Starting lots of seeds outdoors before planting?

 I'm in the Denver area. We're having an early spring this year,
it's been warm. 80 today.

I want to get massive amounts of seeds started outdoors before
planting them in the garden. So I need gentle sun but not full hot
dry sun.

What would be the best way to do this while still keeping birds and
squirrels out of it?

I'm thinking of building a potting table with an outside edge, and
then putting a seed sprouting bed in the center area, covered with
a 1/4" wirecloth squares hinged top.

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- Mama Bear

 wrote:


I have no idea on the birds or squirls, but something I would like to
point out about sprouting seed outdoors, on a potting table.

In Denver, this time of year, I think your results will be poor.

Reason:  Your soil will cool to the outside temperature at night(not
the ground temperature).

Nature uses temperature and moisture as a "key" to tell a seed when to
germinate.  Example:  Crabgrass seed will germinate when ground
temperature remains above 50F for 5 consecutive nights(if there is
sufficient moisture).  Every species has it't own reqirement.

Good luck on your project. Oldtimer.

 
I agree, with regard to temperatures. If the OP still wants to try this, she
should get a roll of fence wire and create cages over the table. Attach dark
window screen or burlap to the cages to shade the seedlings. She should also
keep in mind that the pots of 6-packs may still dry out very quickly, just
due to wind, unless she's home all day, every day, to water them.

Bad idea, probably.

 I agree with the others and suggest starting your seeds indoors where the
temperature is more steady.  You can move them outside right after they have
sprouted.

If space indoors is a problem, start many together in a light starter medium
like vermiculite, peat moss, or perlite and distribute the seedlings into
their growing pots after they have sprouted.

 

I tried that with some peat pots indoors, but as soon as I put the
seedlings out, something is digging them up and/or eating them out
there. Squirrels? I mean I'm finding holes in the ground where I
planted the seedlings in the peat pots. Or eaten off tops.

So I'm thinking that I could start the seeds indoors, but I still
need a protected table with 1/4" wire cloth screen over it, to let
them get bigger before planing them in the ground. I might report
them there and let them grow into good sized seedlings before
actually planting?


--
- Mama Bear