A seed is a small, hard part of a plant from which a new plant can grow. It contains the embryo of the new plant and a supply of food for it until it begins to produce roots and leaves.
Seeds also have a protective outer covering called a seed coat. This coat protects the seed from insects and disease.
Germination
Seed germination is the process by which a single seed becomes a new plant. Different species of plants require different environmental factors for germination. These factors include right temperature, water, oxygen or air and sometimes light or darkness.
Oxygen is an important source of energy for germinating seeds. It is required for cellular respiration and the release of energy needed for the growth of the embryo until it produces green leaves.
Temperature is another key factor in germination, and this varies from one species to the next. Some seeds need cold conditions for several weeks or even months before they will germinate at a higher temperature.
Moisture is also essential for germination. If a seed is kept in a dry environment it may rot or die. It is best to keep a germination tray moist but not soggy.
Soil Preparation
Soil is the backbone of agriculture, so it is important to know how to prepare it for plant growth. It is composed of decomposing rock particles, air, water, living organisms, and organic matter from decayed plants or animals.
It is essential to prepare the soil for planting so that it has the right nutrient content. It also must have the right structure to allow for the absorption of those nutrients.
In addition to a good supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, the soil must have the proper pH. If it is too acidic (below 6.0), add lime or peat moss; if it is too alkaline, lower the pH with sulfur.
Watering
Watering is the lifeblood of a living thing, and it’s crucial to keep plants healthy and looking their best. Optimal watering techniques involve shallow, controlled applications of moisture a few times a week.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to install a sprinkler system. In addition to providing a steady supply of water to your garden, it also helps prevent soil compaction and promotes nutrient absorption.
You may have seen an irrigation system at work in your local garden center, but did you know it is also used to control grass growth on golf courses? Basically, an irrigation system is a network of water-tight tubes that can be inserted into the soil in various depths to deliver just the right amount of water to your plants.
If you’re thinking about installing an irrigation system, be sure to read up on the different models on the market before making a purchase. A properly sized system can yield results of the highest quality for years to come.
Light
Depending on the plant, light can be a key factor in seed growth. Some seeds need light to germinate while others can thrive in dark conditions.
The exact reason for this is a bit complicated but it has to do with phytochrome, a pigment in plants that interacts with red UV light to aid in photosynthesis. Phytochrome is able to activate some seeds and prevent others from sprouting.
In some cases, light intensity can also affect the germination of beans. Generally speaking, beans require a higher intensity of light to sprout than other seeds.
For example, red light (which is closer to the far-red end of the spectrum) promotes germination of beans whereas blue light inhibits it. However, other types of light can be helpful for germination as well.
