Outdoor Planting in frozen ground?

[thetreeman]

Im thinking about prepping a site the year before my grow and planting seeds late winter in frozen ground. Was thinking about drilling a hole 1 - 2 inches deep and dropping a seed in, cover up and add a little water to freeze it in place and protect from rodents. I know 2 inches is deep, but we have late spring frosts occasionally and Im thinking deeper will prevent losses if that happens. Would most AF strains work in a situation like this? I can get my garden tiller there to work it up and add soil amendments that fall, but in the spring it will be somewhat soggy for a while which would delay planting quite a bit. Would need to be harvested and out of the area before hunting season which starts sept 1st. Im at 40deg and growing season is mid May - mid Sept. Also how do you feel about using roundup to clear an area for gardening? Bad idea?

 

[namvet25]

I don't think that would be the best way.Planting that deep in wet cold soil the seed probably wont germ.Your probably better off staring seeds inside and transplant them outside when the weather warms and the soil is drier.I also wouldn't use roundup.

 

[Dr Who]

I think that putting the seed in the ground gives it the best chance to decide when is the best time for it to germinate, although I suspect one could have a rather more advanced plant at the same time by starting it off indoors. Personally I wouldn't start these kinds of herbs off outdoors. Glyphosate is the only kind of herbicide I use, but I try to limit its use to early summer.

 

[Muddy]

Personally, I wouldn't do this. I would expect much lower rates of germination, perhaps by 50% or more. Prep your spots in the fall, then do as Namvet has suggested, start them indoors and transplant after the last frost when they have 4-5 sets of true leaves.

 

[thetreeman]

Appreciate the responses so far guys! Problem is, I dont really have a place to start this number of plants indoors. Planting extra seeds shouldnt be a problem. Isnt transplanting auto's somewhat risky? If the couple extra weeks isnt needed, wouldnt be better off avoiding the shock and possible issues with becoming rootbound in small containers and just let them grow from seeds where you want them?

 

[sofa]

build a micro diy greenhouse around your spot with some wood and transparent plastic. germ your seeds indoors and start them in party cups outside(greenhouse). wait until they have theyre 1st set of leaves(1 week). dont wait too long before transplanting them or it could stunt them by getting root bounded in theyre little cups if you wait too long.. hope this helps a bit! :smoke:

 

[Epic Genetics]

chances are if they germ , most if not all will be hit by frost , we always seem to get a late frost after spring has sprung , any that germ later will prolly drown/dampen off

of course i wouldnt know for sure but id bet in nature only one for every 1000 seeds actually make it every year

peace

 

[keepitmedicated]

I agree with bob, Thats why they make so many seeds. sucess with the %, Seems to be the rule of thumb with mother nature..

 

[thetreeman]

Thats why I was thinking plant deep. Does anyone have any idea how far healthy seeds will grow to escape soil? I know they SHOULD be planted .5 inches or so, but in soft/tilled soil. I bet a good many would come up even if 2 inches deep, just take them a little longer....

chances are if they germ , most if not all will be hit by frost , we always seem to get a late frost after spring has sprung , any that germ later will prolly drown/dampen off

of course i wouldnt know for sure but id bet in nature only one for every 1000 seeds actually make it every year

peace

 

[Epic Genetics]

Thats why I was thinking plant deep. Does anyone have any idea how far healthy seeds will grow to escape soil? I know they SHOULD be planted .5 inches or so, but in soft/tilled soil. I bet a good many would come up even if 2 inches deep, just take them a little longer....

.5 - 2 inches , everything i said still stands imho

peace