This primer is based on the steps we follow when starting plants from seed in the Natural Gardening Company greenhouse. Each year, for many years, we have grown more than 200 varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers. The method described here is the result of these years of trial and error, based on steps we have found give us good results. Use good seeds.
Good results begin with good seeds.
Get to know suppliers whose seeds are dependable, and take good care of the seeds after you receive them. We also put dessicant in the bags whenever possible to keep the contents as dry as possible. Store your seeds in shady locations, away from heat and freezing temperatures. Direct light, extremes of temperature, and moisture quickly ruin seed quality. If we begin to get poor germination results with a particular seed lot we discard the seeds rather than waste time, soil, and greenhouse space on spotty germination.