How to Plant Burpee Seeds
Established in 1876, Burpee is now the largest seed company in the United States. Learn how to properly plant Burpee seeds to ensure that you have a successful flower garden and a bountiful crop of vegetables. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Identify your climate zone. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed a climate zone map that bases each zone on the lowest recorded temperatures. Zone 1 is the coldest, while zone 11 is the warmest. Plants are classified by the coldest temperature they can withstand. This is crucial information when sowing seeds outdoors. For example, if you live in zone 6, sow carrot seeds outdoors in May and June. However, if you live in zone 4, wait until June or July to plant your carrot seeds. Sowing your seeds at the right time of year for your climate zone means your seeds will be more likely to germinate and produce.
-
2
Direct sow your Burpee seeds by planting them directly into the ground outside. Different types of seed have different planting depths. Generally, smaller seeds do not need to be planted as deeply as larger seeds. For smaller Burpee seeds, scatter them on the ground and then cover them with a thin layer of compost. Pat down the ground to make sure there is good seed-to-soil contact. Water and mulch. For larger seeds, read the back of your seed packet for the recommended depth. The rule of thumb is that a seed should be planted at a depth that's two to three times its size. Poke a hole in the planting area with your finger and drop in the seeds. Usually it is best to plant two seeds in each planting hole in case one of the seeds does not germinate. If both seeds germinate, thin them out by removing the weaker plant. Cover the planting hole, water and mulch.
-
-
3
Start your Burpee seeds indoors during the winter to produce plants that will flower or bear fruit earlier in the spring after the seedlings are transplanted. Fill a container to about 1 inch from the top with a good growing medium; peat moss is the medium most commonly used. Plant about two seeds per container. Moisten with warm water and pat down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
-
4
Cover your indoor seedlings with clear plastic, creating a mini-greenhouse. Place them under a grow-light, or in a well-lighted area. Check the moisture level daily. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. As the seeds begin to sprout and take hold, remove the clear plastic. Thin out seedlings, if necessary.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Very tiny seeds can be planted by pouring a few seeds into one hand, or a folded index card, and using a toothpick to separate a few seeds from the pile to plant. Avoid transplant shock for seeds started indoors by using brown paper bags. Simply roll down the top of the bag to make a cuff and fill the bag with your potting mixture. Plant your seeds as described in step 3 above. When the seedlings are ready to be moved outdoors, simply plant the entire bag. The tender roots of the seedlings will not be disturbed, and the bag will decompose. Use a spray bottle to water seedlings started indoors. Be sure to mark the name of the seeds you have planted. Use plant markers for seeds sown directly into the ground or in containers indoors. If using a brown paper bag, just write the name on the bag.
