6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed

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

Thanks again!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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 :(

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!

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

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.

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

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

Thanks

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

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.