Question 1

Which seeds germinate fastest for beginners in India?

Accepted Answer

Coriander, radish, spinach, and amaranth germinate within 5-7 days in Indian conditions. Okra and methi (fenugreek) also sprout quickly, making them perfect confidence-builders for first-time gardeners.

Question 2

Can I use kitchen vegetable seeds for planting?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Seeds from tomatoes, chillies, and gourds often work if the vegetable is fully ripe and not F1 hybrid. Seeds from store-bought capsicum and many packaged vegetables usually fail because they're harvested unripe or are sterile hybrids.

Question 3

How do I know if old seeds are still good?

Accepted Answer

Float test is quickest: place seeds in water for 15 minutes. Good seeds sink, dead seeds float. For certainty, do a paper towel germination test with 10 seeds—if 7-8 sprout, the batch is still viable.

Question 4

Why do my seeds sprout but seedlings die within a week?

Accepted Answer

This is damping off, caused by fungal infection in overly wet soil. Use sterile seed-starting mix (not garden soil), water from bottom or with a spray bottle, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overwatering. Sunlight exposure also helps prevent fungus.

Question 5

What's the best soil mix for starting seeds in Mumbai?

Accepted Answer

Equal parts cocopeat, vermicompost, and garden soil with 10% perlite works perfectly. This stays moist without getting soggy, provides initial nutrition, and allows delicate roots to penetrate easily. Avoid heavy garden soil alone—it compacts and suffocates seedlings.

Question 6

Do all seeds need to be soaked before planting?

Accepted Answer

No. Hard-coated seeds like bottle gourd, ridge gourd, moringa, and beans benefit from 12-24 hour soaking. But small seeds like coriander, lettuce, and most flowers should be planted directly—soaking makes them slimy and difficult to handle.

Question 7

When is the best time to start seeds in Mumbai?

Accepted Answer

October-November for winter crops (tomato, cabbage, carrot, spinach) and February-March for summer crops (okra, gourds, amaranth, chillies). Monsoon season (June-September) is tricky—high humidity causes fungal issues, so start seeds indoors with good air circulation.

Question 8

How deep should I plant different seeds?

Accepted Answer

General rule: plant seeds at depth 2-3 times their width. Tiny seeds (lettuce, petunia) just press onto moist soil surface. Medium seeds (tomato, brinjal) go 0.5-1 cm deep. Large seeds (beans, gourds) need 1-2 cm depth. Too deep and they won't reach light; too shallow and they dry out.

Seeds for Home Gardening

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Seeds for Home Gardening

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