Horticulture Principles and Practices

FIGURE 9–9 A plastic flat. (Source: George Acquaah)
FIGURE 9–10 A cavity seeding tray. (Source: George Acquaah)
covered with the appropriate soil mix and then transferred to a nursery where, under
conditions of appropriate moisture, temperature, and light, the seeds are nursed to the
size ready for sale.
Seedlings are sold in units called packs. Homeowners and other growers who do
not wish to raise their own seedlings find these packs a very convenient source of
planting materials. Since seedlings have individual cells in the pack, they are easier to
transplant.
Peat Pots and Discs
Peat pots are made of compressed sphagnum peat moss and newspaper fiber. They are
biodegradable, and, as such, when used as material for containers for seed germination,
the containers are planted directly along with the seedling. Peat pots are usually treated
with a fungicide and nitrogen fertilizer to aid in germination (Figure 9–11).
A grower may also find it convenient to use a compressed peat moss disk for starting
certain seeds (Figure 9–11). The advantage of this method of raising seedlings is
that the seedling can be directly transplanted without removing it from the moss
medium. If desired, a grower can purchase a simple mechanical unit for making homemade
seedling blocks for raising seedlings. These blocks work similarly to peat moss
disks. Seedlings raised in this way can be easily transplanted with a ball of soil, which
increases transplanting success. Sometimes, peat pots may be used for raising
seedlings.
Peat Moss Disks
Compressed peat moss
disks used to start seeds or
root cuttings and planted
with the seedlings.
9.15.2 TIMING OF SEEDING
Horticulture, as previously indicated, is a science, art, and business. Timeliness of
operation is crucial for success, especially if production is geared toward a seasonal or
holiday market. If you want to produce pumpkins for Halloween, you must know the date
for the event, the duration of growth for pumpkins, and when you should sell for maximum
profit (definitely before the event); you can then decide when to plant the crop.
Some horticultural products have year-round markets.
9.15.3 SEED TREATMENT
Most ornamental seeds are not pretreated by the seed production company. If properly
produced, no pretreatment may be necessary for seeds. However, pretreatment with a
fungicide is helpful in protecting against soilborne diseases.
9.15 Seed Nursery Activities 305