[Arid_gardener] Impatient for germination

[Chris Trask]

     Since we haven't had the soil exceptionally wet for long periods of time, I would guess that there's less opportunity for the seed to rot, but mildew may be a problem.  I would let the soil dry out, and when the weather returns to warmer days, such as 70F, resume watering.  

     You might want to buy yourself one or more of those inexpensive Sunbeam kitchen thermometers, which cost about $5 in the Fry's stores.  The growth rates of mychorrizal fungi are best when the soil temperature at 1" to 2" below the surface is between 75F and 95F.

     Using a mild solution of soil acidifier wil help by promoting the growth of beneficial mychorrizal fungi as well as inhibiting the growth of fungi that lead to rot.

Chris

-----Original Message-----
>From: Carolyn Stoffel <rakena at basicisp.net>
>Sent: Jan 23, 2007 10:46 PM
>To: Arid_gardener <arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] Impatient for germination
>
>Chris -
>
>> If these low pressure systems continue as they are predicted, you
>> might not see anything of significance until March.
>
>-----
>
><sigh> I was already two months late planting the ranunculus. I don't
>know if they'll have time to grow, flower, and regain strength for next
>year.
>
>Dick -
>
>> Cold, damp, soil will delay germination for a long time but rotting
>> or mildew will often ruin the seed first.
>
>-----
>
>How long should I wait before assuming that the seed is lost and
>re-plant? I suppose that's really more dependant upon the weather than
>the calendar.
>
>Thanks to both of you.
>
>Carolyn Stoffel
>
>
>
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Chris

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