Horticulture expert Debbie Flower rejoins us for Part 2 of Understanding the Language of Seed Packets. This time around, she has good planting instructions for what to do if that seed packet says things like, "darkness aids germination" or "requires light for germination". And, when it says "keep seedbed evenly moist, but how much water do you apply? And, just about every seed packet has instructions on thinning the seedlings, but don't tell you how to thin. Debbie Flower just might change the way you've been doing that. And we talk about something seed packets seldom tell you: how to save leftover seeds for best germination in the years ahead. And, how to test them to see if they are still viable.
And there's more on this edition of Garden Basics:
Across the country, many states are entering drought status. Watering restrictions might happen, again. If they do, there are a lot of suspicious characters who want to sell you drought cures for your plants. Do any of them work? Washington State Horticulture Professor Linda Chalker-Scott talks about what works, and doesn't work, to help get your garden through a drought.
And, nursery owner Julia Oldfield tells us how to combine plants to create a beautiful cool season flower garden, either in the ground, or in containers to keep the beneficial insects and pollinators happy. And to get smiles from anyone who passes by. It's the thrill, chill, spill garden.
It's all on Episode 47 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred: Part 2 of Understanding Seed Packets. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links:
More garden seed packet terminology here.
Great books on saving your own seeds, including Suzanne Ashworth's best selling, "Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners, 2nd Edition".
Linda Chalker-Scott is the author of award-winning garden books, including "The Informed Gardener," "The Informed Gardener Blooms Again,"How Plants Work," and much more.
Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found.
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