|
| I was interested in making my own seed stating mix. Last year was my first attempt at seed starting and I bought the typical 12qrt mix from the store. I was surprised how quickly that little bag disappeared and ending up buying 3 more.
If I'm not mistaken, is it simply peat with lime to bring up the ph? Can someone help out with a recipe that is inexpensive or a link to a previos post regarding the ins and out of the process? I have searched, but couldn't find one. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Generally the seed is only in the starter mix until true leaf, when they are potted up, in my case to old sixpac containers. I make my own mix, half peat and half vermiculite. I transplant into a potting mix. Al |
|
| Al, Since you have been kind enough to answer, and it sounds like you have made your own and used it with success: May I add to my question (from your experiences)? 1. I have heard that peat is low in pH, and I have noticed some manufactures add lime. Is this not necessary? You have graciously offered your recipe, so I apologize for being redundant. I was wondering if you have any knowledge on that subject, just for a deeper understanding. 2. The peat I have purchased in the store is not nearly as fine as manufacturer's soiless mix purchased at the store. Do you shred it further? How? Or is that not really necessary either? 3. Do you sterilize the indgredients? I am not sure if it matters, but I want seed starter for a wide range of vegatables and some flowers to be transplanted in the garden. I (like many others) don't want to go to through the work of killing my seedlings, wasting seeds, and then buying transplants because I was to dumb to ask. : ) Thanks! |
|
| I have never added lime to a seed starting mix. I also have never checked the PH. As I mentioned the seedlings are not long in the mix and when transplanted into potting soil they are then fertilized from the bottom with a weak solution of Foliage Pro 9-3-6. I buy peat by the bale, break it up and moisten it before storing in 33 gallon lidded garbage containers. I buy and store vermiculite the same way. I do not sterilize either. Unless you are growing exotic or tropical plants from seed I don't think sterilization is needed. It is my opinion that fungus spores and bacteria are everywhere and are best dealt with by careful management of the growing conditions. Al |
|
| Al, Thanks for adding to that, and for your help. I'm going to give it a go this spring. I'll be saving a lot of money this way! : ) |
|
| I do pretty much as Al does, except that I've been using perlite instead of vermiculite. (I might add some vermiculite this season if I get around to visiting the local Brew & Grow.) If you use perlite, it can send up huge clouds of perlite dust when you dump the bags, so it's good to plan around that (mask, well-ventilated area, breath-holding, whatever). |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Growing from Seed Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.