| Where would be the best source (for a beginner) to learn how to start seeds. I have never had a green thumb, but I will never give up. This time I want to do it from scratch, seeds first then my own plants. Also, I would like to know if there is anything special I need to do to harvest my own seeds. |
| I applaud your commitment! With an attitude like yours you are sure to succeed. One book that I believe belongs in the libraries of anyone and everyone from beginner to expert seed starter is "Parks Success With Seeds". I wouldn't start a seed without it. It has just about everything you could ever want to know about seeds: types, germination info., lighting, temperature, soil, pictures of seeds/seedlings, cross references, etc. This book is available from Park Seed. You can reach themat www.parkseed.com or Ph. # 1-800-845-3369. There is also a great website called "The Official Seed Starting Home Page" at www.chestnut-sw.com/seedhp.htm -- it has lots of valuable seed starting information. Regarding harvesting your own seed...how to harvest depends on what type of plant you have, i.e., harvesting from tomato is different than harvesting from Black Eyed Susans. Also, what type of plant you want to harvest from is important when determining if you can harvest at all, i.e, Cleome and Hollyhocks seeds grow true to seed. That is, the seed produces a plant like the one you got the seeds from. Seeds from a plant such as Daylily however, will not grow true to seed and may not resemble the parent plant. Give some thought to the type of seed you would like to harvest, get back in touch, and we will be happy to help in any way we can! |
