Beginning plant cultivation from seeds can be immensely thrilling, although it does come with uncertainties. From selecting an appropriate location to making the choice of which seeds to use,
The optimal time to plant seeds
There’s plenty to consider. Nonetheless, the greatest period of doubt hits right before you plant your seeds. Do you scatter them randomly, or should you adhere to specific guidelines? Additionally, what happens if you accidentally place the seeds upside down? Would this fatally jeopardize their chances for survival? It turns out you can relax. Regardless of which way you position the seeds, they typically correct themselves over time and thrive without issue.
In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Nicole Dillon, who runs a micro-flower farm and owns her own business, shared her thoughts on this matter.
Breemar Flower Farm
Based in Ashland, VA, remarks, “There’s truly no cause for concern here. Simply scatter some seeds, and they’ll navigate their growth accordingly. The seedlings have a task at hand, and they understand what needs to be done!” However, how exactly do these seedlings determine their course of action, and does this principle always hold true? Let’s explore further down below.
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The Plant You Might Want to Include in Your Garden for Soil Health
Seeds Are Sensitive to Gravity and Adjust Their Root Growth Consequently
Dillon explains during her exclusive House Digest interview that amateur gardeners can relax about planting seeds upside down because these seeds contain natural hormones directing the roots downward and the stems upward. Known scientifically as geotropism, this process allows seeds to instinctively recognize gravitational forces. After determining which way is down, they adjust the distribution of auxins within their root tips. Consequently, this prompts the radicles—the initial roots emerging from the seed—to alter their growth direction for anchoring into the ground. At the same time, the shoots bend towards the surface above.
Dillon delves into the details of what happens underground: “When a seed gets the water it requires, its external layer becomes softer and splits apart, enabling the cotyledon—the initial leaf inside—to come through.” The cotyledons represent the primary set of leaves that appear from within the seed; they supply essential nutrients until fresh leaves grow and begin producing food via photosynthesis. She clarifies further, stating, “‘After the young plant develops its very first genuine set of leaves, those early leaves typically wilt and detach soon afterward,’ which can be alarming for novices but actually forms an integral part of germination.”
Larger Seeds Should Be Placed Sideways for Better Results
In her revealing interview with House Digest, Dillon states firmly, “The majority of seeds aren’t concerned about which direction they’re facing. However, bulbs, tubers, and corms do require placement with specific orientations, yet even these manage to orient themselves correctly as they emerge from the ground anyway.” Nonetheless, keep in mind that this process might occasionally experience a slight delay lasting one or two days.
Although smaller seeds like tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and lettuce generally stay unscathed due to their higher consumption of stored reserves, bigger seeds might experience brief setbacks. As Dillon recommends, “For larger seeds such as beans or corn, consider placing them horizontally to prevent water from collecting at the top and causing the seed to rot.”
In spite of that, if you’re determined to plant seeds with precise positioning, adhere to this guideline: Identify the marks left over from harvesting — similar to the hilum on beans — and place these marked sides downward. The new roots (radicles) will emerge from beneath them. For seeds with asymmetrical forms, insert the most pointed end initially into the soil. As for round, tiny, or powdery seeds, they do not require particular alignment. Should you decide to proceed this way,
Plant seeds directly into the garden soil.
, rather than
starting seeds indoors
Dillon suggests, “When directly sowing seeds, it’s advisable to sow more than needed. After the plants grow a few inches tall, you can then reduce their density.”
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