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The Greenhouse Advantage for Seed Starting

ith proper planning there are several advantages
that greenhouse enthusiasts have for seed
germinating and getting their plants off to a
great start.

Jump Start the Growing Season - Just as greenhouse
gardeners are able to extend the growing season
they can get a head start as well. Many desirable
plant varieties cannot be sowed until after the
last freeze of the season and in some cases it
takes even longer for the ground to warm to an
appropriate temperature for optimum seed
germination. In the greenhouse, seed germination
can start three to four weeks before the
estimated last freeze of the season giving
greenhouse gardeners a head start on their open
air counterparts. This is particularly important
for success with long season vegetables (those
that require 70 or more days to produce) e.g.,
melons, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, corn,
carrots and parsnips among others.

Climate Control - Most seeds germinate when the
soil temperature is between 68 and 86°F. In some
areas the greenhouse may be warm enough for good
seed germination on its own, but if not, the
sheltered environment of the greenhouse is a
perfect place to use inexpensive soil heating
cables or electric seed warming trays for
starting seeds. An added advantage of the
greenhouse for your new seedlings is protection
from severe weather like strong wind, rain or
unexpected cold that can be devastating to new
sprouts. The increased humidity of the greenhouse
also helps to provide an ideal germinating
environment.

Pest Control - Seeds and young plants are
particularly vulnerable to garden pests and
predators. Birds in particular love seeds and
often times they will dig them up from the ground
before your plants even get a chance to sprout.
This even happens when using sprouting trays or
containers outside. Once seeds are sprouted,
young plants are still quite vulnerable to small
rodents and insects until they are 8-10 inches
tall. The greenhouse gives plants protection from
pests until they are strong enough to have a good
chance of survival in the open air garden. An
added benefit of the greenhouse is that it
provides a wonderful environment for using
biological pest control by releasing lady bugs
into the greenhouse. Lady bugs will consume up to
1,000 aphids in their lifetimes in both their
larvae and adult stages and work well in
greenhouse settings.

Now is the Time! - If you have a greenhouse and
have not considered starting your plants from
seeds you now have all the information and
reasons you need to start using this low cost
alternative to starting your gardens. Good luck
and happy propagation!
About the Author
Dr. Christopher J. Kline is a master gardener and
sunflower specialist living in Paradise Valley
Arizona. He is also an editor for http://www
.SunflowerOcity.com The Ultimate Sunflower Site
has everything imaginable about sunflowers
including great information, links to the best
products, sites and discussion boards. You can
reach Chris at Chris.Kline@sunflowerOcity.com.