Last week, I planted our corn and bean seeds indoors. Most gardeners probably don't have to do this but we find it gives the plants a head start and also keeps hungry birds from nibbling on the freshly-sprouted seeds.
This is a side view of a deep-root insert. |
This shows the nearly-full cells that I've pushed my fingers into. |
I finish filling the cells with the germination mix, press down on them to make sure they're well-filled and finish by watering the flat with lukewarm water. The warmer water helps the soil mix to more easily absorb it.
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Plant corn seeds with the pointed end facing down. |
This might seem like a silly and tedious step but I get wonderful germination rates because I've taken a few extra seconds to make sure the seeds were correctly oriented. You'll notice in the photo where I'm holding a corn seed that they do indeed have a "pointy" end, which is to the right. That's the end that is planted facing down.
If you click on the photo of the different bean seeds on the plate at the top of this post, you'll see that there is a little "scar" in the center of the curvy side of the seed. Point that scar facing downward.
This year, I'm growing 3 types of beans. Two are pole beans ('Italian Snap' and 'Scarlet Runner') and one Italian bush bean ('Fagiolo nano').
Last but not least, I should mention that I'll keep the bean and corn seedlings indoors for about a week, then plant them out in the garden. I'll write a follow-up post on transplanting them next week.
I think I'm right behind you. We planted our Roma beans outdoors about 2 weeks ago under Remay. Some are up, but there are gaps in the row. So I planted some beans last night to fill in the gaps and my corn. Its an heirloom variety that is called, of all things: Hookers. Um, and it is purple. Not sure what to expect, but the description said it was good for short season, mild summers. I filled the rest of the tray with flowers.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jane. Well, I'm getting crummy "magic bean" germination for some reason so far. Sure hope they start popping up soon! Let me know how 'Hookers' works for you. ;o)
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