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How to Save and Store Seeds

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By: Charlene Rennick

The success secret of preserving a seed is making sure that the climate and growth cycle experienced during the maturation of the seed is reproduced during the storage of the seed. To do this, the geographical origin of the parent plant must be determined ahead of time.   

Co-ordinate the Indigenous Climate with the Storage Environment

If the seed is from a tropical fruit grown closer to the equator, the storage area should be dry but warm.  This kind of seed will not survive a dormant period or freezing to preserve it because it does not have that kind of temperature or growing cycle in its natural environment.  Conversely, if the seed has been produced by a parent plant from a northern climate, it will lend itself to drying and freezing as a storage method because it is used to a shorter growth cycle followed by a colder, dry, dormant period.

Seeds are merely the casing for plant DNA which breaks down over time, even in ideal storage conditions.  Occasional sowing is necessary to keep the seeds fresh, the DNA viable, and the plant updated to the ever-changing environmental variables it will experience when it is eventually planted in the ground.

Recalcitrant and Orthodox Seed Storage

For the purpose of storage, there are two different kinds of seeds: orthodox and recalcitrant.  Orthodox seeds can remain inactive for years in a cool, dry storage condition while recalcitrant seeds can be damaged by drying and freezing procedures; they don’t store well at all.  Mango, avocado, cocoa, rubber tree, litchi are some examples of seeds that do not withstand freezing and drying. 

Large-scale and Home Hobby Seed Saving

Ideally, orthodox seeds should be allowed to dry.  For home hobby use, this is most successful in a well-ventilated, cool environment followed by wrapping in newsprint (unprinted) or a plain paper bag.  Moisture and mildew are destructive to seeds.  Once they are dried, they can be frozen in their paper inside an air-tight container or within a sealed jar.  If you are using them the spring following the drying season, paper bags should suffice to protect them. If the seed storage is a large operation, seeds are dried to a moisture content of less than 6% and stored in freezers at minus 18 degrees Celsius. (wikipedia). 

Seed Saving Safeguards Species

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By: Charlene Rennick

Seed saving is the practice of propagating new plants from the previous generation using its seeds.  Traditionally, this is the method used by agriculturalists to reproduce crops in the field from one year to the next.  Recently, seed saving has declined as a means of cultivation due to the prominence of cloning and hybridizing plants.

Seed Saving Preserves Species

Heirloom plants are accessible now because people have saved seeds for domestic use throughout generations of sustenance farming.  Passing down seeds from one family member to the next has preserved many varieties of flowers, fruits, nut trees, vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants.  Saving seeds in storage will safeguard the Earth’s vegetation in the event of world-wide catastrophes, war, pandemic outbreaks and other unforeseen disasters.

Seed saving is made possible because of the advantages open-pollination offers to the proliferation of every plant species.   From an evolutionary perspective, without open pollination, any plants capable of producing viable seeds would eventually become extinct.  Sadly, many varieties of nut-producing trees (butternut) and seeded fruit have already become virtually extinct because seed saving has lost mainstream popularity.

Disadvantages of Hybridization

Reproduction and hybridization in controlled environments restricts the gene pool.  This precludes indigenous species from adapting and evolving symbiotically with the changing local climate. Random selection provided from a diversified gene pool makes stronger and better plants from the variables specific to the environment.  Plants that are artificially propagated have traits that are valued in the consumer market; these are not necessarily contrived to proliferate the species. Simulated pollination does not consistently produce plants with seeds that will germinate a new generation.

Seed Saving is Green Gardening

Genuine seed saving is too time-consuming for the commercial market. The mass production of produce and garden foliage has relegated the act of seed saving to an almost cult-like activity practised by environmental conservationists, small hobby farmers, organic gardeners and historians concerned with preserving our culture for future generations. The popularity of seedless variations of watermelon, grapes, clementines and even tomatoes has negotiated the need for natural pollination, the preservation of species and their seeds.  Is it worth it?

Use a Circulating Fan to Ventilate Your Garden Room

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Ventilation is an important consideration for a successful hydroponic garden.Plants require carbon dioxide in order to photosynthesize and the by-product of this process is oxygen.

If you have an indoor hydroponic garden, you will need to make sure you have adequate ventilation. If the room is small or enclosed, the heat buildup from the lamp as well as the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels may not create an optimal for your plants.

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Organic Pest Control

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By: Charlene Rennick

If you think you have an insect infestation, there are many effective organic substances that will destroy bugs without causing harm to the plant, the environment or people.

The chrysanthemum flower produces a substance called Pyrethrin, which is a base for many organic pest control products.  While it is safe for the plant and the environment, it is poisonous to humans and animals.  Rapeseed extract is another green product usually mixed with canola oil.  This mixture gets rid of bugs in any stage of their life cycle, including eggs and larvae.  Oxygen cannot penetrate the oil barrier so the insects suffocate.  This type of pest control does not evaporate quickly so it is not necessary to re-use it throughout the metamorphoses.  It is also handy because it prevents other bugs from arriving and feeding on the exterior leafy growth.  The bug cannot penetrate the barrier or stick to the foliage while they chew.

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Insect Invasion

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By: Charlene Rennick

There are many ways that plant growth can be disrupted; insufficient light, water, nutrients, humidity level or root development.  In a hydroponic garden, these environmental controls are stabilized by the gardener, but occasionally indoor plants can be compromised by outside influences.  Insects can destroy a crop in a relatively short period of time if you are not prepared for the onslaught.

Bugs are sneaky.  They can hitchhike into your home on fresh produce, potted plants, clothing or through an open door.  These chompers with wings have different ways of attacking a plant.  They can munch off the leaves it needs for development before it flowers or infiltrate the growing medium around the root system.  Much like a military operation, the invasion of the insect is organized, swift and specific.  These flying teeth have goals.  Sometimes an insect invasion is specific to one species of plant while others create a wider scope of destruction.

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Charming and Creative Container Choices

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By: Charlene Rennick

What kind of container will best suit your newly rooted plants at a minimum cost to your hydroponic budget for their next step of growth?

If you are still smiling from the money you saved by cloning your plants instead of buying several flats to spread that ground cover from one side of the garden down the entire length of the house, you don’t have to stop.  Take a look around at what you have at your fingertips.  Various items you have lying around yours or your friends’ garage can become inexpensive, charming pots and reservoirs for your seedlings to flourish into a lush and mature plant.

Aquariums that are collecting dust and haven’t seen a fish since your youngest child was 10, wallpaper trays, a sink you replaced but haven’t managed to get to the recycling depot yet, any wide-mouth basin, plastic plumbing pipe or water flow tubes can be useful.   A utility knife can make drainage holes where necessary and some non-toxic silicone can seal any cracks.  A wide flat drill bit can be used make a smooth, round hole for your plant inside a piece of plastic pipe.  As long as it is clean, water-tight and can hold growing media, it can be used to house a hydroponically grown plant.

In a hydroponic system, the nutrient solution is absorbed from the bottom to the top of plant through the opening of capillaries in the roots.  If you are just starting a hydroponic garden and want to experiment without investing a lot of money, try a simple, hand-stirred, self-watering system. There are two ways of designing this.

You can eliminate the need for a growing medium if your plant is light-weight and not top heavy.  Need something to suspend the roots of the plant in the nutrient solution?  You can recycle those plastic rings from six packs of aluminium cans.  This option does not require a growing medium.

If your plant needs the support of a growing medium, (still have those aquarium rocks?), an inner container and an outer one is required.  The inner container holds the plant supported by a growing medium.  It needs a drainage hole and an opening by which the roots can absorb the water.  The nutrient-rich water is contained in the outer tray (you can have several plants in one bigger tray) and the potted plant is placed inside it.  The water flow is controlled by the plant’s roots.  To avoid bacteria growth and water stagnation, you will need to circulate oxygen through the water in the outer tray.  To save on the cost of a pump (is there one from that old aquarium?), you can hand-stir the water daily or blow bubbles through a tube or clean piece of siphon hose to aerate the solution.

Designing your garden should be fun and give you a sense of accomplishment.  You can spend more money when you are ready and know the ropes!

Your Hydroponic Garden: For Pleasure or Profit?

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By: Charlene Rennick

Now that you have seedlings or clones with two sets of leaves and good strong roots, where do you go from here?

First, you should decide what kind of gardener you want to be and to what quantity you want to produce hydroponically grown plants.  Are you a domestic hydroponic hobbyist or do you entertain ideas of making an honest profit from your efforts?

Second, taking a close look at the root system of your seedling or clone will tell you if transplanting into a more permanent location is appropriate.  A healthy root system has many fine fibres developing laterally, horizontally or just plain off the main root tendril.  The hairier your new roots look, the better!  Each tiny fibre is responsible for assisting nutrients from the growing medium to the plant, so if your seedling has a large network of these off-shoots, it will be better prepared to survive as a strong, healthy plant.  On the other hand, if your new plant sports only a few straight roots, it may serve nature better as a compost participant.

Third, consider the profit available to you if you have successfully managed to clone your favourite plants.  Cloning reproduces many seedlings from the parent plant without the extra cost of purchasing seeds and starter mediums.  Rooting compounds have evolved from the older type of powders to an improved gel formula that seals in the nutrients and clings to the cutting.

Because all the shoots are dipped in a rooting hormone, the plant that results from this procedure usually survives; whereas, germinating seeds sometimes goes hand-in-hand with composting duds, misfits and those with a stunted growth.  Using a good crop of annuals as a prototype for the cloned generations can result in a bountiful, inexpensive plethora of new plants that can generate a worthy profit even for a hydroponic hobbyist.

There is some middle ground here, as well.  You can start small with a system you can add on to if you want to leave your options open for larger projects after you have a better feel for the hydroponic gardener in you!

Take your mark; Get set; Grow!

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by: Charlene Rennick

Getting a head start counts for a lot, especially if it means you can double your annual crop of your favourite harvest.  For many gardeners, the growing season is limited.  This curbs seed selection to varieties which will germinate quickly and increases the expense of planting by adding the cost of purchasing small plants for transplanting during warmer weather.

Hydroponics Extend your Growing Season

Make the best use of your resources!  A light bulb, a shallow tray, some germination cubes and lots of TLC are materials that can fill in the winter months with an uplifting spring-like project.  Germinating seeds indoors is an easy and educational way to entertain the whole family.  Plants can even be pollinated indoors by your child’s hand.  All you need is a gentle touch and a small paint brush with which to carefully stroke each blossom. 

Materials for Indoor Hydroponic Germination

Heat can be trapped by covering a wide, flat growing tray.  Keeping the air humid will provide the warmth and moisture seeds need to germinate indoors and spilt their casing. Once the casing cracks (germinates), the root tendril will extend.   Next, a pair of small leaves develop, followed by a secondary set of leaves.  Oxygen-rich environments facilitate root growth, in fact, they cannot grow without it.  Changing the water often, sprouting seeds on a moist surface rich in oxygen or good air flow will help make germination a sure thing.

Alternative Methods of Germinating Seeds

An inexpensive alternative to a kit is a serving tray lined with paper towelling and covered with plastic wrap.  A light, frequent misting will stimulate germination.  Placing the tray near a sunny window traps heat and removing the plastic wrap during misting will maximize the flow of oxygen.

Perfect Starts is the trade name for cubes made of organic compost.  They keep their shape inside a breathable polymer binder which protects the delicate roots during transplant to the next stage of growth.  A plastic tube can be purchased to house these germinating sponges.  It keeps the roots suspended to maximize the air and water flow around them.

Recipe for Success

  1.  Pre-soak seeds in 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide per cup of water and/or pre-moisten the growing medium with it.  
  2. Keep the moving air between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Maintain a 70 to 80 percent environmental humidity ratio.
  4. Use 20 watts of light per square foot until the seeds sprout.
  5. Spray with a fifty percent diluted nutrient solution until germination.
  6. Compost the ‘weak links’ and deformed seedlings.
  7. Move the seedlings to the next stage of growth after the second set of leaves appear.

Getting a head start can be achieved in many ways.  If germinating seeds is not your thing, cloning can produce a genetic match to your favourite plant by rooting a sprout over the winter.

What Kind of Plants can be Grown in a Hydroponic Garden?

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By: Charlene Rennick 

A hydroponic system of gardening is unique because it can be adapted to suit many different kinds of plants.  Outdoor gardens do not have this kind of built-in versatility because the plants have to be able to survive in the kind of climate that nature provides for gardener.  The temperature, air flow, frequency of rain and available hours of sunlight cannot be changed to suit the vegetation. 

Not all outdoor-grown plants need soil.  A lily pad floats on the surface of the water with their roots hanging down below.  In the rainforest, orchids have roots that are suspended in mid-air.  Because the climate is so humid, some plants are able to absorb an adequate water supply from the moisture in the air.  In both these cases, the plant is not supported by its root system in the same way that plants grown in soil are anchored in the earth.  The plants are supported above its root system.  To a certain degree, plants can adapt their growth within the limitations of their natural environment.  When this occurs, the end result is often a living plant with stunted growth.  It may not produce fruit, or the flowers wilt before pollination, roots rot before leaves form or the stem may resemble a vine instead of a trunk.   

While plants do not need soil, not all plants can be grown without it.  Some roots are designed to be grown in the dark ground.  Carrots, potatoes, peanuts, parsnips, edible roots and other tubers need the dark, soft earth in order to produce. 

A hydroponic system mimics and manipulates the elements found in nature.  This benefit increases the range of choices for planning and plotting out the indoor garden.  If the plant needs support at the bottom, a growing media is used instead of soil.  Some plants don’t need support at the bottom, they need it at the top; these can be supported by any number of cuffs or braces.  Vines can be adapted to grow in a hydroponic garden.  Cucumbers, squash, melons, varieties of beans and peas, and many others can be supported vertically instead of on the ground.  We can grow lush blossoms inside that are normally only found in humid, tropical areas and preserve their beauty from disappearing along with their rainforest home.  

To guide you through your decision and to help you plan your hydroponic garden, the bottom line question to answer is; what do you want to grow, and can you mimic the elements inside that the plant uses in its own natural environment? 

The Perfect Hydroponic System

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by: Charlene Rennick

Starting a hydroponic garden can be a daunting task.  There is a wide range of hydroponic systems to choose from, each tailored to suit a particular goal for indoor gardening, and unique to the kind of crop it is designed to grow.  Many different people with a hydroponic system will tell you that they have one that is perfect, yet none of these people have operations that are the same.  To give you a better idea of what you may need, here are some guidelines to think about when you are making the decision to start a hydroponic garden. 

Make sure you understand the design of the hydroponic system and that the expense fits in with your budget.  Because there is such a wide range of materials available, the system does not necessarily have to be expensive.  Your hydroponic garden should be low stress.  Along with it being friendly with your bank account, it should be as automatic as possible and as low maintenance as it can be. 

Do your research; some techniques are not suitable for all kinds of crops.  Make sure that the hydroponic equipment you choose will support the kind of growth you intend to cultivate.  By way of an example, the Raft system is great for growing lettuce or leafy herbs.  It supports the plant in water with a light weight, buoyant material such as Styrofoam.  This would not be appropriate for tomatoes because the weight of fruit would upset the balance the plant needs for stability.  One of the attractions of hydroponic gardening is that is requires little in the way of water so be sure to determine that your nutrient mixture stretches as far as it can.  Different plants require different ratios for sunlight, air flow, temperature and water; various methods cater to these variables.   

According to many hydroponic enthusiasts, the easiest and most popular system of hydroponic gardening is a constant drip method of serving the nutrient enriched water to the plants.  The root system is supported by a rockwool slab growing media.  This type of hydroponics works well for heavier plants, such as tomatoes and peppers.  Heavy produce-bearing plants need more support at the roots to offset the weight of their fruit.   Once the fruit begins to form, the top of the plants are assisted with strings to strengthen the stability at the top of the plant.  This is called air-layering.  The ripened fruit is harvested from the bottom of the plant, first.  Outdoor-grown cherry tomatoes are braced by a stake.  Air-layering is the hydroponic version of the soil-based tomato stake.  The vines are wound around each other and coiled around the strings.   

The most popular hydroponic methods all share two main characteristics; they are low-maintenance and simplify the maintenance of whatever kind of garden the grower wishes to tend.  If you satisfy these two criteria for yourself, then you have the perfect hydroponic system.