Tuesday, February 24, 2009

My Seed Planting Experiment #1

Last week (Feb 17th) I purchased my seed starting kit at Lowe's. It's so easy even 'I' can do it
--who knew?

The little peat-pellets are pre-prepared--just waiting for water to be added.
After I set up my 'experiment', I found that many of you were doing the same thing. I'm happy to say, though, that I found this on my own, setting it up thinking surely 'real' gardeners don't use 'ready-made' kits!! How excited I was to learn that I wasn't alone!

Once I added water and the pellets puffed up, I loosened (around the edges) the netting that holds the peat together.

Then I planted the seeds I decided to use (about 3 per pellet), wrote out the I.D. tags, and placed them in the pellets to designate what's in each row.

The seeds I planted are Spreading Petunia, Salvia, Lobelia, Rock Soapwort, Texas Bluebonnet, Johnny Jump Up (Viola) and a few Wildflower seeds. (The Wildflowers are just for fun & could have waited to be scattered outside, but in case nothing else popped up, I wanted to have something to feel good about!).

Next I placed the tray on the Heating Mat that came with the kit (above) and then I placed the plastic cover over it (below). I added some tape to each side just to make sure the top doesn't get knocked off. Doesn't it look all neat and tidy?

After a brief period of time, condensation formed on the lid and I knew things were working as planned.


Fast forward 2 days, and the wildflowers were beginning to sprout (no surprise there).
A couple of days later and they needed to be removed. Once seedlings are up they should be uncovered...but how could I uncover the whole tray for just a few plants? So, I placed sprouted seedlings into slightly larger bio-degradable peat pots, filling them with organic soil mix.
Then, I partially covered them, leaving air flow through from the outside. I placed these on the cover of the original seedtray, hoping some warmth might pass through. After a day, I needed to remove the salvia from the enclosed tray because it's seedlings did not need to be covered all the time. A few petunia seedlings were ready to leave the original tray at this time, as well.


Now all I do is watch and wait. I keep an eye on the seedlings, and am trying to find the best light source for them. Right now I rotate them between under-counter florescent lights and the sunlit window. I cover it loosely--for part of each day--and will gradually remove this altogether. I am probably going to get some plant lights and put them under a shelf in my basement. Then I'll be set up properly to handle more pottings and emerging seedlings. I plan to plant more petunia and salvia seeds. I think they will be the most practical for me so I hope they'll do well.


As more and more seedlings appear and are ready to transfer out of the 'incubator', I will continue to put them in the larger pots and nurture. It's way too early to set them outside to harden off. So I'm wondering, how long can they stay inside without getting too leggy? Did I start too early with some types of seeds?

--Today I am thankful for the miracle of seeds.

59 comments:

  1. If you have a good lighting system you can leave the seedlings in for 6-8 weeks, just be sure to fertilize lightly so as to fee them and make them healthy. If not, then you'll know when you need to move them. If it is warm and sunny, it may be okay to expose them to some sun during the day. Light is key. Good luck!

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  2. Jan, it looks great! So glad you started :) I'll look forward to seeing all your flowers this year! And I know the pics will be great, coming from you!

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  3. Your seedlings look fantastic. I've seen that kit and thought about buying it. Now I know it works I just may give it a go! For now I place all my seeds near a heat vent at night, then they cover the table in front of the window during the day. It seems to work for now but I sure would prefer a greenhouse! Happy seeding!

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  4. Wow, Jan, your seedlings look really good! I had planned to start a few seeds this week, but most won't be planted until mid-March, which is 6 weeks before our last frost date. I'm no expert at this at all, but I don't think you want to plant any of these outside until after your last frost date. I'll let the experts here give you better advice:)

    Seeing your neatly planted trays makes me want to get those peat pellets planted right now!

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  5. Hi Jan,
    Good for you trying a new thing... always a challenge to get out of our comfy place. Looks like you did it all right... some great new seedlings are popping up.

    I have never started seeds this way (I'm a little too impatient I think -- and possibly spoiled that I can direct sow so early) so I can't help you with your questions.

    I am certain there are lots of folks out there who can. I just wanted to give you cheers for a job well done. Have a great day!
    Meems

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  6. It is just plan fun isn't it? I will not give you advise but that if they get lots of sun and the first true leaf is pinch back they should be alright.I am having trouble with a couple of my seedlings because they are damping off so I will have to replace some.I am still learning things also.You are growing some I have never tried so I am of no help.
    Yours looks to be doing so well though.

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  7. Jan, your seedlings look wonderful! And that kit looks great -- I might invest in one for next year, but this year I've started some things in my usual Pro-Gro mix. I'll also do some cuttings when impatiens and coleus begin to appear too early in the stores. Good luck with all those lovely flowering plants!

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  8. Way to go Jan!! I got one of those seed starters last year, but no heating pad. With new windows in the house I found I needed a grow light, too leggy. Doing direct sow this year.
    Janet

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  9. Thank you Tina...Yes, I've got to get better lighting I think. A question: Do you think I should plant all the seedlings in 'real' pots? They are in the biodegradable ones now and I'm afraid when they get wet for too long they will disintegrate. What do people usually do when they get a bit larger??? THANKS!

    Tessa, Melanthia, Rose, Meems, Rosella: Thank you for your supportive words! It's all new to me so if someone (anyone at all!!) especially YOU guys, think I'm on the right track, that helps me feel more confident:)

    And Lona...thanks for the advice about pinching back the first true leaves. I did read that somewhere;)

    I'm usually pretty bad about replying to comments on here-but you all have encouraged me so I needed to say thanks!

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  10. Hi Janet:)
    Thanks for commenting...it was cool that the heating mat came with the kit. It was $35+ for the whole thing, which I considered to be a lot for it all: HOWEVER, I thought it might be worth it because I can use it over&over just putting in new peat pellets. I can use it year after year if I want. Like you though, I might not want to try it again and just forget about it next year! Right now, it's my little 'experiment'!!

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  11. It's exciting to get things started isn't it? It makes you feel like you are doing something in the garden even if you aren't "in" the garden. The seedlings look great!

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  12. Ah! the seed sower's dilemma. I know it well. Good light is the problem. I haven't got much space in good light indoors so I have to move mine outside into the greenhouse or cold frame and hope the temperatures don't drop too far.
    Good luck with yours. I think your heated propagator will be very useful.

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  13. Looks like your experiment worked very well. Now you can add more pellets with seed to replace the ones taken out of the covered tray.
    Marnie

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  14. Well, I'm impressed! I think I have a Lowe's coupon around here somewhere -- time for a trip to the store!

    Cameron

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  15. Hi, Jan--Wow, am I going to be jealous when you have zillions of plants in April. I'm not much good at seeds sown indoors, but the little peat pots are sturdier than they look--I've had some rosemary cuttings in them all winter. Re the legginess--if they get REALLY leggy, you can very gently lift the seedling out of the dirt and replant it more deeply (does that sentence parse?) Anyway, can't wait to see the results!

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  16. Good for you Jan! I hope they grow well for you. You may have to pinch some plants back a little, once they're well established, if they become too leggy. I'd guess the petunias might need it. I'll start a few seeds probably around mid-March. It's exciting to get your hands in even a little dirt...and watch something grow, isn't it?

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  17. Hi Jan~
    Looks like your garden s going to be teeming with flowers! What fun and good luck!
    Karrita

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  18. Jan,

    Now that you've got the little guys in a biodegradable pot, I'd be careful about putting them into something else. The roots tend to grow into the pot and if you try to move them to another pot, you could damage the roots. I would get a good light set up going and when you're getting close to your last frost date harden them off gradually for a week or so, and then pop them in the ground. As usual, make sure the peat pop is buried well, and shade them a bit until they get used to out door conditions. You are doing great! I can't wait to see them out in your yard! :)Is it fun or what?

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  19. I usually leave mine in the seedling flats. They get real big and run into each other, but then I feel like I went to Lowes and bought theirs. I think they'll be fine personally. Just remember to feed them fairly regularly. I usually dilute water soluble fertilizer in my watering can. You will be able to tell, trust me. Plus, you are only talking one more month or so then you'll be hardening them off.

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  20. How exciting to see results so quickly! I actually bought one of those mats today. I'm going to try to get it set up tomorrow. I'm glad to see evidence that it works!

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  21. VERY timely, cause I decided I wanted to grow stuff from seed for the first time this year and I got a kid similar to yours, but much less fancy (I have no heating unit but I read you could put it on top of the fridge." I will keep referring back to this post to see how you did this. And I also look forward to seeing the finished product.

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  22. Hi Jan,
    They're looking really good for just a week!! Tina's right. It's the light. I have mine under flourscent tubes and leave it on for 15-16 hours each day. I also like those little peat pellets with the netting. So convienent and easy to transplant. Good luck and keep the pics coming!!

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  23. I bought some seeds too, but I'll wait to plant some of them until it gets a bit warmer. I may start a few that tolerate cool weather pretty soon. I've never done this before either. I'd love a heat mat like that, maybe I'll buy one next year. We'll see how the garden goes this year.

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  24. Hi Jan, great job getting the seeds going! I think the peat pots will stand up until it is time to go outside, but use plastic ones that I have saved that have four cells each to grow some of the larger ones on, like tomatoes. The hard part for me is going from the pots to the ground. So much easier to keep them watered on the deck! :-)
    Frances

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  25. Good luck with all that sowing Jan. They already seem to be doing well.

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  26. OH Jan! they look SO good! I hope mine turn out as good. I have seen a seed starting kit at Lowes but had no idea a mat came with it! I feel like running down there right now. I hope we have the same one at out Lowes.

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  27. Hi Jan--Nice set up. I'd sure like to get a heat mat. Good luck with your new babies.

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  28. I didn't know that Lowe's had a seed starting kit that including a heating pad. I'm there! We have a nice sunny south-facing sliding glass door, so we usually leave our seeds to grow there. I can't wait to get started!

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  29. It's interesting to see everybody's seed setups. Your set looks very convenient, and you can fit a lot into it. You are going to have many beautiful flowers to plant out in spring.

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  30. Now that is a true gardener and money saver. Good for you!

    We are huge bulb fans but everything else is bought from Home Depot. lol I have to hide bulb catalogs from Dave.

    This year it's rose trees from a nursery. I need a security guard to hold my checkbook there.

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  31. Way to go Jan !!
    You must be having a blast !
    The only trick I know to keep them from getting leggy is to keep the lights 2 to 3 inches above the plants.
    It also makes for stronger roots!
    For now you may want to put your trays on books or boxes to bring them closer to the lights.
    Great post and photos!

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  32. It looks like your seeding experiment is a resounding success! It would be too early for us here -- then again, after the winter we're having, July may still be too early. :-) Continued good luck with them!

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  33. It all looks good and healthy, Jan. Good luck with them growing into beauties in your garden.

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  34. Hi Jan.
    Wonderful job here. And you have everything so nicely organized. I need to get some of my seeds going too. Wish I could keep mine as tidy as yours. It's difficult, as you've found, keeping everything together with seeds having different germination schedules. And you're right on target with light being the key. Lots of moving pots around, finding the right combinations of light, heat, no heat, humidity, less humidity... Love seeing your work through your photos. Will get going on mine now.

    And I've been having trouble with Google blogger, as have others, the past couple of days. Problems with people posting comments especially. Sorry you ended up with Kate's posting in your box. Have no idea what that's all about. Will try contacting them again today.

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  35. I do like the look of this. Whilst I have a greenhouse it takes time for the seeds to start off so I will go and see if there is something similar in the UK

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  36. I've used the peat pellet kits from Lowe's too - they work great! I didn't know there was one that came with a heating mat though. Have to get out more ;-)

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  37. Hi Dave, EasyG, Marnie & Cameron: Thanks so much for your comments-they're much appreciated!

    Cosmo, your sentence 'parsed' just fine. That's a neat idea about lifting them up just a bit and putting them down a little further. I'll try that later. Thanks!

    Kerri, If they live long enough (!) I'll pinch them back-thanks! We shall see how that goes:->

    Thanks Karitta:)

    Tessa, I'll be sure not to disturb the roots...I just lift the entire pot (like I did w/the tiny peatpellets when I put them in the next larger peat pots)and if I have to get a bigger pot I'll be sure to put the entire thing (pot and all) into the next size pot:) Thank you! Yes, I need some good plant lights. That's on my list of to-do things!

    Tina, I like your idea too...I was just wondering what happens if the larger peat pot disintegrates before I'm ready to put them into the ground. I'll try to leave them in these 'next-size'pots the whole time, if possible. And I'll remember to give them some food. Thanks:)

    Catherine, I think we're all thinking along the same lines now! I'll be eager to see how yours are going. The heat mat really got them started fairly quickly (at least a few of them). Many of the seed varieties have still not come up yet. I hope it works for you!

    Bonnie, this is my 1st time ever with seeds, too. I thought, 'why not'? It's fun to see if anything comes of it! I hope you'll have great success with yours, too. Tell me how it goes w/the fridge heat...it just may work (I'm not sure that my fridge gives out any heat).

    Thanks flydragon-I'll leave them under for as long as possible...right now they're under it until I go to bed at night (and they are just under my kitchen counter florescent light). I can't wait to get the actual plant lights!

    Hi Cinj:) I know you have cold weather out there:-< Go ahead and experiment...lots of people do the 'winter sowing'. Let me know if you do and how it comes along!

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  38. Hi Frances, It's reassuring to hear you say the peat pots will stand up until they're ready for the ground. My concern is that w/watering, they'll disintegrate! I will be very careful putting them into the ground so they don't fall apart. I understand what you mean about watering on the deck...it's right there in front of you! Thanks Frances:)

    Thank you, Kanak:-)

    Machelle, Grace, and Robin: The heat mat was a surprise to me, too! They had more kits without the heat man than with. I think I got the 2nd to last one-so I hope you can find one. I know they are sold separately, though.

    NS, it is convenient starting seeds this way-that's why I was 'drawn' to it. I've never done it before and this kit is what got me started on the whole thing...

    Hi Tammy, I've heard a lot of gardeners on Blotanical talking about the catalogues and how they drool over them! I've never done spring bulbs either...but I've got a bunch of those, too! I think I'll need to do a post on them...I have a variety to put in, but I have no idea how to grow them! Dave is a terrific gardener-the photos of your yard & pond, etc, always get ooohs &ahhhs from me;)

    Patsi, great idea! I will try this, especially since I don't have grow lights. Perhaps under the florescent lights being a little closer could help. Anything I can do to help strengthen the roots is a good thing. Thank you:)

    Hi Nancy, You 'way-way-way up there' Northern gardeners do have quite a different situation!! Keep the indoor blooms all around you--is all I can say:) I lived in Maine and New York and Ohio growing up, and I understand the difference in the weather-we were right in the snowbelt in NY and my mom was a huge gardening fan--it required a lot of patient waiting!

    Thank you Chandramouli:)

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  39. Hi Ann, I have had so many strange things happening w/Blogger that I can't count them all. The google email thing is bizarre, that's all I can say. I was so happy I could leave you a message yesterday--the day before, it would not let me on!

    I haven't yet experienced the 'science' of moving them around for just the right humidity, light, heat vs. no heat, etc...this is all new so it'll be unpredictable! I loved your hydroponic tulips and how you enjoyed them so!

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  40. Helen, with your greenhouse experience, I don't know if you need the heating mat...but if you can get one and it works that would be terrific!

    Entangled, I was surprised to find this kit that included the heating mat, as most of them were boxes w/just the plastic box with cover & the peat pellets. After looking everything over, when I saw the one w/heating mat I just had to go for it! A bit more expensive (the whole thing was a little over $35 and I debated whether I should buy it) but I reasoned that I can use it every year if I like it. The jury's still out on whether I'll actually do this again next year!!

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  41. Ah Jan... you'll be inspiring all your visitors to give this a go. Great stuff! Looking forward to seeing them all growed up now :-D

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  42. Those seed starting kits are lots of fun, aren't they? I also purchased one this year and it worked okay but many of them got a fungus. I think that's because I live in fungus-land. But I was able to plant out the sweet peas already and they're doing fine. Keep us updated!

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  43. Oh, let me know how this works out, as this is a very interesting idea! I don't know if I have the room to plant all those fledglings you're going to end up with. But love the concept.
    Brenda

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  44. That plant starter seems just great, and your seedlings look really good.
    Good luck with your sowing!
    /Helen

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  45. Once they are a bit up - I blow gently across them and brush my hands over their tops to get them "hardy" and used to a breeze - plus I think it is just fun :-)

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  46. Congrats on venturing into the seed starting world Jan. That looks like a wonderful kit to start off with too. The heat mat is great by itself. The trickiest part of starting seeds for me is the "when" ~ if too soon, they get leggy (because I don't have a good light set-up), if too late, they are teeny, tiny when I want to plant them in the garden. I'm in zone 5 so I've only started a couple perennials so far. Most of my annuals will be started the first of April (since we aren't frost free until after Mother's Day). Good luck with your seedlings. It looks like you're doing great so far.

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  47. Good job on the seed sowing. I start sowing a bit later as my seedlings tend to get leggy due to lack of light. With that many plants on the way you might run out of space in your garden. ;-)

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  48. Aw, look at your cute little babies! I winter sow and it'll be a while before I have cute little seedlings... but... I... can... wait!

    I saw a comment you made over at Beckie's about finding keeping up with commenting stressful. Man, was that ever a relief! Seriously, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Like you, I love keeping up with my online friends, but there are so many posts (both in terms of people overall and the frequency of posts) that I was feeling very overwhelmed keeping up... It honestly stressed me out. I decided "jeder wie er kann" (each as s/he can) and am trying to accept my own pace. Glad to hear I'm not alone!!!

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  49. Jan - since I would like to know you better, I have a challenge (meme) for you in my blog. Please feel free to reject it - but I would be happy to read your answers. =)

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  50. Good luck with those seedlings. Mine always sprouted, the problems were always afterwards, with damping off, sowbugs devouring them and, in one case, getting washed out in a torrential downpour. I'd like to start a few seeds inside this year, but most of my seeds will be direct sown in the garden.

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  51. Guess what! I went to Lowes and after finally deciding they didn't sell them, there it was on the bottom shelf! There was only three left! I am so excited about the mat. Thanks for sharing this post with us or I would have never known to look at Lowes.

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  52. Looks like you are having great success...I haven't tried this Jan...still a seed scatterer but there are some plants that need to be started inside. Maybe, I will give it a try. gail

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  53. A tad of cinnamon in the pots will help stop fungus. A fan with a slight breeze blowing indirectly will help with legginess. You can make larger pots by forming newspaper into a pot. Just put the whole peat pot down inside the newspaper pot and wedge them up against each other. The advice you got on fertilizer and light is spot on.

    Good luck. I love the progressive pictures. Very thoughtful of you to let us see how it all took place.

    Hey, don't worry about the meme pay it forward gift. Take your time and longer than 6 months if you need. I would rather send a gift that I'm confident about than be rushed. Glad you like my watering can.

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  54. We do not have a holiday now it is just one week of from school for the kids.

    The color pink and green is from http://fredagsfarger.wordpress.com/.

    Then I chooses to show more Tulips (is that the same name in English?)

    Do not hurry with my gift - did not mean that your would not be god, O just liked Anna´s very much.

    Yes the time flys and soon my girls will be big.

    /MB

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  55. Good luck with your seedlings.

    I will not plant anything until we have no frost, anymore.
    /MB

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  56. Your site is lovely! Thanks for your thoughts and stopping by at potagergardengirl.com

    take care!
    Beth

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  57. I almost bought the same kit, lol. Great job Jan, everything seems to be happy & healthy!

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  58. Hi Jan, your seedlings look great! I love those kits. I don't have heat mats but everything seems to sprout just fine. I'll bet those heat mats would work well for propagating cuttings too!

    Everyone has given you such great advice! I second what everyone said about the pots holding up just fine until it's time to transplant your seedlings into the garden.

    If they do happen to get too large for the peat pots though, you can bump them up into just about any kind of pot with drainage, it's the size that's most important. Anna's newspaper pots hold up well, plastic nursery pots, peat pots, etc. From a starter peat pot like you have if they need larger pots I wouldn't go bigger than 4" diameter - a 4" square would be even better. If they go into too-large pots, there's more of a risk of the roots rotting.

    If you do need to bump them up, make sure the peat pot is completely covered with soil, as the exposed edges can wick too much moisture away from the roots. It's important to keep that in mind when planting outside as well. Good luck with your seedlings!

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  59. Hi Shirl, Jean, Brenda & Helen, thank you for your comments & interest; I will try to post updates (if anything actually grows!).
    WG: ha ha ha ha! Great Idea :-)
    Hi Kathleen & Yolanda Elizabet: Thanks so much for your comment:)
    Monica: It's not supposed to cause us stress, right? But it can--so, I agree, each as s/he can!
    Helen, MMD, Gail, Machelle, thanks for stopping by!
    Machelle, it's fun to find something 'new'-I hope it will work for you!
    Gail, you should definitely try it--just for fun! If you are too busy w/all your other project & seeing clients:)
    MMD, yeah, I'm not sure what will happen after the sprouting.I keep wondering when they'll get moldy or buggy or just fall over! Time will tell!
    Anna, thanks for all the advice & suggestions. I will try them. If you go to Michelles 'From Seed to Table" she also discusses making paper pots out of newspaper. If I ever do this again, I will try that method too!!
    Hi Maria, Beth & Racquel: So glad you stopped by! Racquel,as I said earlier, it's just an experiment for me, as I'm not generally a 'seed' person. The mat is what got me to try it:)
    Hi Linda:) I'm so happy you stopped by! Your comment was very helpful & I will heed your thoughtful suggestions & advice:)
    Jan

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Thanks so much for visiting and taking the time to comment! Please enjoy your TODAY and all of the gifts in YOUR garden of life!

Jan

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Finch Fire Pink First Day of April First Snow First Snowfall Project Fiskars Flame Azalea Flat Tire Basket Flick'r photo large sizes Floral Collages Focal Black and White photo Foliage-Followup Forsythia Fourth of July Foxglove Foxy in November Free Will Friends Fritillaria Frozen Blooms Galanthus Garden Garden Blessings Garden Blogger Bloom Day:November 2008 Garden Blogger Muse Day November 2009 Garden Blogger Muse Day:December 2008 Garden Blogger's Bloom Day:January 2009 Garden Bloggers Garden Bloggers Bloom Day Garden Bloggers Muse Day Garden Bloggers Muse Day (April 2009) Garden Bloggers Operation Christmas Child Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day Garden Bloggers' Muse Day: June 2009 Garden Books Garden Give Away Garden Give Aways Garden Give-Aways Garden Product Give Away Gardening Gone Wild photography contest Gardening Nude Gardening-by-Letter project GardenShoesOnline Garter Snake Ingests Toad GBBD Febrary 2009 GBBD July 2009 GBBD June 2010 GBBD March 09 GBBD:December 2008 GBMD May 2009 GBMD:January 2009 Geese in a Row--and Ducks too Giant Hyssop Give-Away Winner Gladiola Gloves Go Native Goblins and Pumpkins and Snakes oh my God in the Garden Golden Groundsel Goldenglow Goldenrod Goldfinch Goodbye March Graham Rice Gramma's Afghan Grapes Grasshopper Grateful Great Backyard Bird Count Great House Plant Census of 2010 Green and Gold Green Cure fungicide Hairy Woodpecker Happy Father's Day Haven Brand Manure Tea Hawk hawks Heated Birdbath Heather Heliopsis Heliotrope Hellebore Hellebore Collage HelleboreHover Hellebores Hellebores Book Give-Away Helleborus Helleborus niger Help Identify Animal Tracks Henry David Thoreau: Hepatica Heron Heuchera High School Orchestra Concert Highbush Blueberry Hip Mountain Mama Holiday Stress Holiday stress: How Much is Self-Imposed Holly Honored and Humbled Hornworms House Finch Hummingbird Clearwing Hyacinth Hyacinths Hylotelephium I Am Truly Thankful! I'm a bit Bee-hind Iberis Ice on Stream Ice Storm Ilex Impatiens Indentifying Butterflies Iris Iris reticulata It's Here Its Grown On Me Jacob's Ladder January 2010 snow January 2011 January 2013 Japanese Anemone Joe Pye Weed John Keats July garden 2010 Junco June 19th 2009 Just Be Gardens Kerria Kerria-Japanese Rose Keter Dynamic Composter Kombi Ladybird Johnson Lake Anna Lake Anna June 2009 Lake Vacation Lamium Lantana Late to the Party Again lavender Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Leyland Cypress Liatris Life Experiences Light Lilac Bush Limestone Liriope Liverwort Lobelia Lonicera sempervirens Luna the Greyhound Lungwort Lyme Disease Lyme Disease has gone to my Head Macro in a Mason Jar Mallard ducks March Birthday Bloggers March GBBD mention master gardener May 2010 May Apple Meaning Memorial Day 2010 Memories Mertensia Mid Summer's Eve Mid-June Blooms MidMarch Blooms and Foliage Milkweed Miniature Dachshund mishmash wednesday Mistflower Mites Monarchs Monarchs and Milkweed Monarda Monkshood Monthly Garden Bouquet Moon More April Bouquets Morning Light Mountain Laurel Mourning Doves MuhlyGrass Mums Muscari Muscle My Cat Smokie My Daughter My Dog James My Family My FIRST Enlarged Photo My Husband My Mother My Son My Yard Mystery Tracks Nandina Nandina berries National Cherry Blossom Festival Native Ginger Native Honeysuckle native plants Natural Habitat Nepata New York Fern Non-Natives Northern Flicker Not The Best Notecards November 2009 GBBD Now that's an 'ice picture Obedient Plant Oct 2008 GBBD Almost Ready Oct 2009 October 2009GBBD Of Gloves and Shovels Oh Say Can You See Okay so who or what is eating my plants Oliver Herford:I Heard a Bird Sing Operation Christmas Child Pain Management Techniques Pansies Pansy paperwhites Pay It Forward Project Pay-It-Forward gift-giving exchange Peanut Feeder Peonies by Mary Oliver Peony Perennials Perennials in my garden Perovskia Personal Poetry Personal Poetry: Petunia Phlox Phlox paniculata photo contest Photography Contests phytoplasma Pieris Pieris Japonica Pileated Woodpecker Pine Siskin Pink Azalea Pink Peony Planting Natives Plants on Ice Poetry Pollinators Polymonium Pond Critters Poppy Potentilla Potomac River Pretty Pink Peony Has Popped Prize Winners Product Reviews Project FeederWatch Pulmonaria Pumpkin Carving Purple Coneflower Purpose Questionmark butterfly radishes Rain Rain Barrel Rainbarrel Rainbow Project Rainy Days Raspberry and Lemon Sherbet Reasons I Garden red admiral Red Winged Blackbird Red-Bellied Woodpecker Red-Spotted Purple Red-winged Blackbird Redbud Relaxing Remember Renee's Garden Revised GBBD February 15 Richmond VA Robert Frost Robin Robin'sNestingPlace Rock Soapwort Rock Solid RockSoapwort Roly-Poly Squirrel Rose hips Roses Roses with Thorns Rosy Maple Moth Rudbeckia Rudbeckia lanciniata Russian Sage S.A.D. Salvia Salvia greggi Samuel Taylor Coleridge:The Nightengale Sanguinaria Scilla Seagulls Seasonal Affective Disorder Security Blanket Sedum Sedum Autumn Joy Seed Planting Experiment Seed Starter System Seed-Planting Experiment#1 Seed-Planting Experiment#2 Seed-Planting Experiment#2 (cont.) Seeds Sense of Humor September blooms September Blooms:A Series of Surprises September Surprises #3 Serviceberry Shades of Blue Shady Gardener:Gladsome Be? sharing Sharp-shinned Hawk Shawna Coronado Shirl's Garden Watch Siberion Buglose Skink Slaty Skimmer dragonfly Snake Snake skin Snow Snow in Spring Snowdrop Anenome Snowdrops Snowstorm Solomon's Seal Sounds of the Birds Speedwell Spicebush Swallowtail Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly cats spicebush swallowtail caterpillar Spider Webs Spiderwort sprained ankle Spring Buds and Bulbs Spring Has Sprung Spurge Squirrel Squirrels stainless steel water bottle Standard Poodle Starling Steam on Fence Strawberries Succulents Summer Flowers SunRays Sunrise Sustainable Living project Swallowtail Butterflies Sweaters Hoods and Coats Sweet Allysum Sweet William Teacup and Teapot Tete-a-Tete Thank You to Phillip Thanksgiving The Best Christmas Gifts The Complete Idiot's Guide to Composting The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hellebores The GGW photo contest I 'almost' entered on time The Multi-Hued Greens of Spring The Ocean The Seed Keeper Company The Sun Shines at Night The Thrush This Ain't No April Fools Joke This aMayzing Day Thyme Tiarella Titmouse Toad Lily Tools Toulouse goose Tradescantia Tree Sparrow Trees Trillium Trout Lily Tufted Titmouse Tulips Tulips in Spring Tulips on Thursday Turtle Crossing turtle garden Turtlehead TX-Bluebonnet Umbrella VA Gardener Magazine Valentine's Display variegated foliage Verbena Veronica Vinca Violas Virginia Bluebells Virginia Gardener Magazine Wake Robin Walt Whitman:Miracles Washington DC Water Fountain Water Garden Waterfall/Stream WBBS Wednesday Words Weeping Willow West County Gardener What Are You Waiting For What d'ya think Janet What's Happening? What's New in November White Embden geese White Peony White-Breasted Nuthatch Wild Geranium Wild Ginger Wildflower Wednesday Wildflowers Will the Real Turtle Please Come Out William Wordsworth William Wordsworth:The Daffodil's Willow Leaved Sunflower Window; Death; Personal Photography Winter I Am So Over You Winter is for the Birds Winter Light Winter Solstice winter storm slide-show Winter Walk-Off 2014 Winterberry Witch Hazel Woodfern Woodland Pinkroot Woodpecker WORDLESS Friday Wordless Wednesday: Wren X-Rated Yellow but not Mellow Yesterday and Today Zinnia Zinnia Bud (Plan B)