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Should I start seeds in mini-pots or in the ground?

General    Denver, CO

We planted a variety of different seeds earlier this year (spring - early summer) and most of them did not take. We are going to plant again this week (things like broccoli, kale, beans, etc) for fall harvest. I am wondering if we should start in cups indoors or plant straight in the ground outdoors? Any other tips to encourage the seeds to take is also welcome.

Thanks!


Posted by: Johnathon (1 point) Johnathon
Posted: September 8, 2015




Answers

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It is warm enough now to plant outside. Thoroughly soak the ground first and then plant. Have a frost protection blanket handy as the chance of cold nights will increase in the coming weeks


Posted by: David Hughes (66 points) David Hughes
Posted: September 8, 2015




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I'd say some plants do better with direct sowing, others do better if you start them in pots. It's honestly a little bit trial and error to find out which is which, and it'll vary among locations and soils. Factors that can influence success are the presence of slugs or birds; frost; or soil fungus; as well as how much drainage you get.

I've always found chiles and tomatoes do better started in pots. Beans are better in the ground, except when birds find them (little cages help, until the plants get bigger). Cabbages and broccoli, typically in the ground (over-sow them, and thin them out if you can.)


Posted by: Brad Foley (1 point) Brad Foley
Posted: September 14, 2015




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Hi Johnathon,

If you planted a bunch of different types of seeds and none of them really took off, it sounds like a general issue with the soil or other growing conditions like temperature, water, etc. Or, it could be that they were bad seeds - certain companies seem to sell better seeds than others, unfortunately...What did you plant? A couple of tips for next year that you might enjoy trying:

For things like beans and peas, you can germinate them indoors in constantly-wet paper towels, and then plant the germinated seeds outdoors. This way, you can tell which seeds are successful by which ones have sprouted little white shoots, and then you only have to plant the successful seeds in your garden. Takes the guess-work away! Put the dry seeds between water-soaked paper towels, and keep them moist every day. It will take about 7 days for them to germinate.

Lots of things do well when started indoors in pots - adding to the above comment: squash, brussels sprouts, onions (if starting from seed). Root veggies like carrots and beets should always be started outdoors because they don't do well with the transplant process. Be sure to slowly transition your pots from the indoors to outdoors as it gets warm enough to do so, so they don't get a temperature & light shock when you plant them in the garden.


Posted by: Annie Klodd (2 points) Annie Klodd
Posted: September 23, 2015




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