Germination Kits

Germination Kits and Mini Greenhouses

It is time to start thinking about seeds to sow for your garden this year. Tomatoes and peppers can be started about six weeks before the last frost, which is mid April to late May for most of us. Perennials can be started much earlier than annuals, but they do take longer to germinate. A good time to start them is eight to ten weeks before the last frost date. Germination kits and mini greenhouses are available to help the process, but they do have limitations.

The biggest problem with starting seeds indoors is the light factor. Once germinated the seedlings need lots of light to grow well. Most homes do not have sufficient light sources to maintain a batch of seedlings for more than a day of two. Ideally the light source will be on the seedlings for ten to fifteen hours a day and it should be direct light. Light from a southern facing window will work for a short time, but unless you have a large bank of windows, and plenty of sunny days, your seedlings will suffer. In fact many northern zones get cloudy and low light days on a regular basis and this is problematic for the seedlings.

Another option that has crept onto the market in recent years is germination kits and mini greenhouses. These create protected environments for the plants. Germination kits cover the seedbed from the time that the seeds are planted. The vent on the top of the cover should be closed for this process to allow plenty of moisture and humidity for germination. Once the seeds have germinated then the vent is opened to release some of the moisture. The vent also releases some of the built up heat that can overwhelm the seedlings. Covers will protect the seedlings from spring winds and those occasional spring storms, however the average clear plastic cover will absorb and magnify direct sunshine in a similar way to a car. This intense heat will kill the seedlings in a matter of minutes. So it is important to keep the trays well watered and remove the lid when there is ample sunshine.

Mini greenhouses work in a similar way to larger greenhouses but usually without as much, if any, insulation factor. The biggest difference between these and the germination covers is that you can get multiple trays in a mini greenhouse. The variety that comes with a zipper at the front is easy to assemble and take down when spring planting is over. As they are intended for use outside, take care that the cover seals well. Mice and other critters love to feast on tender germinating greens! Also make sure that the seedlings all get sufficient light. Many mini greenhouses house trays vertically, but those in the middle do not get as much light as those seedlings on top, or at the edge. Rotation is therefore important.

The advantage of all these systems is that you can start our seedling in a protected environment, resulting in less mess around the home. With the prices being comparatively low, they are great fun. So much so that more than one gardener has graduated to a full size greenhouse for year round enjoyment.