Planting McKana Columbine Seeds

• 1). Pour out a bag of seeding mix into a fine wire colander or metal basket. Sift through the material and remove pebbles, sticks or other objects to produce a finely grained seeding mix.
  
  
• 2). Moisten the seeding mix with water until it is damp.
  
  
• 3). Scoop the seeding mix into 4-inch biodegradable pots. Firm it down with your fingers, making sure the mix is well compacted around the entire pot.
  
  
• 4). Place the pots into a tray or pan and place the pan or tray near a good steady source of light. A good place is near a south-facing window or about 4 to 6 inches from a fluorescent light.
  
  
• 5). Pinch together a small amount of McKana columbine seeds, about four to five, using your thumb and index finger.
  
  
• 6). Sprinkle the columbine seeds across the top of the seeding mix in each of the pots. Firm them down gently using your index finger.
  
  
• 7). Mist the pots with water to secure the columbine seeds in the seeding mix.
  
  
• 8). Sprinkle a fine layer of seeding mix over the columbine seeds, about 1/8 of an inch.
  
  
• 9). Place the tray or pan into a clear plastic bag to help keep humidity high and maintain an even temperature. Remove the bag once germination begins in about three to four weeks.
  
  

Planting McKana Columbine Plants

• 1). Choose a semi-shaded to full sun planting location for the McKana columbines for cooler northern climates. For warmer southern climates, choose a semi-shaded location.
  
  
• 2). Dig up the planting area using a shovel or garden fork. The soil should be cultivated to around 16 to 18 inches in depth.
  
  
• 3). Spread out a 2- to 3-inch layer of aged manure, compost or leaf mold. Mix the amendment into the soil thoroughly using the shovel or fork.
  
  
• 4). Dig planting holes using a trowel, making each hole the same size of each biodegradable pot. Each of the holes should be about 12 to 14 inches apart.
  
  
• 5). Cut off the top section on each biodegradable pot.
  
  
• 6). Plant one McKana columbine into each planting hole. Fill the holes with soil slowly while you firm the soil around each pot.
  
  
• 7). Water the McKana columbines thoroughly, making sure each of the plants has been well saturated. Plan on watering each seedling as often as needed to keep them moist but not soggy.