The Master Gardener program began in the 1970's in response to the many gardening questions that resulted from the rapidly increasing level of interest in home gardening. The idea was to train knowledgeable gardener volunteers to help University Extension staff deliver home gardening information to the public.

Our local Master Gardeners are able to build on their interests and acquire greater expertise through the resources available through the Extension Service and the University of Missouri.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Hickory County Master Gardeners recommend contacting your local Extension Service for more complete plant and growing information and how to become a Master Gardener.

Meetings are reserved for Master Gardener members, but community programs hosted by the Master Gardeners are public events and will be announced in the local newspaper.

As of 12/31/2014, this blog will no longer post new articles. It will remain active as an archive. Please use the tools available in the right column to search for information and source links provided in previous articles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://extension.missouri.edu/ and http://mg.missouri.edu/.


Starting Perennial Plants Indoors from Seed

Deanna, local Master Gardener, demonstrates and explains methods for seed starting at the recent Master Gardener Workshop held Saturday, February 22. Master Gardeners and members of the public attended the event.

Master Gardener Deanna

Master Gardeners, Deanna and Elaine, provided seed starter kits to all who attended the workshop. 

Master Gardener Workshop was well attended by the community

Master Gardener Workshop Summary

Many perennial flowers may be started from seeds indoors.  Seeds of certain species, however, are best sown directly outdoors when weather conditions permit.  Proper time to plant seeds and having them ready to transplant outside should be on the seed packet information.  Quality transplants start with using good seeds.  For best results obtain quality seeds from a reliable dealer, seed catalog or nursery.  
If you are concerned about seed quality and any genetic modifications, see The Safe Seed Resource List -Your Resource for GM-free Seeds at www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org.   

For recommendations on starting seeds refer to:

 University of Missouri Extension Guide Sheet g6570 at www.missouri.extension.edu  >lawn and garden >flowers and houseplants > g6570.

Additional notes:
Buy seeds that will produce plants that are hardy and drought resistant for our Hickory county climate which is zone 5b.

Most new cultivars for 2014 that are in the new 2014 flower/gardening magazines and seed catalogs will not have seed available the first several years, and only the actual plants may be available.  Look for sources of new plants that have been grown in our climate zone.

St. Louis area online ,  the Missouri Botanical Gardens:    www.plantsofmerit.org

Other resources for gardening in Missouri:

Missouri Gardener-  Missouri’s Own Guide to Great Gardening & Landscaping      Six issues/year subscription.
  The Missouri Gardener’s Companion  by Becky Homan  (An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Show-Me State).
                                                                          ***********
Supplies for Starting Seeds: 
 Germination media should contain peat, vermiculite, & perlite.
       Containers and trays for sowing seeds are available at nursery supply centers.  Plastic pots/cells are preferred as they require less frequent watering and are reusable.


Steps in Planting Seeds:
·       Moisten the germination medium.  Do not over water.
·       Plant 1-2 seeds per pot/cell.
·       Read seed package information regarding specific instructions.
·       Place pots/cells into a plastic tray using a fabric (blanket type of material) as a mat in tray under pots that has been moistened and then water only from the bottom to keep seeds constantly moist.

·       Place trays in a warm 65o to 700 location and keep covered with a plastic dome or newspaper until germination has occurred and then promptly remove the cover and place under fluorescent lights (use one warm and one cool fluorescent bulbs) if using a shop light and initially have plants 4-6 inches from light.  Using a timer, have lights on for 14 hrs./day  and as the plants grow increase the distance from the light source to  8-10 inches. 

An alternate source of light can be a bright south-facing window.

Usually the first set/pair of leaves visible are called “the seed leaves”.  Wait to transplant the seedlings until they have a good set of “true” leaves (will have the identity of the mature plant leaves).


Growing Your Seedlings:  
Thinning out seedlings in each pot/cell will develop stronger plants.  Overcrowding will develop inferior plants.  Depending on the variety and size of mature plant select the appropriate size of pots to move the seedling into.  Seedlings must continue receiving bright light. Seedling will also need constant moisture but excess moisture will cause disease problems.  A soil less mixture should be used as a transplant media.  The seedlings will need regular fertilization as the soil less mixtures do not contain sufficient nutrients.

Master Gardeners provide homemade baked goods and refreshments to workshop attendees

Posted: 2/27/2014
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