Day 21 Seeding

SEEDING at PlantMasters....

Another way that we “grow” at PlantMasters is by seeding.  We have a seedling house which is usually run at a warmer temperature than the other greenhouses.  There you will find a hand run seeding machine that helps to assure that the proper amount of seeds are placed into each hole. We use small trays that hold 500 plants, this reduces the space needed to be heated. Many seeds are so small that they are coated several times to make them large enough to be picked up.  Each seed variety has its own requirements to grow. Some need to be scarred to allow them to grow. Some seeds may need a dormancy period (freezing) to sprout.  Most seeds need to be soaked to allow them to germinate.  Generally- they are heated from underneath by special benches and covered to provide the proper humidity.  Timing is another factor that determines success. In order to be blooming by a given day, the seed must be planted by another given day.  Length of light requirements must be met as well, for a successful crop. Planting a crop indoors is nothing less than an exact science.  So, how do we know at PlantMasters “the secrets” of how to grow? Is it years of college, a handful of degrees, or endless hours of research?  That is the cool thing about PlantMasters.  It has been handed down generation to generation. Hand written in a note book- year after year, after year. First by a Father, then a Son, then a Grandson.  Although many things here have changed over the years. We are still growing the “Old Fashion Way” Just like Grandpa use to do it back in 1949. 

Day 8..... In the life of a plant

Last week, as you may remember we planted these Geraniums. Here they are on day 8. 

 (remember they were 8 weeks old, rooted cuttings when we planted them) 

Notice on the second photo the snow accumulating on the greenhouse wall behind them. 

Today (and for the last week) we are planting Perennials. The fact that we plant our own stock is important because it is healthier for the plant, the environment, the economy and makes for a better selection for customers since we don't have to make shipping minimums. 

Let me explain. The less the plant is shipped and moved the healthier the plant will be.  Also buy planting our own stock we can regulate what soil it is planted in, how often it is watered and the chemicals that are used or NOT used in the growing process.  Many people do not realize that plants that are "bought in" to box stores and nurseries that do not produce their own stock are often sprayed with a growth retardant. This chemical stunts the plants growth so that during shipping it does not require as much care or water.  Usually sprayed at "peak" these plants look great on the shelve and don't require alot of care. The problem is, that the retardants take weeks to wear off. Our growing season is short enough.  WE DO NOT USE GROWTH RETARDANTS. That makes for a healthier plant for you. Growing our own plants, is good for the environment because it reduces shipping emissions,and packaging.  Its great for our LOCAL economy because we employee more people for a longer time, as our growing process takes ten weeks longer than just shipping products in.

Next week I will take you into the process of planting from a seed.

I have posted more pictures on our facebook page.