6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed

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Need2SeeGreen(10 (SoCal))

That makes a whole lot of sense -- I think I'll stick with the tried and true.

Thanks again!

    Bookmark     March 6, 2013 at 1:40PM
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marklucas

If we build compost, which is done with a âÂÂlayer upon layerâ system; it can help accelerate the decomposition process. Hardware stores, garden centers and nurseries; supply the ingredients used for a compost bin. If you throw in a handful of ready-made compost with the microbes inside; then it will give your compost a boost.

    Bookmark     March 11, 2013 at 5:21AM
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art33(6)

Wow, I did a little research on the web and yes those bulbs are expensive! I ran across a pretty good page about how to grow Martagon and Oriental lilies from seed (see link below). Check it out and maybe it will be helpful.

Art

Here is a link that might be useful: Martagon From Seed

    Bookmark     March 2, 2013 at 12:54PM
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marklucas

Martagon hybrid is a great choice for those shady spots in our garden. It is normally planted in warmer climates and in a colder climate, should be provided with mulch.

    Bookmark     March 11, 2013 at 5:20AM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Keep in mind that while the well-established plants are cold hardy, young seedlings are not.

If they must go out they will need to be VERY carefully, gradually, and well hardened off first to survive.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 8, 2013 at 12:18PM
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ponyexpress_1

Thank you Dave. I thought that might be the case. I guess They will sit on my window sill a few more weeks : )

    Bookmark     March 10, 2013 at 1:20PM
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715rose

You could use a recycled food container such as margarine,cream cheese,cottage cheese,dips,etc.I germinate my main tomato crop in a Coolwhip container.It is large enough to space seeds with a damp toothpick & can sustain them until I get around to transplanting into 8oz cups.
rose

    Bookmark     March 10, 2013 at 11:25AM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

I use commercial grower's plug trays and six packs since I grow hundreds for sales but the home gardener can use most any thing plastic including all those things rose listed as well as Dixie cups that come in all sorts of sizes, the trays from the salad bar, cut down milk jugs and pop bottles, etc.

Look at the pics in the FAQ here on containers to use.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 10, 2013 at 12:14PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Depends on if you will be transplanting them soon to larger containers like say 4" pot. If so then you can leave all as is. If you plan to leave them in those sponge pod things then the sage and basil would probably do best as 1 or 2 each. The mint is fine as is.

Agree with if sacrificing some use snips, not pulling.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 8, 2013 at 10:59PM
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gjcore(zone 5 Aurora Co)

I've had good luck with leaving numerous basil plants in the same container. If you want more plants you could also prick some out instead of snipping them off and move them to new containers. A little transplant shock but most will survive if done right.

    Bookmark     March 9, 2013 at 6:52PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Rather than re-type all the basic info over again I hope you don't mind if I first refer you to the FAQs here.

I'm new to growing from seed, how do I get started?

Ok, my seedlings are growing. Now what do i do?

How do I determine when to start my seeds?

Are the ones to start with. I linked the rest below. You also need to provide us with your location and growing zone with your posts - there is a box on each post to include that important info.

Can you use tomato seeds?

What kind of seeds? Packages of seeds from seed sellers? Of course. From store bought tomatoes? They are hybrids and usually don't breed true. From your own saved seeds? It depends on if they were hybrids or open-pollinated varieties.

Hope this helps you get started.

Dave

PS: Here are a bunch of previous discussions with those new to growing from seed with much more info too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from Seed FAQs

    Bookmark     March 9, 2013 at 3:41PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Very entertaining. Quite a personable son you have there! :)

Dave

    Bookmark     March 9, 2013 at 11:30AM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

I'm sorry but Seed Saving has its own forum. It is direct linked from the top of this forum's front page.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 7, 2013 at 11:33PM
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wally_1936(8b)

When I ordered my tomato seeds from wintersown.org they send me a leaflet that shows how to save tomato seeds. They do not say to let them ferment but they do say to use a disinfectant powder. That could be the same process I do not know but they seem to send this with every tomato seed order. Paul

    Bookmark     March 9, 2013 at 9:15AM
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morz8(Washington Coast Z8b)

Acer japonicum Aconitifolium...need 2-3 months cold stratification (moist, 35-40F) before being brought back to warm for germination.

    Bookmark     February 3, 2013 at 12:41AM
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sassykat0

I planted the whole whirlybird from some maples that were from about 15 ft mature trees nothing in 4 months so I am thinking I really did not know what I was doing :(

    Bookmark     March 9, 2013 at 9:01AM
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lovegardening84

Thanks Dave I will do so right away! Ps I always enjoy reading ur responses to posts...u always have a weath of knowledge on everything!

    Bookmark     March 8, 2013 at 11:04PM
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art33(6)

Hi lovegardening,

Just to add to what Dave has said, the cells are usually perforated to make separating easy. Could you separate the seedlings, from the others, so they could be placed under the lights?

Art

    Bookmark     March 8, 2013 at 11:16PM
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rkslander(7)

I'm only at 450 feet. Last frost average in my area is May 10. I am going to try and put out lettuce earlier this year.

    Bookmark     March 8, 2013 at 12:29PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Last frost average in my area is May 10.

How weird. The last frost date for most of zone 8 is March 15th. Mine is April 15th and that is at 1000' elevation.

Granted those are just averages but I wonder why yours is so late? You might want to investigate that more with your local county ag extension office. Many state extension websites offer specific locale LFDs.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 8, 2013 at 1:28PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Fox Farm Ocean Forest Potting Soil is generally regarded as a growing medium, not a seed starting medium. It contains earthworm castings and bat guano, among others things, that can easily go anaerobic if kept too wet. To prevent it in the future cut back on your watering substantially and increase the air circulation in the growing area with a small fan or such.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 6, 2013 at 11:16PM
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Keyboarg

Thanks

    Bookmark     March 7, 2013 at 9:52PM
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RollingFogFarm

Thanks for the information and advice. Next year, I won't fall for that "organic" label either. :)

This post was edited by RollingFogFarm on Thu, Mar 7, 13 at 16:33

    Bookmark     March 7, 2013 at 4:31PM
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

Actually, you can get quite sick from potting media, garden soil, compost, etc. Lung and /or skin infections are not all that rare with nursery workers and others who have their hands in stuff like that all day. I had a young employee who developed a very serious problem not too long after working with our bark based nursery mix.

It was a long time ago and I no longer recall what the pathogen was...there are several to beware of that have nothing to do with manure or allergic reactions. The allergy issue, however, is very common!

See a doctor.

    Bookmark     March 7, 2013 at 5:05PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Have you checked out all the Exchanges forums here? They would be the best source. Perhaps also check the Citrus forum here.

However, please note that international shipping of citrus seeds is heavily restricted for very important contamination reasons and the fines for shipping and growing such seeds are quite high.

I'd suggest contacting one of the companies that sell the seeds/plants and that have the knowledge of the shipping laws and methods for such things.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 7, 2013 at 2:08PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Cool. We got to use whatever works and new ideas are a blessing.

Would have loved to have a couple of warm hearths 3 nights ago when the temps were 26 and the power went out in the GHs at 3:30 am and the power company failed to put out the phone alerts!

Dave

    Bookmark     March 6, 2013 at 1:46PM
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wertach zone 7-B SC

I started them on the mantels Dave. My mind was out of whack, I've got a broke rib and taking Lortab for pain. I typed hearths instead of mantels. A wood hearth wouldn't work out so good! LOL

I'm going to use the hearths too when I start the rest of my seed.

I hope you didn't loose anything when the power went out Dave!

They don't call here when we have a power outage, we have to call them.

I know immediately when I have one thanks to my computers UPS. It beeps loudly!

    Bookmark     March 7, 2013 at 1:06PM
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