What Comes First, the Root or the Stem?

Germinating seeds can be extremely fun and identifying parts can be very easy. I recently planted some herb seeds and saw a small white part growing.

This picture is from paradiseindisguise.com

I noticed that it was the root because when seeds germinate the root comes first to find water for the growing plant. As the plant grows, the shoot emerges. The shoot then photosynthesizes creating food for the plant.

This picture is from http://www.primarygames.com.

 

Seeds have three main parts: the seed coat, the embryo, and the food storage. The seed coat protects the seed for danger and falls off when the seed is in proper growing conditions. The embryo has one root system and another upward growing shoot. Cotyledons are ear shaped seed leafs. When a seed sprouts, cotyledons are the first leaf or leaves. Seeds can be either monocots, which have one cotyledon, or dicots, which have two cotyledons. Food storage includes endosperm, cotyledon, and perisperm.

 

Project: Herb Garden

Before and after pics!

For the Spring, I have decided to start an herb garden! I wanted to grow Genovese Basil, Slow Bolt Cilantro, and Italian Flat Leaf Parsley. Using the baggy method, I planted the seeds on January 13th. On January 18th,the Slow Bolt Cilantro and Genovese Basil sprouted! I was so excited that I was able to germinate the herb seeds in five days! I can’t wait until the Italian Flat Leaf Parsley sprouts! I am keeping an eye on all the seeds and watching their growth!

5 Cheap and Easy Seed Starting Ideas

Hi everyone! Here are 5 great ideas to start your seeds! I am so excited for Spring! Happy planting!

1. Baggy Method

This picture is from http://www.robsplants.com.

The Baggy Method is one of my favorite method to start seeds. All you need is a paper towel and a plastic Ziploc Bag.

1. Fold the paper towel into quarters and unfold.
2. Place the seeds in a straight line on one of the four creases.
3. Fold into quarters again.
4. Wet the paper towel and place in the plastic Ziploc Bag.
5. Leave the Ziploc Bag in a dark place.
6. Check for sprouts and for consistent moisture.

In a few days, you have healthy sprouts ready to be transferred to the soil!

2. Toilet Paper Rolls

This picture is from gardentherapy.ca.

Using empty toilet paper rolls is a great idea! To fold the bottoms, cut 1/2 inch long strips on one side and fold one over another like a box. Fill in with dirt and seeds to get started!

3. Newspaper Pots

This picture is from hometalk.com.

Get newspaper and cut into thick strips. Roll around a small glass and fold the bottom. Tape to secure the bottoms and remove from glass. Fill with dirt and plant your seeds!

4. Egg Carton Planter

This picture is from growveg.com.

This method is extremely useful for planting lots of seeds. Always be careful not to overwater because over flooding the seeds is easy to do. Just punch a few holes at the bottom of each egg holder and fill with dirt! I recommend using biodegradable containers so that you don’t have to do as much work transferring the seedlings.

5. Ice Cube Trays

This picture is from idigmygarden.com.

For reusable seed starting, use plastic ice cube trays! Be sure to use a drill to make holes in the bottom.