Northern Queensland Permaculture

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to identify factors that influence seed germination, prepare seeds for germination, and care for seedlings in a permaculture garden in the tropical climate of North Queensland.

45 minutes

1. Seeds
2. Seed trays or pots
3. Seed-raising mix
4. Spray bottles filled with water

Greet participants and briefly introduce yourself

• Raising your own seedlings gives you control over the quality and variety of plants in your garden.

You can select plant varieties that are best suited to your area and soil conditions. Additionally, growing your own seedlings can be a cost-effective way to start a garden, as buying seedlings from a nursery can be more expensive. Raising your own seedlings also allows you to observe the entire life cycle of your plants, from seed to maturity, giving you a deeper understanding and appreciation of your garden.

• Discuss ideal temperature ranges for various seeds
• Explain the effects of temperature on germination rates and success

Typically not a problem in North Queensland - though too much heat will kill the seedlings.

• Emphasize the importance of consistent moisture and proper drainage
• Discuss how to achieve ideal moisture levels for germination

Adequate moisture is crucial for seed germination. Seeds need to be in contact with moisture to start the germination process. However, excessive moisture can lead to issues such as fungal growth, damping-off, and poor germination rates. The ideal moisture level for germination depends on the type of seed and the germination medium being used.

In general, the germination medium should be moist but not waterlogged. To achieve ideal moisture levels, it is recommended to water the germination medium from the bottom or use a spray bottle to mist the seeds. The germination medium should be checked regularly to ensure it does not dry out or become too wet. Covering the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome can help to maintain moisture levels during particularly low humidity periods (though usually not a problem if a sheltered area is selected away from wind).

• Explain the role of light in germination and how it affects different species
• Discuss how to provide adequate light for germinating seeds

Light plays an important role in seed germination as it triggers the production of chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. Some seeds require light to germinate, while others need darkness, and some may not be affected by light at all. Light requirements for germination vary depending on the plant species and the environment. In general, seeds that require light for germination should be planted near the soil surface or left uncovered. Seeds that require darkness should be covered with soil or other opaque materials to block out light. Insufficient light can cause seedlings to become leggy, weak, or discolored, while too much light can lead to overheating, dehydration, and stunted growth.

• Explain the importance of seed-raising mix in germination
• Describe the characteristics of a good seed-raising mix

The quality of the soil or growing medium used for seed germination plays a crucial role in the success of germination and growth of seedlings. Seed-raising mix is specially formulated to provide the ideal conditions for seed germination and early growth. Seed-raising mix is typically a combination of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and other organic matter. A good seed-raising mix should have good water-holding capacity, adequate drainage, and aeration to promote healthy root growth and prevent waterlogging. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for most seeds, but some may require a more acidic or alkaline soil.

• Discuss the importance of using fresh and viable seeds
• Explain how to test seed viability

Seeds lose viability over time due to aging, exposure to heat, moisture, or light, and other factors. Old or low-viability seeds may take longer to germinate, have lower germination rates, or fail to germinate at all. The seed germination test can be done using a paper towel, soil, or other germination medium. The test should be conducted in a warm and humid environment, and the seeds should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After a set period of time, usually 7-14 days, the number of germinated seeds is counted, and the germination rate is calculated. A germination rate of 80% or higher is generally considered good, while rates below 50% may indicate low seed viability. Seeds that do not germinate can be discarded, and only the viable seeds should be used for planting. It is recommended to store seeds in cool, dry, and dark places to maintain their viability and extend their shelf life.

• Invite participants to share their experiences with seed germination

• Discuss suitable plant species for permaculture gardens in North Queensland
• Consider native species and popular permaculture plants

• Explain when and why to soak seeds
• Demonstrate how to soak seeds properly

• Explain how to scarify seeds
• Demonstrate scarification techniques

• Explain how to stratify seeds
• Discuss when and why stratification is necessary

• Guide participants in preparing seeds for germination

• Discuss the pros and cons of seed trays, pots, or direct sowing
• Explain how to choose the best container for each plant species

• Demonstrate how to fill containers with seed-raising mix

• Explain the importance of sowing seeds at the right depth
• Provide guidelines for sowing seeds of different sizes

• Emphasize the importance of labeling containers
• Demonstrate how to create clear and informative labels

• Explain how to use spray bottles to maintain moisture
• Discuss how to prevent overwatering and damping-off