Loved this post so much. Keep it simple. As I embark on a few public presentations on this topic in the coming weeks, I'll think of you each time I talk about pricking out. :-)
I like to use peat pellets for starting fern spores or very tiny seeds. I put them in a plastic shoe box or other heat proof container, pour in boiling water and slap the lid on to sterilize the whole mess. After it's cooled I just sprinkle the seed on top and pop under lights. I just brought back some Ourisia microphylla seed from Chile and they germinated in about a week using this method.
You must have the world’s largest basement and the galaxy’s strongest back! And what does one do with 59 cactus plants? I am in awe - more power to you!
It really doesn't take up much space... my whole set up is only eight feet by two feet.
If I'm honest... I don;'t know what I'm going to do with all the cactus! I had them in the front bed by the sidewalk, but then I got worried someone would get stabbed walking by, so I moved them to raised bed in the back. I don't have a plan, I just like growing them!
What do you use to fertilize the seedlings when you leave them in the vermiculite to grow on for a bit? Also, do you have any fans inside the curtains for air circulation?
I use a slow-release fertilizer called NurtiCoat. I have used small fans for circulation in the past but don't have one in there now -- might start again if I have damping off issues.
I sometimes poke drainage holes -- usually if I'm going to leave seedlings in there for a while. I don;t bother if I'm going to transplant right after they germinate.
Yes, I water after I sow and top with vermiculite.
Great line ...
>>Good gardeners have green thumbs because they’ve been stained by the blood of all the plants they have killed.<<
My husband and I have a deal. I don't comment on what he spends on bikes and he doesn't comment on what I spend on plants.
Loved this post so much. Keep it simple. As I embark on a few public presentations on this topic in the coming weeks, I'll think of you each time I talk about pricking out. :-)
Thank you Ann!
I like to use peat pellets for starting fern spores or very tiny seeds. I put them in a plastic shoe box or other heat proof container, pour in boiling water and slap the lid on to sterilize the whole mess. After it's cooled I just sprinkle the seed on top and pop under lights. I just brought back some Ourisia microphylla seed from Chile and they germinated in about a week using this method.
That's a good idea. I haven't done much with fern spores... I need to get into that!
The pricked out seed trays are probably the most efficient but I am compelled for some arithmetical reason to seed directly into 72 cell trays.
Everyone has their own methods! I really like the process of pricking out for some reason... others hate it.
Great info especially the curtain trick. I haven't tried that - but will. I always learn something new from your posts!
Thanks!
excellent.....
Excellent information for a novice. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
I'm going to try vermiculite. Thanks!
You must have the world’s largest basement and the galaxy’s strongest back! And what does one do with 59 cactus plants? I am in awe - more power to you!
It really doesn't take up much space... my whole set up is only eight feet by two feet.
If I'm honest... I don;'t know what I'm going to do with all the cactus! I had them in the front bed by the sidewalk, but then I got worried someone would get stabbed walking by, so I moved them to raised bed in the back. I don't have a plan, I just like growing them!
What do you use to fertilize the seedlings when you leave them in the vermiculite to grow on for a bit? Also, do you have any fans inside the curtains for air circulation?
I use a slow-release fertilizer called NurtiCoat. I have used small fans for circulation in the past but don't have one in there now -- might start again if I have damping off issues.
Thanks, Joseph. We're going to try your vermiculite idea this year for seed starting. What do you fertilize with?
This was incredibly informative! Thank you!
Those look like seedlings of a species Penstemon; curious as to which one?
Thank you for this excellent article. I'm assuming perlite is not as good as vermiculite for this purpose?
Are there drainage holes in the foil trays?
Do you water in after topping with vermiculite?
Love your posts
I sometimes poke drainage holes -- usually if I'm going to leave seedlings in there for a while. I don;t bother if I'm going to transplant right after they germinate.
Yes, I water after I sow and top with vermiculite.