The Magic of Seeds

No matter how many years I “dig in the dirt” and pop a seed into the ground, the wonder of an entire plant contained in one tiny vessel--with the possibility of it bursting into life as a full, complete and living plant-- is still magical and wondrous. 

We've all had our share of “experiments” when sticking a tiny seed in a pot or in the ground and hoping for the best.  But, Nancy Bubel, in her authoritative book, The New Seed Starters Handbook (1988), helps us take all the guess work out of such a “magic trick”.

Bubel begins by making a convincing case for planting seeds rather than seedlings or plants.  Her reasoning includes such statements as-- planting seeds gives us: 1) earlier harvests; 2) greater plant varieties;  3) stronger seedlings; 4) healthier seedlings; 5) greater cost savings; and 6) wonderful sense of satisfaction and enjoyment.

The book takes us in detailed, in-depth steps from starting seeds indoors to moving plants outdoors. She is careful to take into consideration specific techniques and special situations and annotated with helpful checklists for each task.  My favorite section, seeking out, collecting and saving seeds, is a wonderful highlight.  Other topics covered are: soils and other mediums, mapping out gardens, insect and animal pests, cold frames and hot-beds, starting wildflowers, trees and shrubs from seeds,  care of young transplants, and direct seeding.  One of the most delightful sections is on “the young seed planter”—surefire advice for getting kids “hooked” on planting and caring for seeds.  They all are Jacks and Jacquelyns  planting the magic beanstalk!

It's a simple, easy to follow volume, much like a well-used cookbook.  In fact, Bubel invites us to dog-ear pages, mark up favorite passages and get dirt smudges all over! The black and white photographs, drawings and illustrations add to understanding the how, when, why and what of seed planting.  And if that isn't enough, Bubel concludes her informative book with an “encyclopedia” section listing more than 200 plants—including vegetables, fruits, garden flowers, wildflowers, herbs, trees and shrubs.  Here she gives specific details about how to start each plant successfully from seed.  So, what are we waiting for?  Let's get out there and plant some “magic”!

241071. UY500 SS500

Read more