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Trying to understand the science of germination
Hi all,
I popped out today to have a look at the state of some of the seeds I sowed last weekend and left in the cold frame and there was absolutely no movement at all!
So I took to the internet to try to understand why.
If I understand correctly, seeds need heat, not light to germinate. Different seeds have different temperatures at which they can germinate but that the rate of germination will slow down the lower the temperature. I didn't read this, but I assume that fluctuating temperatures also have an effect (day and night).
Therefore (and I'm simplifying here, I know there are other options) I (in my present set up) can either sow seeds indoor in our conservatory or outdoor in the cold frame and the pros and cons to both are:
Indoor:
Constant warm temperature therefore faster speed of germination but once germinated, light levels are potentially lower leading to leggy plants. Requires hardening off, so a week of lugging everything in and out every day.
Cold frame:
Fluctuating and colder temperatures leading to potentially less successful germination and a much slower germination rate. However, plants are grown from "birth" into tougher conditions and are therefore potentially stronger healthier plants. Light levels should be higher though I'm not convinced it's that much brighter in the cold frames than in the conservatory. The cold frames only get marginally more direct sunlight than the conservatory.
Is there anything above I am getting wrong in a major way?
Thanks all!
I popped out today to have a look at the state of some of the seeds I sowed last weekend and left in the cold frame and there was absolutely no movement at all!
So I took to the internet to try to understand why.
If I understand correctly, seeds need heat, not light to germinate. Different seeds have different temperatures at which they can germinate but that the rate of germination will slow down the lower the temperature. I didn't read this, but I assume that fluctuating temperatures also have an effect (day and night).
Therefore (and I'm simplifying here, I know there are other options) I (in my present set up) can either sow seeds indoor in our conservatory or outdoor in the cold frame and the pros and cons to both are:
Indoor:
Constant warm temperature therefore faster speed of germination but once germinated, light levels are potentially lower leading to leggy plants. Requires hardening off, so a week of lugging everything in and out every day.
Cold frame:
Fluctuating and colder temperatures leading to potentially less successful germination and a much slower germination rate. However, plants are grown from "birth" into tougher conditions and are therefore potentially stronger healthier plants. Light levels should be higher though I'm not convinced it's that much brighter in the cold frames than in the conservatory. The cold frames only get marginally more direct sunlight than the conservatory.
Is there anything above I am getting wrong in a major way?
Thanks all!
I’ve no idea what I’m doing.
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As @B3 states - parsley under normal conditions can take up to a month and courgettes or beans - within the week.
As usual a lack of patience is my downfall!! I suppose it's just difficult to generalise but I'll keep an eye on everything.
Should I move them indoor if I have the space? Do the pros outweigh the cons?
I laugh like a drain every year around June after having planted my various carefully nurtured veggie plants , when up have sprouted tomatoes, peppers etc as weeds do, all around the garden, stronger than ever!