--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.
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!
ReplyDeleteJan, 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!
ReplyDeleteYour 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!
ReplyDeleteWow, 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:)
ReplyDeleteSeeing your neatly planted trays makes me want to get those peat pellets planted right now!
Hi Jan,
ReplyDeleteGood 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
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.
ReplyDeleteYours looks to be doing so well though.
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!
ReplyDeleteWay 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.
ReplyDeleteJanet
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!
ReplyDeleteTessa, 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!
Hi Janet:)
ReplyDeleteThanks 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'!!
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!
ReplyDeleteAh! 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.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with yours. I think your heated propagator will be very useful.
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.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Well, I'm impressed! I think I have a Lowe's coupon around here somewhere -- time for a trip to the store!
ReplyDeleteCameron
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!
ReplyDeleteGood 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?
ReplyDeleteHi Jan~
ReplyDeleteLooks like your garden s going to be teeming with flowers! What fun and good luck!
Karrita
Jan,
ReplyDeleteNow 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?
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.
ReplyDeleteHow 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!
ReplyDeleteVERY 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.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan,
ReplyDeleteThey'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!!
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.
ReplyDeleteHi 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! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Good luck with all that sowing Jan. They already seem to be doing well.
ReplyDeleteOH 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.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan--Nice set up. I'd sure like to get a heat mat. Good luck with your new babies.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a true gardener and money saver. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWe 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.
Way to go Jan !!
ReplyDeleteYou 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!
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!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks good and healthy, Jan. Good luck with them growing into beauties in your garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan.
ReplyDeleteWonderful 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.
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
ReplyDeleteI'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 ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Dave, EasyG, Marnie & Cameron: Thanks so much for your comments-they're much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteCosmo, 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!
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:)
ReplyDeleteThank 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:)
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
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!
ReplyDeleteEntangled, 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!!
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
ReplyDeleteThose 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!
ReplyDeleteOh, 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.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
That plant starter seems just great, and your seedlings look really good.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your sowing!
/Helen
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 :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats 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.
ReplyDeleteGood 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. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAw, 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!!!
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. =)
ReplyDeleteGood 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.
ReplyDeleteGuess 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.
ReplyDeleteLooks 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
ReplyDeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteGood 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.
We do not have a holiday now it is just one week of from school for the kids.
ReplyDeleteThe 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
Good luck with your seedlings.
ReplyDeleteI will not plant anything until we have no frost, anymore.
/MB
Your site is lovely! Thanks for your thoughts and stopping by at potagergardengirl.com
ReplyDeletetake care!
Beth
I almost bought the same kit, lol. Great job Jan, everything seems to be happy & healthy!
ReplyDeleteHi 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!
ReplyDeleteEveryone 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!
Hi Shirl, Jean, Brenda & Helen, thank you for your comments & interest; I will try to post updates (if anything actually grows!).
ReplyDeleteWG: 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