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    Seed and Seedling Failure Troubleshooting

    Seedling emerging

    Successful seed and seedlings’ growth depends on moisture, warmth, air, and light. Seeds and seedlings require optimal temperatures, even watering, open-air circulation, and bright light to thrive. When a seed fails to sprout or a seedling fails to thrive there is usually a simple and easily correctable reason. Here are the most common reasons seeds […] More

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    Peat Pellet Buyer’s Guide

    Peat pellets in starting tray

    Peat pellets are used for seed starting. Peat pellets are compressed disks of dehydrated peat moss and other organic materials. They are used to germinate seeds indoors before transplanting seedlings into the garden. A peat pellet is a self-contained pot and planting medium all in one. When it comes to gardening and horticulture, peat pellets […] More

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    Seed Starting Mix Buyer’s Guide

    Seed starting mix in seed tray

    Seed starting mixes are lightweight soil substitutes used for germinating seeds. Seed starting mixes commonly contain no soil, they are moisture retentive, and they are usually sterile having been exposed to high temperature to kill off bacteria. Seed starting mixes are sometimes called soilless mixes. Having the right seed starting mix can be crucial for […] More

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    Grow Light Buyer’s Guide

    Grow lights

    A grow light is an artificial light source that mimics the natural sunlight required for plants to thrive. Grow lights are also known as plant lights or propagation lights. Grow lights are important for indoor seed starting and plant growing. They allow for the growth of a wide range of plants regardless of the available […] More

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    Propagating Plants from Cuttings

    Cuttings is a method of propagation by which plants that are identical with the parent are reproduced. Cuttings are parts of plants cut or sometimes broken from a parent plant and inserted in water, sand, soil, peat moss, or some other medium to root and become new plants. Cuttings are a way to increase plants […] More

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    Plant Propagation by Division

    Division is a form of plant propagation in which new plants are not grown from seeds or bulbs but are separated or divided from their parents. A plant newly separated from its parent is called a “division.” Division or separation are two of the easiest method of propagation that home gardeners can use to increase […] More

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    Starting Plants from Seed

    You can start flowers–both annuals and perennials–from seed. Starting plants from seed is less expensive than purchasing plants from a garden center. Seed starting will require some time and effort but can be very rewarding. Many more varieties of flowers are available in seed than are offered at garden centers or nurseries. Seed starting in […] More

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    How to Start New Plants from Cuttings

    Cuttings from existing plants can be used to start new plants. You can start new plants from trimmings of grapes, figs, perennial herbs such as rosemary and lemon verbena, and even from some vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes. No special tools or equipment are needed to start new plants from cuttings. You will need […] More

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    Vegetable Seedling Protection

    Crop protection cages2

    Protect vegetable seedlings planted in the garden from cool and cold nighttime temperatures. Protect warm-season seedlings such as tomatoes and peppers from temperatures below 55°F. Protect cool-season seedlings such as lettuce and cabbage from temperatures below 45°F. Cages and tunnels covered with plastic are quick ways to protect crops and extend the warmth needed for […] More