If you’re going to grow plants from scratch for your desert garden, then you’re going to want to know about the four major outside factors that can help or hinder a seed from germinating.
Water
The first thing a seed must do before it can germinate is to absorb water. You’ll want to keep the soil (or other growing medium) moist, but not totally wet. You’ll see why later. Once the seed begins to germinate, a dry period will cause the embryo to die.
Light
A seed’s reaction to light can be complex. Some seeds need light to germinate (begonia, impatiens, petunia). Others require darkness (calendula, pansies, verbena, vinca). Some plants don’t have any specific requirements. Usually the seed packets will have information about light for germination.
If you do sow a seed that needs light for germination, mimic the natural process and simply put the seed on the soil surface. If it needs darkness, then plant it at the recommended depth.
Oxygen
Seeds breath, and need oxygen. And the respiration rate increases when the seed begins to germinate. When planting a seed, make sure that the soil is loose and aerated well. Lack of oxygen can either stunt a seedling, or kill it.
Heat
Seeds need the right temperature to germinate. Some seeds can germinate over a wide range of temperatures, while others need a very narrow range.
Tomato seeds, for instance, have a minimum germinating temperature of 50 degrees F and a maximum of 90 degrees F. However, 80 degrees is the absolute best for germination of tomato seeds. Having said that, 65 to 70 degrees is best for most plants.
Some gardeners start seeds early in greenhouses or other locations where they can control the temperatures.
Related Articles:
