is to get them used to being outside. Whilst they have been growing until this point they have been in a perfect controlled environment, the trick is to get them used to wind, rain, cool air etc. Too much and it will shock them, not enough and they won’t harden off accordingly.”

Q: What if they’re ready to go outside but the climate is still inclement?

“Then you are going to need somewhere to hold them. This is where growing lights can come in handy. If they are too big for the windowsill and they need to move to the basement for a week or two or more, get them under a grow light. This will be great until they get out doors.”

Q: Can I grow from seed year round?

“Absolutely, and if you grow year round you can have a few lights and a set up so if your spring/summer seeds need to stay inside for longer than you wanted you have everything needed to take care of the,. There is nothing better than fresh herbs in the winter months. Plus working on green, live plants during those long winter months can be good for the mind, body and soul.”

Q: Can I start seed directly outside?

“Absolutely, especially the early starters like kale, broccoli etc. It can be better and doesn’t require hardening off but it can come with its own unique problems too. Animals, inclement snowfall, heavy rains. But most of these can be overcome by using grow domes, frost blankets and animal repellant. For every problem there can be a solution.”

Q: How much room does it take to start seeds?

“It doesn’t take much room to start seeds but by their very nature seeds grow. You can find rather quickly that the area you had is not close to big enough after the first transplant. If the weather isn’t conducive to planting outside you may also find you need more room again. Always make sure you have way more room than you think you will need. Besides you are going to get good at it, we’ll make sure you do, so you will always need more room.”

  Thanks to Colin for taking the time to talk seeds. If you have any questions, feel free to comment, reach out on our social media, and we’ll do our best to answer them for you!

Next week, it’s all about Spring Clean Up: Time to Get Your Yard Ready!

Happy Gardening!
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Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.