Need help with starting seeds *ADDED MORE PICS* pg. 3

[catjac1975]

If you buy a heating mat for plants it is going to be set at about 70 degrees. That isn't far from your 68 in the greenhouse. Peppers aren't going to want to dip down in the soil temp until they are a bit more established. My advice would be to start them in teh incubator, removing the lid daily to allow some drying out. i transplant when they are about 3 inches with a well established second set of leaves.

We start our peppers and tomatoes in the heated seed box and then move them to our unheated hoop house. I built a heated seed box (it's on my site). I think that you could use my plan with a heating pad. I have mine lined with plastic. However, that being said, I am hereby realeased from any and all liability should you have electrical issues

There are plenty of folks who just use electric blankets and never have a problem. Anyway check out the link below and see if you are game for fashioning something simular with what you have.

http://heronsnestfarm.blogspot.com/2011/02/building-heated-seed-starts-box.html

I would never use a heating matt or electric blanket. The danger of fire or electrocution is nothing to ignore.

 

[kennedyscochins]

Another question: I am currently using a CFL bulb that puts out 1600 lumens and 2700K over 6 broccoli sprouts. I am going to be adding about 12 pepper plants shortly that will need light. I thought I would get a fluorescent shop light (18-24 inches) since my small greenhouse is 2 foot wide. While I was looking at walmart, there was a shoplight that said "daylight". It put out 6500K but only 850 lumens. Which is more important: kelvins (I think that's the word) or lumens?

 

[Jared77]

If I remember right kelvins is the color temperature, and lumens is output which could be translated into intensity. Id try to find a good balance between the two since you can always raise or lower height of the lights to stay close to the plant to give it everything it needs but if the spectrum stinks then your growth will be affected just like if the light isn't bright enough for the plant to not get leggy.

 

[kennedyscochins]

I just took a couple pics of my broccoli sprouts today to show you all and see what you think of them. I have never grown plants from seed, so I need a lot of education. Do these look okay or do I need to do something else?

 

[lesa]

They look good! When is your last frost date?

 

[kennedyscochins]

They look good! When is your last frost date?

Thanks! March 30- April 30th is what I found for zone 6

 

[lesa]

Keeping them inside for a month is going to be a challenge... I would try and get them out, if you have some nice days. Maybe in a sheltered spot....

 

[kennedyscochins]

Keeping them inside for a month is going to be a challenge... I would try and get them out, if you have some nice days. Maybe in a sheltered spot....

I bought a little greenhouse so when it warms up just a little they will be out

 

[Smiles Jr.]

From what I see in your post #24 you're doing just fine. The tiny plants are a little leggy (tall and skinny) but that's pretty common for indoor starts. They show lots of good dark green so you must be doing something right. Good for you. Keep your light as close as possible without touching. And a very slight breeze is good for the little guys in their cups. I have to agree with lesa (I usually do) that 30 days is a long time to keep plants indoors. Your little greenhouse may solve that problem though. But do not allow your greenhouse to get too hot on sunny days as it's very easy to cook those tender little plants. If it all goes south and the plants die do not be discouraged. Try again soon after - you have plenty of time in zone 6. Isn't it fun?

 

[kennedyscochins]

From what I see in your post #24 you're doing just fine. The tiny plants are a little leggy (tall and skinny) but that's pretty common for indoor starts. They show lots of good dark green so you must be doing something right. Good for you. Keep your light as close as possible without touching. And a very slight breeze is good for the little guys in their cups. I have to agree with lesa (I usually do) that 30 days is a long time to keep plants indoors. Your little greenhouse may solve that problem though. But do not allow your greenhouse to get too hot on sunny days as it's very easy to cook those tender little plants. If it all goes south and the plants die do not be discouraged. Try again soon after - you have plenty of time in zone 6. Isn't it fun?

How warm should it be in my greenhouse to put the broccoli out there? They don't look good this morning for some reason. They seem to be leaning more. I had changed the small CFL bulbs to an actual grow light I bought at walmart that had double the kelvins and 1025 lumens. I thought that would help them even more. Should I put some more dirt in the cups to give the stems some extra support? It's like the leaves are too heavy for the stem.