Seed needs for good germination
Seed needs for good germination
To successfully sow vegetables, gardeners must provide the seeds with the best conditions to ensure good germination and rapid, regular emergence.
Soil preparation
For seeds to germinate smoothly, they must be sown in well-loosened, well-drained soil that is well-refined on the surface. Using a spade or digging fork, the soil must be loosened deeply, leaving no large clods and removing stones and weed roots. The soil is then raked on the surface.
Seeds need warmth to get off to a good start
Seeds are living things: they need water, air, and sufficient heat to germinate and achieve good, regular, and uniform growth. Soil temperature must not fall below a minimum temperature, which varies depending on the species.
Too low a temperature blocks germination and the seeds risk rotting. Therefore, gardeners must wait until the soil is sufficiently warm before sowing. In early spring, the first rays of sunshine are often not enough.
To start sowing, you also need to have well-dried soil and wait until there is no longer any risk of frost.
> Here are the minimum soil temperatures to be observed when sowing for the main species:
8 to 10°C: spinach, onion, radish.
10 to 12°C: carrot, chicory, cabbage, lettuce, peas.
15 to 18°C: celery, pickle, bean, melon, tomato.
18 to 20°C: eggplant.
Sowing at the right depth
To achieve good germination, the seed must be sown at the correct depth. Remember: the smaller the seed, the deeper it should be planted.
If the soil is light (sandy), it is advisable to sow at a depth equal to three times the thickness of the seed. In heavy (clayey) soil, at a depth equal to the thickness of the seed.
As a general rule, we advise you not to sow too deep.
> Here are the sowing depths not to be exceeded for the main vegetable species:
from 0.5 to 1 cm: eggplant, carrot, celery, chervil, chicory, lettuce, lamb's lettuce, turnip, parsley, leek, leeks, round radish, tomato.
2 cm: beetroot, cabbage, cucumber, gherkin, zucchini, spinach, melon, onion, pumpkin, long radish, salsify.
at 3 cm: peas, beans, broad beans.
Source: Gnis
