What can I do, if anything with these geranium seedlings?
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
11 days ago
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Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
11 days agoRelated Discussions
Do you fertilize your seedlings/Why can't i grow seedlings?
Comments (23)Dave, "Zinnia grow so quickly and turn leggy almost overnight so most feel they are best direct seeded outside." I agree that it is generally better to plant zinnias directly outside when that works with your schedule. However, I think Dale was trying to get an early start with his zinnias, hence the attempt at starting them early inside under lights. I agree with everybody who identified Dale's problem as not enough light. I just want those who are considering starting zinnias indoors to know that they will not "turn leggy almost overnight" if you provide adequate light. With enough light they are quite docile and well behaved, and you can get an early start of a month or more if you have an adequate light setup. The shelf in this picture has four two-bulb T8 shoplights over it. The shelf measures 2 feet by 4 feet, and with a total of eight T8 fluorescent bulbs over it, the light on the seedlings is good. That picture was taken a couple of days ago and I will be setting most of those zinnias into the garden in the near future. There are a few "late arrivals" in the picture that will spend some more time inside. They would be just cutworm fodder if I set them outside now. All of those zinnias are hand-hybridized hybrids, so I give them better care than I would for seed-packet zinnias. ZM...See MoreIs there anything (else) I can do to get anything to grow?
Comments (11)When you applied the lime, and which lime, could have an affect on how things grew. If done shortly before planting the lime would not have had time to make any change in the soils pH and many nutrients would not be available to the plants. Lime, to have much affect on the soils pH, needs to be applied several months before that change is desired. Contact your local office of your state universities USDA Cooperative Extension Service about having a good, reliable soil test done and also dig in with these simple soil tests, Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. A good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. to see what your soil looks like and what you need to do to make that soil into a good, healthy soil....See Morewhat kind of buggies are these and do i need to do anything?
Comments (6)Fungus gnats, potting soil either not draining well or you are overwatering. Did you use Hyponex by chance? It is very poorly draining. You can dissolve Mosquito Dunks in water and use that to water them but since they are outside they really aren't harmful. They won't hurt the Clematis. However, the Clems could rot if the soil really holds water....See Moregeranium flowered !!! what do I do now....?
Comments (8)Your grandmother has the right idea for her locality..cold, northern Iowa. Us northern folks get the wrong idea about southern locales; New Mexico suggests warm weather when approaching January....in California January is the month they plant so naturally..... You can keep your geranium going with the amount of sun you have as long as possible...but as soon as it wilts, cut it back to about 4", remove any old leaves and bloom, any weak or damaged stems or branches; re-plant in a fresh pot with fresh potting soil or potting mix. Put something in the pot between the soil and the drainage holes. Put it in the best sunny window you can...south or west is best and water to drainage. No more water until the new leaves form, then water only as the plant needs it. Do not fertilize until well along in foliage. Normally, up north we bring our geraniums out by the Ides of March..(15th) and do the same thing. We suspect New Mexico will have better sun pretty soon. Its all up to the sun....its still low but getting better every day. Turn the plant every day or so to ensure all parts get equal sun. When you water, always water to drainage, then dump the excess in the saucer. Let it dry down somewhat between waterings. Within 2 weeks you will have a fresh measure of leaves and more each day. It will bloom later when the sun is better....See MorePatti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
10 days ago
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