GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Planting seeds in a cold frame (and negative temperatures)

Jeff Layman · 15-03-2008, 04:39 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

wrote:
Hi

I was thinking of planting some seeds in a cold frame today but
according to the weather forecast it is going to be -2 on tuesday and
wednesday (in 3 days).

Should I wait till it gets warmer before planting or doesn't it make
any difference? Will the cold frame protect the seeds?

What does cold air do to seeds? Will it destroy them or will it just
delay growth?

Thanks for any answers

What seeds are you talking about? Hardy plants won't give a damn about -2.
Nor will many half-hardy plant seeds. But if you are worried just close the
frame; it is very unlikely that the temperature will fall below zero.

Then again, some plant seeds need to be exposed to freezing temperatures
before they will germinate. This is called stratification, and the required
length of time below freezing varies for different species.

Hopefully your local library will have a book or two which explains what is
required for germination.

--
Jeff
(cut "thetape" to reply)