Seedling Saga

Once upon a time there was a little seed. A quiescent kernel of DNA, cotyledon, protein, and prospective plant perfectly packed into a tiny bundle bursting with potential. Waiting.

Until one day it became warm, and the sun started shining for longer than usual. Water trickled into the seed's dark place of dormancy and something happened.

The seed started going through an amazing transformation. The water penetrated it's seed coat, causing the seed to swell and crack. Inside, the seed embryo was being nourished by sugars produced by hydrolyses of stored starch, maltose and maltase.

The embryo started respiring, dividing, and, according to the carefully laid out plans of the DNA, a radicle grew into a root, and a plumule grew into a shoot.

Once all the sugars and nutrients were used up inside the seed, it started drinking in water, nutrients, and sunlight, and transforming these ingredients into energy for survival.

And then something else happened...

A goat ate it.

How are the seedlings doing?

Glad you asked:

They are taking off and we've planted many to save money on starts this year. This is what works for me:

• A plant/aquarium light to supplement light these plants get through a south-facing window
• A heating pad turned to low placed under the water-tight tray
• A clear top on just-planted seeds to conserve water until sprouts appear. If it isn't removed soon enough, the soil/plants will mold underneath.
• A conspicuous lack of goats around the house