6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
I don't know about the peat moss and all that, but I can tell you in my experience, I don't till the soil either. Sometimes I remove sod altogether to make a bed, sometimes I just turn it deeply. Either way there are always at least a few weeds to pull, but seeds seem to germinate just fine. There are probably things I could do to get a higher germination rate, but really, as long as you follow the packet instructions most seeds aren't too fussy.
They do look happy to have received some water. If you do have seeds sprouting from direct sowing and are concerned about temps overnight in the 40's, you can always place an upside down pot or bucket over them in the evening - will give you a few degrees protection.
Regarding seed movement: there are a number of folks that will "rag-sow" seeds--as in, put them in a moist paper towel (nside an open-ended baggie) and place them in a warm spot until the seed has germinated, then the seed will be planted in medium. Based on this information, I would hypothesize that seed movement, as long as it's not too out of control, shouldn't cause germination problems. I have been completely hit or miss with my seeds this year. It may be that your seeds had started to germinate and then got too dry and died before they were able to take off--my tomatoes always sprout long before peppers.
For the record, if you have ever grown tomatillos before, you may have heard that it's best to plant them in pairs; some won't set fruit if there is only one plant. Doesn't make sense to me, but I've always planted them in pairs, and never any regrets for having done so.
Don't give up on your babies; if it's nice outside, just put them outside in a greenhouse-style protection--just put those peat pots (watered from the BOTTOM to avoid more trouble) into a cleaned out milk jug. Go check out the winter-sowing forum and FAQ's(no, it's not too late to wintersow if you're still starting indoors from seed) and let mother nature do the hard part--just be sure your medium stays moistened--tomatoes are very unforgiving when it comes to moisture.
They look burnt. IMO, I would transplant to some cups or something slightly larger, make sure they're watered good, but not too much, feed with a little water-based 1/4 strength or so fertilizer and also place in sunlight (outdoors if weather permits).
thank you for your quick reply,
they all germinated in basement, no any artificial light, the only light is from the small window of my basement.
what's best temperature for them to go outside? I'll try to do it right now if the temperature is not too low or too high.
peter
You'll need to consider the approximate temperature of your basement, you don't want to expose them to a greatly different temperature too quickly. Not knowing what kind of weather you are having and how warm your basement has been it's difficult for me to answer your question.
Small basement window won't be enough light. I would put them outside in a somewhat protected spot like in dappled shade or under an evergreen of some kind for an hour or two - if your outdoor daytime temps are in the 50ish range and your basement has not been fully heated - you don't want them going from 70F to 40F abruptly. Increase that amount of time each day but do not be in too big a hurry to leave them outside 24/7 if you still have a possibility of hard frost.
In their native conditions and not started indoors, they are quite tolerant of cool to chilly, moist temperatures - its summer dryness and heat that causes them to fail. Here where our summers have very little heat, they grow in almost full sun with moist soil. I have my first bloom of the year opening just this week; conditions have been a lot of rainy days, on only two of those days have temperatures climbed out of the 50s.
Also in a day or so, "pot up" (re-pot in larger container) to some form of cup (typical medium) with a non-sand containing good potting mix and water thoroughly (fertilize with water-based solution if the potting mix isn't like MG or whatever). Light will help your plants, but sunlight & warmth will heal them.
Some very common problems with seed starting are:
Not enough light/Light too far away (this causes 'leggy', tall and skinny seedlings): Use florescent lighting (4ft shop lights with T12 tubes are good) no more then 2 inches away from the plants.
Over watering: When seedlings first emerge keep the soil moist but after the seedlings start the first set of leaves let the soil get almost completely dry before watering.
Besides the common problems above temperature after germination should be around 65-75 degrees.
I use plastic cells and pot up to 4 inch plastic pots. I plant in Pro-Mix which comes highly recommended. I feed with Neptune's Harvest Fish Fertilizer.
As far as starting too late, I'd say you started the tomatoes at the right time but the cukes and squash you started too early. Start cukes and squash 3 weeks before your last frost date or seed directly in the garden.
Lastly, read through this forum and the vegetable gardening forum as far back as you can manage. Many people have gone through the same trials as you and there experience is wicked helpful!
Jon
I always had trouble starting seeds too, but this year I did something different. I didn't have a greenhouse so I used a plastic tarp over the growing racks. I fastened the corners of it with clothespins and set a humidifier next to it to keep everything moist all day. I work and can't be around all day to check soil moisture and the humidifier did the trick. Not only did I have almost 100% germination, but lost very few seedlings after they were up. The greatest thing about it was that I really didn't have to water the seedlings hardly at all since they stayed moist 24/7. The only bad thing was when I crawled inside the tarp to look at all the little seedlings, my dogs would go bonkers and tear around the house like their tails were on fire. Cheryl
Thank you morz8 - so do you think I might have flowers in June? (Can you tell I am anxiously anticipating my sweet pea flowers!! Lol*)
My records show that my first sweet pea bloomed last year on July 1. I am borderline 5/6 too