Seeds can travel long distances without germinating. When this happens, the seeds are said to be dispersed; a process that requires the help of nature and man. Dispersed seeds can take many forms. They may be planted in new soil or placed in containers with fertile soil.
They may also be sprinkled on crops as a preventative measure, or left lying about for birds to pick. Fortunately for humans, some seeds do not survive once they have been airborne for a few moments. These are known as stable seeds because they will not germinate unless conditions are right. In order to make sure that you keep your own seed stash intact, you need to know how to effectively disperse these seeds indoors and out.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to properly extinguish and disperse your indoor and outdoor seeds (and prevent miscarriages).
What is a seed?
A seed is a type of organism that travels with the wind and is fertilized by moisture to create a new plant. Plants store large amounts of water in their yams and other fallow or cultivated soils can also grow large amounts of vegetation in a short time. Soils are often rich in organic material, which is ideal for the growth of seeds. The types of seeds that can grow in soils are discussed below.
How Seeds Are Dispersed
Seeds are typically dispersed by plowing, lawn mowers, or other mechanical devices. In the absence of wind, seeds can also be dispersed by planting. Trellising, canning, and freezing are other methods used to delay or prevent seed germination.
Agents of seed dispersal
Seeds can be dispersed by animals, insects, and plants, but only some are significant in the outdoor growing environment. For example, some plants release seeds allowing us to grow new plants from them, while others are pollinated by insects and then release seeds so the insects can return again.
Seed dispersal by animals
Animals include both domestic and wild species. Pets, livestock, and wildlife all contribute to the dispersal of seeds. Animals including birds and insects also spread seeds by walking on them or dropping them in the soil. An example of a plant whose seeds are dispersed by animals is corn.
Seed dispersal by water
Waterside Dispersal: Seaweeds and microalgae, along with other marine species, are the only aquatic seeds dispersers. These are the same species that bring plankton to the shoreline and are ideal for this method of seed dispersal. Rising Tide: The same species, Macrocystis, forms the foundation for the marine algae called the “rising tide” that is the dominant marine species in coastal and marine environments.
Wind seed dispersal
Seed dispersal by wind is quite limited, so most of the seeds we plant will fall on trees, rocks, or other vegetation. To increase the wind’s contribution, let’s use a windmill. Windmills were once common and were used to grind corn and other grains to flour. A windmill is a tower with a central hollow axle, or cog wheel, attached to it by a pin or thrusting bolt. As the wheel turns, the axle thrusts or pokes into the earth and transfers pressure to the ground. This action is what propels the seeds.
Seed dispersal by water and wind
In some areas, a secondary wind can carry the seeds of one plant across open water or along the shoreline and deposit them in the waters off the opposite coast. This is called “wind-water” dispersal.
Seed dispersal by fish
Fish naturally feed on seagrasses and other plants that are the primary seeds dispersers for coastal and marine environments. Fish species that feed on these plants include the American lobster, blue tang, common stingray, and surgeon fish.
Conclusion
The best method of all for maintaining a healthy garden is to grow your own vegetables and fruits. The convenience of buying seeds and cultivating your own garden can often be prohibitive. When it comes to gardening, you never know when a particular plant may come up and offer a solution to your gardening problems. You never know when a wildflower or a bloom of a certain weed may come up and offer a solution to your garden problems.
So, the next time you are out in the garden or the field, don’t forget to pick some wildflowers and weeds to add to your garden! Also, if you are having a hard time keeping your seeds from going to seed, try growing a pole or trellis vine. It will provide an excellent cover for your seeds and can be easily removed when the time is right for germination.