I am in CT and planted a bunch of native seeds from my library (bee balm, iron weed, etc) along with peas, chives and tomatoes. It’s been more than 14 days and only the peas have shoots.
I did put them in my sun room which isn’t heated and it got quite cold for a while. They’ve been inside for 3 days.
by callmeishmael517
20 Comments
It’s temp related – I got heat pads for my seedlings this year and the difference is very very noticeable
I don’t know, but can you put them on a heating pad? bottom heat really helps germination ( at least for me)
Heat and damp conditions do wonders. If I have the room, that is how I will start just about every native and warm weather garden plant.
Your soil looks a bit dry. Keep it a bit more moist until they germinate. And I agree with others that a heat mat will help.
If they’re native seeds they may need cold stratification for 8-12 weeks before they germinate.
Plant the peas outside! They can’t handle being in such shallow containers. If you read the packet, it probably says “direct sow” which means don’t start them inside or in containers.
Tomatoes need heat.
The native plants maybe needed a cold stratification to germinate.
The right and left cartons look too dry. Mist the soil. I would slide the whole thing into a clear trash bag to hold in the humidity until they germinate, then immediately remove the bag.
User error
Sadly, starting seeds in egg cartons doesn’t really work. The roots will outgrow the carton pretty quickly, and you’ll inevitably have to transplant into plastic anyways. Many native seeds need cold stratification and/or scarification, and won’t germinate as easily as vegetable seeds. Look up each plant you have on Prairie Moon or a similar native seed database/site to see what the specific germination instructions are.
I suggest a heat mat. Water your seedlings from under rather than on top.
I’ve never tried with egg cartons but they might not be ideal as the root would outgrow it.
Also each seed is different. Search on individual plant, they each have different need. I’m assuming native plants should be easy to grow directly outside
Did you cold stratify your ironweed? Look up the germination codes for each seed on prairie moon to see if they require cold stratification before planting.
good reminder about checking germination codes, they can be tricky
The egg cartons will work for some of the seeds (but not all types) but you do not have the right conditions to make it possible. As others said, ideal conditions for one seed type can be different for others. The others seeds you may not the best and you need to direct sow. Try to germinate the same types under the same conditions.
Try this: put your egg cartons under a large clear plastic storage container flipped upside down. It will hold in heat and moisture creating better conditions. If you can put them on a heat mat all the better. Lifting it up to water will provide fresh air. If you can shine a grow lamp on it or put it in direct sunlight you got yourself a mini greenhouse. I do this every year with great success. The bigger the plants, the bigger the storage container.
But as others said, not all seeds germinate the same way. Read your packages and try to replicate those conditions.
I have a video of the setup I could show you but it will not let me attach it.
I personally had to switch from using cardboard egg cartons to using disposable cups and regular pots because it was virtually impossible for me to get the soil in the cartons wet enough for the seeds to germinate.
So, there’s a big difference btwn starting annual vegetables and the like, and starting perennial native plants. Annual vegetables did not evolve here in the northern hemisphere and need a jump start growing to have a good chance at fruiting and doing all the good things we want. So start those inside early with heat mat & grow lights etc.
Perennial natives did evolve here and have specific conditions for germination and growth, and, they don’t need any help in getting established, rooted, and on their way. Winter sowing is totally your friend here. search this sub for examples or
https://preview.redd.it/ammzxflcz6rg1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c23b5170bb8f14dff6f3aeb4e6a8680c1d11c2f
google how ppl use milk jugs and the like to leave their seeds out over winter, through snow and all. Here’s asters from a couple years ago.
Most native seeds need cold stratification. You can replicate this in the fridge at this point but in the future I’ve found the milk jug method outside works amazingly well. They also look a bit dry. It’s a learning process but so rewarding to figure out
ditch the egg cartons. i know you have taken time and effort to fill these and sow seeds in them, but you gotta pivot. do it now.
use plastic trays as your seed-starting vessels and you will have a much better time this year.
Some need cold moist stratification, some need light and warm temps to germinate, and all need to be kept moist. Anything sowed on the surface needs a humidity dome or frequent misting.
You need a bottom watering tray, a humidity dome and a heat mat to get them started. Seeds like tomato’s prefer to germinate in warm, moist environments
The peas, chives, and most bee balms do not require stratification. But Ironweeds require two months of cold stratification.
Also, typical grow lights should be fairly close to the soil at first. Once sprouts show, lights should be raised so as to not burn the seedlings…and not dry out the soil. Shallow containers like egg cartons can work. But they’re going to need closer monitoring for maintaining proper moisture.
Humidity is what they’re seeking right now. I’m having success germinating with a heat mat, plastic baggie cover and lighting. I’d find a way to cover and allow for humidity to form.
*Although not water proof or resistant you can use a heating pad that we would use for our body* Lay a bath towel down, lay heating pad on top, cover pad with other half of towel and then place seed trays on top. Then again try and cover to create humidity. Good luck OP!