growing eastern hemlock and yellow birch from seed

[doritweste]

Hi: Tolerant hemlock and yellow birch are my favorite trees. I gathered several eastern hemlock cones the last week in October in Nova Scotia. Some were slightly open, others closed. Within 4 days all the cones have opened and I have many seeds. I would like to start growing them and I need simple intructions how to proceed. Also, I would like to do the same with yellow birch.

[Michael F]

Store the seed cold (+1°) and slightly moist (not dripping wet!) over the winter. Sow in pots in early spring indoors, or outdoors after the risk of frost is over. A slightly acidic peat-free compost (e.g. coir mix) mix is best.