6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed

Do not cover seed as light requires soil (not air) temperature 70F taking 10-14 days to germinate.

Thank you yiorges, i just sowed more, this time didn't cover them with potting mix. Thanks!!!

Maybe try soaking for a day or two, but the seeds don't remain viable very long and if they have to be stored, it's best done in the refrigerator where the temperature is more or less constant. If these have been dry and at room temperature for a year, treat sowing as an experiment and don't set your expectations too high.

I have been told to let them dry out for ONE day and then plant. I understand they do not like being dried out completely. Like morz8 says give them a try is all you can do.

Yes, great idea! They work like little mini-terrariums. Those of us that do a lot of Winter Sowing use many of them as well as milk jugs, plastic juice bottles and any other plastic container. If the container can't be cut to fit inside itself, duct tape works well. ;)

You can find many discussions on using them over on the Winter Sowing Forum here.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing Forum

I liked it so much I made a copy off the internet www.toppers--place.com/pop_bottle.pots.htm You never know how many people we know would like to know the same thing. After they are collected and made up there is more time than money if you ask around for some one who drinks soft drinks. Saves all that going into the trash can. If you don't have a sodiering gun a drill will do just as well. And they can be used over at least until they give out.

Yellowing of seedling leaves is almost always due to excessive watering. Peppers need to almost dry out between waterings. A mild dose of 1/4-1/2 strength liquid fertilizer the next time you water should pick them up.

Hopefully they are growing in a soil-less potting mix rather than soil? ;)

Dave

PS: to post a picture you have to first store it somewhere online - photobucket is a common album storage one. Then copy and paste the HTML URL for it (the one that begins

Thanks Dave,
They all have 2-3-4 true leaves, they are now in potting soil, the same stuff I've used for years for tomatoes. What do you recommend for liquid fertilizer?
Thanks
Ed

There is a detailed step-by-step how to FAQ over on the Growing Tomatoes forum that will answer most of your questions. I linked it below.

Only 3 days? Then I sure wouldn't be worried yet. Start being a little concerned after 10-12 days. ;) 75 degree SOIL temp can get you germination in 30 days but you don't have that - one reason why using bottom heat is so strongly recommended. 70 degree air temp translates to 50-60 degree soil temp in wet soil. At that temp, germination may take up to 2 weeks.

Mold is a sign that your peat pellets are too wet. That too can slow germination. They don't need to be pitched, just allowed to dry a bit with some air exposure. Just prop up the dome a bit for a few hours a day.

Transplanting is usually done once the plants develop at least 1 set of true leaves and feeding begins - using a diluted 1/4 to 1/2 strength liquid fertilizer shortly after transplanting IF the potting mix you use does not already contain some fertilizers.

You can transplant them into anything from nursery cell packs to foam coffee cups with holes punched in the bottom and filled with any good quality soil-less potting mix. Be sure to remove the pellet netting at that time.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ - How to grow tomatoes from seed

Thank you,

Yeah I knew that I did not have much to worry about, I just have nothing else to obsess over (I usually go from researching green cars to home to plant to anything). I am going to get a spray bottle because the top of the pellets get dry before the bottom. I am going to try and find a spot where they will be a little warmer.

I am going out for dinner now and then I am going to the store, hope all goes well

Mack

Worm castings should not ''burn'' any thing. Some will make claims that they use 100% worm castings for seed starting, but all scientific studies say the benefits are up to 20% of your potting mix, and more than that can be detrimental.

A diluted worm casting tea used about every fourth time you water should be useful. If you wish to use worm castings without dilution I think they would be better mixed into the soil before transplanting your seedlings into it. Al

I use a regular Home Depot 4 ft two bulb 40 watt florescent shop light to start my tomatoes and peppers. They're doing just fine so I'm sure your set up work great.

I have a 400 watt metal halide I keep about 2 feet above seedlings. My greenhouse is unheated with pots sitting on a 70 degree heating plate. The extra heat from the lamp is welcome. If my greenhouse was in the full sun it might get too hot on sunny days, even with automatic vents. Al

I usually transplant my seedlings once they get their second set of leaves. Once I do that, I take them off the heat mat. Stan

Since the heat mat is required for germination only, not for growing on, the standard recommendation is off the heat as soon as they germinate. The heat can easily cook new young roots.

If you search 'heat mat' here you'll find several discussions on their proper use.

Dave