How to Grow Asters from Seed

Hello and welcome to how to grow asters from seed. This video is sponsored by thegiftofood.com. The first step is to fill a propagator tray with compost. The propagator tray has a transparent covering which keeps the seeds moist and warm during the germination process. Press the compost down to remove any air pockets. Step two, water the compost. We're doing this now as we don't want to disturb the seeds once we have planted them. Step three, place the seeds on top of the compost. Always plant more seeds than you need in case some fail to germinate. Step four, cover the seeds in a thin layer of compost, probably about five millimetres thick. Lightly press it down to remove any air pockets. Finally, add a label in case you forget what you've sown. Step five, place the lid on the propagator and keep it in a warm place. I'd recommend around about 20 degrees C and no less than 10 degrees C overnight. Step six, within a couple of weeks the seeds will have begun to germinate. As you can see here, not all of them have germinated, so I was wise to plant more than I needed. Step seven, when the seedlings have at least two sets of leaves, it's time to transplant them into pots. First, fill the pots with compost. Next, water the compost and then make a small hole in the centre of each pot. Water the seedlings, this makes them easier to remove without damaging their roots. Hold the seedling by one of its leaves and then carefully prise the roots up and remove it from the propagator tray. Place it in the hole in the pot and carefully press down, trying not to damage any of the roots. Step eight, keep the plants warm and watered. Step nine, when the chance of any frost has passed, it's time to plant the aspers outside. First, give the plants a good watering. Next, dig your soil and then mark out a straight line using a piece of string. Dig a small hole, then carefully remove your plant from its pot. Place it in the hole and then press the soil firmly around its roots. Repeat the process for the next plant. The planting distance depends on the variety you are growing and refer to your seed packet to get this information. Once your plants are in the ground, give them a full of a good watering. Step ten, keep the plants well watered and within about six to eight weeks, flowers will begin to appear. Thank you for watching the video, I hope you found it informative and if you have, please like it. If you want to find out more information about food and gardening, please visit my website www.giffordfoods.com