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Seeding vegetables
 Success at starting vegetables from seed outdoors begins with proper
soil preparation. After organic material is mixed into the soil, level the
surface and remove large clods for a fine bed. There should be no cracks
in the surface of the soil where small vegetable seeds can be buried.
A rule of
thumb is that seeds should only be covered to a depth of twice their
diameter, or to the depth listed on the seed packet. Vegetable seeds that
are buried too deeply will not germinate. Be sure to follow directions on
seed packets to determine when to plant the seeds. Cool season vegetables
are able to germinate under cool soil temperatures, but warm season ones
will not.
Small vegetable seeds are perhaps the hardest to germinate in
Colorado's intense sun and drying wind. The soil surface dries quickly,
killing seedlings that have started to grow but have not yet emerged from
the soil. Water seedlings often for short periods of time during the
germination period. The days to germination are usually listed on the seed
packet.
When watering seeds, be careful not to wash them away. A water breaker
or a watering can that produces a gentle stream of water is recommended.
If seed-bed drying is a problem, consider mulching it with straw, dried
grass clippings or floating row cover fabric.
Pests can also destroy seeds. For example, seed corn maggots will
destroy large seeded vegetables such as corn and beans, particularly when
they germinate slowly in cool soil temperatures. Cutworms can girdle young
seedlings. Birds will eat not only seeds, but seedlings and chunks from
young plants as well. To protect seedlings, make sure they are planted in
the appropriate time, and cover seedlings with floating row cover
fabric.
For "Organic soil amendments" refer to message number 1604.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
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