Seed starting indoors

[Zeedman]

Started parsley, basil, thyme, and sage seeds.

What, no rosemary?

At this point, seed starting is still just a dream for me, about 6 weeks away. DW got bored though & started some nesting onions from last year for scallions, and rooted some lemongrass shoots (which are growing nicely).

 

[Rammy]

I was going to do rosemary but ran out of room. Getting more pods this week.

 

[ducks4you]

All lettuce I've ever tried to transplant gets stunned or wilts and dies. It's so much easier to just how a shallow trench, sprinkle some seeds and rake the trench flat. Always had good success this way. I guess I don't have the "touch" and am probably too rough.

“Speak roughly to your little boy
and beat him when he sneezes!
he only does it to annoy,
because he knows it teases!”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
...guess so =b

 

[baymule]

I have 2 types of lettuce started in peat pellets. Looking good so far.

 

[Rammy]

Mine died. Looks like my tomatoes and peppers are too. I swear Im not over watering. Guess I dont have a green thumb.

 

[Crealcritter]

Mine died. Looks like my tomatoes and peppers are too. I swear Im not over watering. Guess I dont have a green thumb.

I let mine dry out just a little bit before I water them again and only from the bottom (place water in the tray).

 

[digitS']

It takes some time for soil ingredients to absorb moisture. Peat is slow but then holds water well.

With about 1/3rd peat in the mix, and after that initial soaking, I can set it in a basin of water right up near the top of the plant containers. In as short a time as 20 minutes, the soil mix has absorbed to the max.

The containers are then set where they can drip whatever is excess. A few days later, they are back in the basin. Larger plants are able to draw water out more quickly. Tiny seedlings don't need to have that bottom watering very often. Species vary in need.

Experience brings a "feel" for the weight of the containers and watering needs. Really, there is quite a lot of difference between dry and wet soil mix. I once did some weighing, thinking that it might be helpful. I don't know where or when I mentioned it on TEG. If memory serves, what I thought of a dry container weighed 1/2 of a container with fully saturated soil mix. That seemed to be a safe zone: full weight to 1/2 weight.

Steve

 

[Crealcritter]

It takes some time for soil ingredients to absorb moisture. Peat is slow but then holds water well.

With about 1/3rd peat in the mix, and after that initial soaking, I can set it in a basin of water right up near the top of the plant containers. In as short a time as 20 minutes, the soil mix has absorbed to the max.

The containers are then set where they can drip whatever is excess. A few days later, they are back in the basin. Larger plants are able to draw water out more quickly. Tiny seedlings don't need to have that bottom watering very often. Species vary in need.

Experience brings a "feel" for the weight of the containers and watering needs. Really, there is quite a lot of difference between dry and wet soil mix. I once did some weighing, thinking that it might be helpful. I don't know where or when I mentioned it on TEG. If memory serves, what I thought of a dry container weighed 1/2 of a container with fully saturated soil mix. That seemed to be a safe zone: full weight to 1/2 weight.

Steve

I use whatever potting soil I can find cheaply to start seeds. More times than not its full of sticks and big pieces of bark. I just grind it up with a old kitchen blender before filling cells and sowing seeds.

 

[ducks4you]

Started bright lights Swiss Chard a few days ago. Already up. GOOD little seeds!!!

 

[Crealcritter]