Common mistakes gardeners make

Spring is a busy time for gardeners. Here are some common mistakes that gardeners make when planting seeds for vegetables and flowers.

The temptations of glossy, colorful seed catalogs may cause us to buy too many. Soil temperature is an important factor in seed germination. According to Texas A&M University, cucumbers should be planted when the soil temperature is 64 degrees; tomatoes need a soil temperature of 55 degrees; and carrots require a soil temperature of 45 degrees. You may not have a soil probe to measure soil temperature, but remember, seeds won’t germinate in cold, wet soil, and young seedlings are susceptible to frost. Don’t plant your seeds too deep. A general rule is to plant a seed at a depth two or three times the width of the seed. Label the planted seed with the name and the date. Most seeds prefer to germinate in the dark. Some exceptions are lettuce, poppies and snapdragons. Check for germination and monitor new seedlings for proper watering.

— katie martin, UC Marin Master Gardeners