Grass seeds need water immediately after planting to ensure proper growth and germination. Watering new lawn areas correctly after a fall seeding is vital for successful grass seed germination and maturation. A fescue lawn should be watered for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, as a great start. As the grass grows, you can reduce the frequency but increase the amount of water needed.
To maintain moisture in the seeding area, water your grass seeds daily, except for days when it rains. Watering directly before or after a storm leads to overwatering. Wait until the hottest part of the day has ended to determine the optimal frequency of watering.
The trick to successful seed germination is to keep your new grass seedlings moist all the time with a consistent water schedule. Too little water will leave brown spots or, worse, kill the sprouts, while too much water will leave brown spots or kill the sprouts. Turn your new grass seed into the lush green grass you’ve always wanted with a careful watering plan.
Start with short watering sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times per day, to prevent surface drying. As your grass seedlings grow, it’s time to extend your watering. Water gently using a watering can with an upside-down rose or stand pots or trays in water to soak up moisture from below, removing once the compost is thoroughly damp.
After the seed sprouts, keep the ground moist until the seeding has established roots. Even after that, if no rain occurs, water the soil thoroughly so it’s moist but not wet. Plant the seeds according to the instructions that came with the seeds, using the safest and surest way of watering from below.
In conclusion, water is a critical part of a plant’s growth cycle, and it’s better to plant seeds at a depth equal to two or three times their width.
📹 Here’s why your Cannabis Seeds Haven’t Germinated!
If you have been unlucky and some, or all of your cannabis seeds haven’t germinated, there is usually an easily identifiable …
What is the best way to water a newly planted seeding?
Watering seedlings from above is not recommended as it may knock over fragile plants, so a mister or spray bottle is recommended. It is essential to check on the plants twice a day to prevent drying. A cover or humidity dome is also recommended to keep moisture in during early germination. Bottom watering is the most effective and reliable method, relying on capillary action. Various methods can be used, but starting with a pre-moisten medium is recommended to ensure proper placement and adequate water for the seedlings. Seed starter kits, which include a humidity dome, can also be helpful in keeping moisture in, similar to a greenhouse.
What to do after seeding?
Watering is crucial for successful lawn establishment, especially during dry periods and when conditions are windy and dry. Sandy soils dry out quickly and require more frequent irrigation, with a light mist watering being best. As seedlings grow and mature, the frequency of watering decreases but the duration increases. Proper mowing technique is essential for maintaining the lawn, as too short or infrequent mowing can lead to drought injury, weed infestations, and foot traffic injury.
Mowing should begin when the new turf reaches a height one-third higher than the normal mowing height, typically four to six weeks after seeding. The “one-third” rule should be followed when mowing during the season, removing only one-third of the vegetation at each cutting. Soil should be dry enough to prevent ruts from being formed by the lawnmower’s wheels. Mower blades should be sharp for a clean cut. Generally, mowing should be done weekly during the growing season.
Fertilizer applied according to soil test results during the initial seeding period is sufficient for 6-8 weeks, with follow-up applications as part of a regular maintenance program. For cool-season turf, fertilizer cannot be applied later than November 15th, and for spring-sown seeds, do not apply after June 1st. The University of Maryland Extension home lawn fertilizer schedule provides guidance on proper fertilizer application.
Which seeds should not be soaked?
Seeds were designed to delay germination until the right time, so soaking them before planting boosts moisture, removes the protective coating, and softens the seed. The hard shell of seeds allows new growth to push through and grow. Seeds that benefit from soaking include corn, pumpkin, beans, chard, beets, and peas, while those not to soak include carrots, lettuce, radish, celery, turnips, and spinach. Listen to Cathy Isom’s This Land of Ours program for more information.
What time of day should I water new seeds?
To ensure proper gardening, water grass seeds at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, until the soil is moist. The timeframe for watering grass depends on factors such as climate, grass type, soil type, drainage, and treatment. If you live in a rain-prone area, no additional watering is needed. However, during a drought, longer periods of watering may be necessary to ensure proper watering. If the soil dries quickly after watering, additional watering may be necessary to ensure the water reaches the seeds. It’s essential to experiment and learn from your experiences in gardening.
What to do after seed sowing?
Seedlings, once they have emerged from their inner casing, naturally seek light from the sun. If natural sunlight from a protected area is not available, consider investing in grow lights. If a south-facing window offers substantial natural sunlight, it is ideal. Sunlight is warm, free, and rich in Vitamin D, providing energy for healthy growth. To ensure equal exposure, rotate pots frequently. If seedlings appear stretched out and lanky, it may be a sign of insufficient light. The goal is to grow fuller, more vegetative transplants, not weak, spindly ones. If your pots appear lanky, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough light.
How often should I water seeds in a propagator?
To ensure successful propagation, ensure your propagator is moist but not soggy, and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Some propagators have a capillary wetting matt, allowing seedlings to draw water when needed. Check your propagator daily and give your seeds a drink if the compost is drying out. Place your propagator in a warm, draft-free location between 18 and 25 degrees, and use a thermometer to measure soil temperature. Once your seedlings are strong enough, transition them to their permanent home outside.
Should you water before or after sowing?
To ensure healthy plants, draw drills and water along them before sowing, making the bottom of the drill wet for new roots to grow downwards. After sowing, cover with dry soil or compost and wait until new leaves are visible or strong. Some under cover plantings are made in autumn until April or early May, as midwinter growth is slow and plants only need occasional light watering due to cool soil, humid air, and low light levels. After mid-February, new growth is stronger, and it is recommended to water weekly, with a little more each time, and twice weekly from March.
Do seeds need to be soaked in water?
Soaking seeds before planting can accelerate germination and increase the proportion of successful germinating seeds. Seeds have evolved a protective coating around the embryo, which protects the seeds until they find a suitable place to grow into a new plant. The seed coat that protects the embryo stays intact until the conditions, temperature, light, and moisture are suitable for germination. Seeds are dry and need water to initiate germination, as water softens and breaks the seed coat, potentially leaching away germination inhibitors.
The water is usually in the soil where the seed falls, and when enough is absorbed, germination begins. However, in sandy or heavy clay soils, soaking seeds before planting can help initiate germination, especially in sandy or clay soils where water does not easily penetrate dry soil.
Do seeds need to be watered daily?
After sowing seeds, maintain a moist seed bed by watering it regularly, usually once a day, to prevent soil drying out. Park’s Plant Protector can help warm the soil and conserve moisture. In spring, keeping soil moist is easy, but in summer, beds need shade or mulching to slow evaporation. Thin seedlings as they germinate, following the instructions on the seed packet, as too many plants too close together can cause a serious weed infestation. Avoid being softhearted when thinning, as too many plants too close together can cause serious damage.
Can you overwater seedlings?
Overwatering and underwatering can have detrimental effects on seedling growth, leading to root rot, fungal growth, and diseases. Similarly, stunting growth and wilting can occur due to underwatering. To prevent these issues, it is crucial to find a balance between the two. If you catch overwatering early, you can take steps to save your seedlings. Monitoring seedling watering needs can help you determine when it’s time to water your plants.
How long should seedlings stay in a propagator?
To prepare seedlings for planting, remove the seed tray cover and let them grow for a few days to a week. Start by removing the cover during the day and replacing it at night until the seedlings are strong enough to leave it off. Once the process is complete, transplant the seedlings into pots with more space for their roots and development. Economy pots are typically used for this process. Once the seedlings are ready to plant, they should be ready to move into their permanent location.
📹 7 FATAL MISTAKES: Why Seeds Not Germinating or Sprouting?
In Today’s Episode we will look into 7 Fatal Mistakes or reasons, why your seeds are not germinating or sprouting?
This is the perfect instructional article I’ve seen so far. Just the right amount of information, explained in a simple manner, no confusions! I have a bunch of different seeds that are in the process of germination & a few I need to start. Thank you for making this so very easy! Appreciate all your articles! 😀
You inspired me to start gardening agn. You were right on the fungi infection. I was sick wondering what went wrong when all of my sunflower seedlings died prematurely from rotten roots. After I gave up and left the soil unattended for days, fungus started to cover on the soil surface. Now it made sense why my seedlings didn’t make it. Thank you!
My dear friend, obviously you are a highly educated and experienced gardener, I and I’m sure everyone else appreciate the detailed explanation on all the subjects, please keep up the excellent work that you do for those like me that need to learn, correct, diagnose, fix, and treat, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Good stuff about what to watch for. I would correct item one. If a seed does not sink, it MIGHT not be viable, but for many seeds it is normal to not sink, sometimes for as much as a day. So, before you toss those seeds out, walk by a half day later and tap on them to see if they sink. If they don’t obey you by end of day one, then you can toss them out. If you are desperate, run a razor over the seams to take off an almost unnoticeable layer of seed at that spot, and give them another half day. Also, when it comes to heat, it isn’t the heat of the air that matters. It is the heat of the soil. That is a HUGE difference. For this reason I suggest NEVER plant in ceramic pots. Ceramic pots retain coolness and can delay the germination of seeds for up to a month worth of season.
I’m so grateful I found your article. Just went through this dilemma. My eggplant seeds aren’t sprouting. I think I found my mistake. Old sees, maybe. Expiry date isn’t indicated in the seed packet. Also, non-sterile container. I just used up an old seedling tray, filled it with soil, without even bothering to clean it. I’m just a beginner, so I can forgive myself. Thanks for sharing this info. Great work!
Hi there! I have been trying to grow green onions and so far… It’s- going pretty well! I have been recording how much it grew every day! And from yesterday both of them have grown 1.5cm more from their previous height 🙂 I found out that they grow much better, greener and faster in soil, so I was thinking of buying some recently and I came across your article! Thank you SO MUCH! I will make sure the soil is moist enough for my vegetables to grow, like- you’re seriously underrated! And the fact that you’re literally hearting almost everyone’s comments just shows how much of an amazing and awesome person you are! The article is clearly instructed causing no confusion and is very clear. + Once again, Thank you so much for this article, you have no idea have much this will help me! Just earned yourself a Sub, lots of Love <3
Wow! Thank you for an excellent article! I have already discovered two reasons why my seeds didn’t sprout. 1. With the green pepper seeds we saved from last year, they were still green and 2. When I planted Parsley, (after soaking the seeds) I had planted the floaters, not the ones that sank to the bottom of the container.
hey doc… just wanna say that this article really opened up my eyes. My brother just start germinating seeds over the holidays and I say we’ve had a few close calls. I only wish I knew had to do the wet paper towel method before he died from “bad seed”. I would do anything to see him one more time, so could you’re next article be “7 ways seed germination can bring back relatives from the dead”? Thank again doc.
Your website is brilliant 😊 I always appreciate your tips and have respect for the methods that you use to kill pests and pathogens. Thank you. Because we in Qld STH East coast, have been experiencing La Niña for the past 3 years, we have had all the pests associated with too much moisture and humidity. I lost about 1/4 of my plants last summer due to root mealy grubs. 😱 It has been so discouraging, not to mention expensive. I didn’t even know what these pesky insects were until I watched your website. My question is: Should I drench all of my garden beds in pure soapy water also containing Neem oil or I sunflower oil, before planting out my very young new plants? I also have castor oil that I heard was good. Neem oil is very expensive so try to keep it for using on my plant leaves. What is the safest insecticide to spray on seedlings when they get attacked by root and leaf mealy grubs? I have killed some very young small plants by spraying them with an oil and soap spray. Can homemade or commercial organic sprays be too harsh? It is heart breaking to lose seedlings after taking months to grow them from seed. Also, I been killing off most of ants that are protecting the pests. That is helping as I now have more ladybugs 🐞 THANK YOU in advance for any tips or suggestions that you have to help me solve my garden dilemma. Sorry about the long message. 🥹🌻
Good article- clear simple instruction. On testing the viability of seed 2nd method, where you put these seeds on wet toilet paper then wrap them and sealed in airtight container. You said if these seed germinate after couple of days, then these are good viable seeds. My question is these sprouted seeds, an we utilised them – put in compost and start the process of growing, please ? Regards. Dr Joginder Singh
2:47. I am from Malaysia. Interesting! I used only red bell pepper fruits to extract seeds for sowing. I avoid the green ones. I do this out of my gut feelings – I figure out that green is unripe and red is fully ripe, and so far almost 100% of my bell pepper seeds from red fruits germinate. I never try seeds from green fruits, I got the hunch that these green seeds won’t germinate. And you just verify that my gut feelings are right! Haha!
Thank you for this article, it was well edited and designed and I enjoyed it very much. I have a question regarding bottom watering. Many gardeners, including your website, advise to use toilet rolls or egg trays as seed starting modules. I did so, but then experienced problems in watering from the bottom, the cardboard gets soaked and tends to rot. How would you advise watering when planting in cardboard?
I once grew a plant and it was such a beautiful plant like seriously haha, i took care of it alot but when i thought it was ready i exposed it to thr sun and planted it in my moms garden where there’s definitely alot of sun, It died sadly, but now I’m making sure I’m not making any mistakes again or mistakes that i might do
Hi & thanks for comprehensive tutorial. It is still tricky My gazania (African diasies) seeds started to germinate and saw green 2mm leave coming to life like newly born child feeling, but I struggle whether wait till more seeds in the pot may germinate before I start exposing to sun or just expose in intervals knowing that each day within the 2weeks theoretical germination period I am getting one child born every 2 days Should have I waited before exposing to sun till 50% of pot area got babies?
Thanks for these tips – very useful. I have a question regarding viable seeds – esp the floating seeds method. Is this true for flowering plants as well? Eg: Marigold seeds? I have had very good success rates with vegetable seeds, but very low hit rate with flower seeds. I have never tested the seeds for viability, but just planted them. Or could it just be that the flower seeds I aquired are of bad quality.
Very nice, thank you for sharing your knowledge and awesomely positive attitude!! I am new to gardening and had problems with some basil and spinach seeds. I am going to try again with your tips. My easy way out at first was to replace my seeds with starter plants from a local nursery. That helped a lot!
Simply microwaving and bursting microbes with earliest rooting-soil is a thing with me now: all those phospholipids (cell membranes; P) and cytoplasm (N) there for the uptake! I love it! It pushes soil consortia into smaller size-ranges, I think. I think I would do a dirty integration (mixed species) and specific paramecia to go to into Worm or Pillbug something. Also, absorbing moisture from the bottom with that earliest pot for the root-tip; should be a test-tube (small) test (assay).
Ok so I’m a very disorganised gardener, things are growing …lol not sure what as I didn’t label anything…😄 the celery stump in water grew roots and is now growing a new celery, also the cabbage, lettuce. Tomatoes are doing well and so are the strawberries and potatoes🍅🍓😷😊garlic/spring onions/radishes/herbs/peas…. Lol I’m sure I’ll recognise them.😄 grow and share …
Hello GARDEN TIPS I am a New Viewer. This is the first article I watch of your website and I have a question on not Seeds germenating but about a few questions of Proper Seed germenation and some of an older plant I have that isnt doing too good… I have a Lemon Plant that I THINK is 1 year old and it grew well…yeah…Grew…When Summer hit it started Dying and turning tan color and not green. It had lots of good leaves and now its down to just two-three. I removed the bad leaves and cut the tan part of the stem but I fear I may be losing my plant. Any tips for this? A Question regarding Lemon seed germenation: I JUST wrapped three seeds into a damp paper towel and put that towel in a “As-best-as-I-could-get” Airtight plastic bag. I am hoping the seeds will be the successor to my older Lemon Plant if it doesnt make it. Any Advice for how long I must wait to put it in the pot and soil? Also in a part of your article I saw what I thought is rice. Do Plants do well in Rice instead of soil or is that a paper towel?
good article, I will add this ; Some seeds in certain plants wont sprout after 48 hours in a paper towel, and it helps increase the rate they sprout if you first soak them in a cup of water for 24 hours I have date palm seeds sprouting in a paper towel that i soaked for 24 hours, they are finally sprouting after 2 + weeks in a cool room to prevent molding from heat + Moisture
Can you talk about Arbutus Unedo or strawberry dwarf tree? I have one that’s 4 feet tall and at first, it looks so healthy and bear a lot of fruits last fall to winter. Now it’s spring to summer, the leaves started to yellow and lose a lot of leaves. What do you think is causing it to do that? Thank you.
Hi Good morning Thanks for your concern but my problem here is that my seed have germinated well as I followed your germination tips only as seen in this article but my the problem here is my seedlings are not showing any growth or progress they are stunt. Help me with tips regarding how to increase growth of seedlings
What is your thoughts on using boiling water to kill bad bugs or fungus in the soil? Also I just found a method of using a paintbrush or make up brush in a solution of alcohol and dish soap to get rid of spider mites which I just tried today but my garden is huge and then it rained. Should I re-do the application on a cloudy or overcast day? My fruit Trees were beautiful until I got the spider mites, I can see their web at night with a flashlight. Have tried DE but have now gone thru 2 bags since we have so much rain here in Florida so am now trying to sprinkle the trees with baking soda. Not only do I have spider mites but also rust spot on the leaves and the bad thing about DE is that if it doesn’t wash off I think it is aphids, because I can’t tell them apart…lolol any help is appreciated. My soil is just not healthy yet and it has been 1.5 years but am not giving up. Love your articles and explanations and your a accent especially on 1.5 speed;.) thank you.
Hey Gardentips, I’m really interested in this seeds germination, as I’m currently studying to be better at this subject. I do have a few questions though. Why the floating seeds less viable to germination? Do you have a reference on the matter? I’m genuinely curious and would like to learn more. Thanks
I have small problem. If you can help me haha. I started my carolina reaper mont and half ago(few days more less), its 5 inches tall. In the past couple of days i started to notice little black dots apearing on down side of the pointy part of leaves and later spreading trought entire leaf. It started from down and its slowly going to the top. Do you mabye know what i should do? sry for bad english 🙂
If you notice some mold before planting the seeds, does that mean the soil is dead and needs to be thrown away? I was trying to make my own living soil indoors and I noticed some mold on the surface 3 days after mixing and wetting it. Then I placed it under LEDs and it seems to slowly get rid of the mold, but i’m afraid now the soil is contaminated and it’s game over? I spent a lot of money to acquire all the ingredients and I hope it wasn’t one big horrible irreparable fail? I wanted the soil to be inoculated with mycorrhizae and I hope it didn’t get contaminated with something else instead but I’m not sure how to tell the difference anyway.
If you are having issues popping seeds score the seed jacket gently or try a hydrogen peroxide water seed soak. If they are really old i use a water mix of hydrogen peroxide & brassinosteroids. Works almost 100% of the time. Also check your ph of water and substrate media, thats a big mess up same with over watering. Bottom watering is bad for seedlings due to not enough root system development so then you are saturating 100% of media instead of training the roots.. water around the sides and foliar feed until root system is fully developed properly before bottom watering.