Monthly Archives: August 2020

Cutting Ageratum Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:8”-10”
Plant Spacing:12”-18”
Days to Germination: 7-14 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Ageratum houstonianum, the Floss Flower. Cutting Ageratum should be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds on top of soil mix, leaving the seeds uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light aids germination. Provide even moisture, strong light and luke warm water. Prepare a garden bed in full to partial sunlight with rich, well-draining soil. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks. Carefully transplant them 8" to 12" apart. To encourage branching, pinch back the young plants at 8" tall. Keep them well-watered. Water at soil level only. For the best vase life, cut them once the fuzzy central flower cluster has opened and

Coneflower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:18”-24”
Days to Germination: 10-20 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Echinacea purpurea. Start Coneflowers indoors before the last frost date to promote first-year blooms. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours, and then sow in a good seed-starting medium. Provide 65° to 75°F temperatures and uniformly moist soil until seedlings emerge. Introduce strong sunlight. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to larger, deeper pots for full root system development. After all danger of frost has passed and seedlings are 4" tall, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Transplant out 18" to 24" apart or direct-sow in rich, well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Deadhead old flowers to promote c

Direct-Sow Basics

Mache Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”-1/4”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:2””
Days to Germination: 5-14 days
Germination Temperature:45°-70°F

Salad Greens yield the tastiest and most tender leaves when grown quickly in cool weather. Sow directly as soon as the soil may be worked in the spring and/or in the fall, about 6 weeks before the first fall frost. Follow the spacing on the chart above or broadcast seed in a well-dug bed in moderately fertile soil amended with compost and/or well-rotted manure. A light sprinkling of soil over the seed is sufficient, tamp down lightly and water well. For larger plants, thin seedlings to 10" to 12" apart. To harvest in the “cut and come again” method, you don’t need to thin them out. Just give them a haircut when they are 3" to 4" tall. Weed scrupulously and keep soil evenly moist. Feed with kelp or fish e

Direct-Sow Basics

Asian Greens Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth: ¼”-1/2"
Row Spacing: 12”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Days to Germination: 5-10 days
Germination Temperature: 70°-75°F

Our versatile, easy and popular Asian Greens thrive in cool temperatures, tolerating mild frost. Sow when the danger of heavy frost has passed. Asian Greens appreciate soil with a moderate amount of organic matter dug in. Keep the soil evenly moist for a mild, sweet taste. When growing individuals, thin them to 8" to 10" apart. For ‘baby leaf’ harvesting, lightly broadcast seed, sprinkle with soil and water lightly. As the plants grow to about 3" tall, give them a “haircut” for salads and stir-fries. Feed regularly to enjoy one or two more cuttings from the initial sowing. In cool summer areas, seed at 10 to 14 day intervals, ensuring a steady harvest of fresh, vitamin-rich greens. Hot weather causes

Zinnia Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:10”-12””
Days to Germination: 5-10 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Zinnia. This classic summer flower may be seeded directly into the garden after the last frost date. Plant them 1⁄2" deep in well-draining, loamy soil with full sun. Keep uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, about 7 days after sowing. Or, start indoors: plant 1⁄2" deep in a good seed-starting medium at 70° to 75°F 4 weeks prior to the last frost date. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. Once established, thin plants to 2" to 3" apart and grow on. Thin or transplant 3" tall seedlings 10" to 12" apart in the garden. Weed carefully and water moderately beneath the plants until established. Zinnias are prone to mildew, so provide adequate spacing and moderate ground-level watering: don’t get too much water on the plants themsel

Roselle Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Seed Spacing:36”
Plant Spacing:60”
Days to Germination: 10-21 days
Germination Temperature:75°-90°F

Hibiscus sabdariffa. Roselle plants love heat and sun, and they need a long season to produce flowers and calyxes. The farther north you live, the earlier you should start seeds indoors. In New England, for example, begin in late January or February. Nick or soak seeds before sowing. Provide warmth and even moisture. As the seedlings grow, transplant them into larger pots.
After all threat of frost has passed, slowly introduce the seedlings to the outdoors over a span of a week. Traansplant seedlings into the garden or into large containers only when the soil is reliably above 70°F. Water regularly and fertilize sparingly. Plants will begin flowering and forming calyzes in late summer or early fall, as they require shorter days to do so.

St John's Wort Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly

Thyme Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois

Sorrel Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois

Mint Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois

Savory Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois

Sage Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois