6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
Try planting them a little deeper so they are able to pull themselves out of the seed as the seed is still moist and anchored in the soil. Otherwise, I've had success placing a light layer of cotton over the seedlings and misting them. It should take a day for them to expand enough to shed the seed..Sometimes if you see the seed at the soil level once it has germinated, you can place a pinch of soil there and mist it..this helps.. Good luck
You know you don't actually need one to start seeds. See the "What's you favorite seed starting container" discussion further down the forum page (I linked it below).
You can germinate the seeds in just about any old container and since they will need to be transplanted at least once before the garden you can then pick up one of the inexpensive empty cell trays (available many places for about $5.00) or even just some styrofoam coffee or Dixie cups for growing the seedlings on to garden time. It's much cheaper if you plan to do lots of seedlings.
Dave
Here is a link that might be useful: What's your favorite seed starting container...
Here's a link to a long previous discussion on using them.
I agree that you don't want to use garden soil in the mix, good compost works if it is soil-less compost. I have found it a little difficult to mix up just the right mix so that the blocks won't fall apart but Jiffy mix works pretty good for me. Over all, I'm not too impressed with the blocks vs. cell packs. Cell packs are easier to work with.
Dave
Here is a link that might be useful: Using Soil Block Maker
Just really make sure you're up to the commitment to clip those pods. When we moved into our house 20 years ago, the entire back yard was full of sprouting trumpet vine. It was everywhere, from up the side of the house itself to choking the lilac bush, and all open spaces in between. I have used gallons of Round-up over the years in my efforts to control/eradicate it. It has an extremely deep root, near impossible to just pull, and even if you dig below dirtline and cut it still comes back. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would want to grow the stuff. I probably have an extreme case gone wild, but I recommend being very diligent in your care of the little monster!
You can try insecticidal soap for the seedlings you have growing. You can moisten grow mix you are going to use and heat it in a microwave to 180 degrees. That should take care of any gnats and mold that may develop. Some mixes will not be as sterile as others. You can buy a mix from gardener's supply that will be free of pests but it is not cheap.
I don't see any reason why you shouldn't use it, especially if it's still sealed. I use old (open bag) and recycled potting mix for winter sowing and a sterile mix for starting seeds inside or in the greenhouse. If you are concerned you can sterilize it in the oven but honestly I think that's too much trouble and would just buy a new bag if I was worried about it.
Karyn
My question is: is my house warm enough for germination? Usually the temperature is around 60 plus degrees during the day and at night approx 55-50. Also I've read that putting the seed trays on top of the fridge can help as it's a bit warmer, is that true?
Hi glacier - The house temp isn't warm enough to germinate the seeds but it is correct that you can gain extra bottom heat by setting the container on top the fridge IF your fridge has exposed heat coils on the back. Top of the hot water heater, top of the TV, on top a lamp shade with the light turned on, over a heating vent, etc. There are many extra warm places in the house - you just have to find them. ;) Or you can make a germination box with a cardboard box, a 40 watt bulb stuck in it, and a couple of dowel rods run through it to hold the tray above the bulb.
But most use some sort of heat mat for germination purposes - it's more reliable. There are several discussions here about the various types and where to get them.
Hope this helps.
Dave
PS: Also check out all the FAQ's here (linked at the top of the forum page) for more tips.
well, until about a week ago, they were sitting on the living room coffee table, at a window w/ white blinds.
what does the temp need to be, cooler?
i probably need to cut back on water, but i think when i got home, one was looking a little parched, i watered it, and it's lookn better, but i still think overwater might be the prob.
Thanks... There are two related forums "seed saving" & "exchanges" you will find many kindred spirits there
You'll find the seed exchanges linked at the top of each forum page. The main exchange page is linked below for you.
Here is a link that might be useful: Seed Exchanges