6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
Based on my personal experience with that particular mix, as well as several past discussions here and on other forums, I wouldn't use it for seed starting.
It works ok as a potting mix outside in really large containers for well developed plants but indoors or in small containers with young plants it keeps the soil too wet and that leads to all sorts of problems. Even the MG without moisture control or plain old inexpensive Jiffy Mix from Walmart works better.
So for your transplanting purposes it would depend on what size containers you will be using, how old the plants are, and how long before they can be transplanted to the garden? If you do use it you will have to monitor the soil moisture levels very carefully and only water when absolutely necessary.
What sources for potting mix do you have? Surely by now your big box stores and local nurseries have their mixes available.
Dave
PS: for future info the bags of garden soil say on the label "Not for use in Containers".
Thanks for the quick response. I think I already answered my own question, but just wanted someone else's perspective. I was lazy, and didn't want to take the time to drive, thinking I could get something that would work well locally (plus, I did tell the guy why I needed it...). So many lessons learned the hard way this year!
We have a great organic garden center that's a bit of a drive, but after all my efforts, will be worth the time and effort to visit.
I'll hang on to the MG; I plan to have some big pots for my patio this year.
Thanks again!
I just checked the bag, and you're right: the warning is there...in tiny lettering!
If you do some reading through this forum and the FAQs here you will find all sorts of pics folks have posted about their light set-ups. I linked several of them below that the search pulls up. And google images will bring up 100's of more pics.
If you only have 1 tray then a 2' fixture may work if it has enough lumens but the 4' fixtures and bulbs are much cheaper than the 2' ones are simply because they are much more common and in higher demand.
Dave
Here is a link that might be useful: light set-up discussions and pics
A shop light with reflectors and T8 daylight bulbs is what you need. One that has chains and a plug. Not one that is to be hard wired and has no plug.
The reflectors are important because they train the light down instead of all around the room. T8 bulbs have a full spectrum of light unlike many of the earlier fluorescent bulbs
Dave and dowlinggram, thanks so very much for your responses.
I did some more research and think you're absolutely right about my overwatering.
I did not know that the soil can be allowed to get dry with transplants. I thought that they needed daily watering for several days for their root systems....This is so helpful!
I will also get a fan---thanks so much for these tips. In the meanwhile, I'm really enjoying this whole process even though my learning curve is quite steep.
Take care and I look forward to learning from you as the season progresses.
Elisabeth
Dave and dowlinggram, thanks so very much for your responses.
I did some more research and think you're absolutely right about my overwatering.
I did not know that the soil can be allowed to get dry with transplants. I thought that they needed daily watering for several days for their root systems....This is so helpful!
I will also get a fan---thanks so much for these tips. In the meanwhile, I'm really enjoying this whole process even though my learning curve is quite steep.
Take care and I look forward to learning from you as the season progresses.
Elisabeth
I did not chill the initial ones I tried. And they are a few years old, having been kept sealed in an unheated garage. Maybe they've lost some vitality, but I figured they would be cool and dry there.
A while ago I put some of them to chill in the fridge for a few weeks and planted those..they haven't germinated. I also just propped up the container to be a little closer to the light.
This post was edited by wolfpup64 on Wed, Mar 20, 13 at 16:06
It has been years, actually decades, since I experimented with this so take this info with a grain or two of salt, ok?
Plain white tissue paper works best. Thin, single layer strips for both top and bottom. Crepe paper takes much longer to dissolve as it has reinforcing fibers in it. Colored tissue would work ok but then you have the dye contamination (not all the dyes are organic based) not to mention the stained finger tips to deal with.
Here are a couple of past discussions about making them that will provide you with more info.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cornucop/msg0402110219445.html
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cornucop/msg1222223019774.html
Hope this helps.
Dave
I use toilet paper. Roll it out to the length you need and mark off your spacing. Mix up equal parts flour and water and place a dot on the space for the seed. Place the seed and fold the toilet paper over. You will then have about an inch to an inch and a half wide tape. It dries in about 20 minutes.
If you are doing square foot gardening, you can do this with paper towels. They are usually two ply, so just separate the layers. I hope this helps.
Jen
This post was edited by JennySweet on Wed, Mar 20, 13 at 0:15
Here is the FAQ on this question. It should provide the information you need as to when - only after transplanting which is normally after 1 set of true leaves develop.
As to what? That is your choice. Just make sure it is well diluted. Never use full strength on seedlings.
Dave
Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from Seed FAQs - Fertilizing
Agree that if you aren't going to supply supplemental lighting, which is really mandatory for growing indoors, then outside will result in much better seedlings. No comparison.
Plus that way you won't have to harden them off.
Dave
As dowlinggram said, only time will tell now. But personally, if they survive then as soon as they are big enough to be transplanted, I would remove them, replace the garden soil with a good potting mix, and replace them.
As you have discovered only soil-less potting mix should be used in containers - for many reasons. So to give them the best chance of survival consider transplanting them.
And let us know exactly what you planted? Some plants, namely herbs and some flowers will do ok in the dirt. Vegetables and most other flowering plants, not.
Be sure to check out the Container gardening forum here for much more relevant information on container gardening.
Dave
I love Burpee seeds.I have spent alot of money on seeds through the years and my worse experience was with Park seeds.I have bought Burpee seeds for the last 7 yrs. and I have never been disappointed in anything,
I wintersow hundreds of seeds and with Burpee,I always have 100% germination rate.I believe Burpee will make it right for you Vern.I already have lots of their seeds and will be ordering more.I do hope you will give Burpee the benifit so any new comers won't just write them off by your experience.
I too got stiffed by Burpee. I ordered $180 worth of seeds and plants. When I took my seeds out to plant them, (on all packs) were way off the number that was suppose to be in the pack..Like one of the pack was suppose to be 1200 seeds, there were only between 300-400 seeds. I was suppose to get 2 rubarbs I got 1. Painted daisy was suppose to be 75 seeds..There were 5 seeds..I will never order from them again..My mom had order several seed packs and they were all off too..Her cucumber seed pack was empty..She called and complained..They did nothing..SO save your money and buy at home depot,lowes and local co-ops...They will RIP YOU OFF at Burpee.. Sorry just had to put it out there to hopefully save someone else disappointment and money.
Bah! those seeds will be totally fine. They can all take a frost and come back smiling. The seeds are more resilient than the tender leaves, and in my garden all those things can laugh in the face of frost even after they've germinated. The leaf lettuce in my garden took six or seven hard frosts last spring where it would be frozen solid in the morning, but the warmth of the day would thaw it and it would be delicious and crisp and ready to eat by dinner. I wouldnt worry at all about those seeds.
They may well be fine but as digdirt mentions a lot depends on the conditions in your garden. In a climate like mine ungerminated seeds sitting in cold damp soil generally rot or are eaten by various soil dwelling creatures or foraging birds. But since you can't unsow them I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. My current absolute nemesis is the soil dwelling slug which eats anything attempting to sprout.