Peat Pellet users, you might want to look... (pics)
rdback
15 years ago
last modified: 3 months ago
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aubade
15 years agoaubade
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Need: That pic of root bound pepper in Jiffy pellet
Comments (11)Peat pots (or strips) work far better than the pellets; they have the advantage of no root disturbance during transplant, but no plastic mesh to inhibit root growth. I do punch extra holes in the bottom of each pot to make it easier for roots to penetrate. Peat pots are best for fast-growing transplants that will not spend long in pots, since the pots tend to collect mold or algae over time. I have started okra, gourd family, and beans in Jiffy strips for many years, with great results. The cukes started that way are 6' up their trellis this year. Soil blocks or paper pots are other alternatives. Peppers & tomatoes should not be started in peat pots or pellets, since those are slower-growing, less sensitive to root disturbance, and can be grown in plastic or other non-permeable containers (with holes for drainage)....See Morepeat pellets
Comments (6)I've only been growing tomatoes for a few years so I'm still trying to find what works best for me. I tried several options this year, including 3 peat pellet sizes, 3 peat pot sizes, and 2 seeding mixes. I planted a couple hundred tomatoes consisting of 25 - 30 varieties (I lose count, new seeds keep arriving in the mail. My wife tells me I have a problem...). Here's what I found. Peat pellets I tried the 72 pellet tray that uses the small pellets. The plants started quickly and developed their true leaves quickly as well. The pellets are small so I had to start potting up after just a couple of weeks. After using up the 72 pellet tray, I bought a 36 pellet refill with medium sized pellets. Similar results but I didn't have to pot up as quickly. Finally, I bought a 16 pellet jumbo sized kit with a tray and cover marketed specifically for tomatoes. The pellets are huge, about the size of an empty toilet paper roll. These plants are just sprouting so I don't full results yet. I can say that I won't buy this size again because the pellets are huge and the cover to the kit wasn't any taller than the other kits. In other words, once the pellets fully expanded, they touched the top cover. I had to watch very closely to pull the cover off as soon as I saw a sprout. I typically did not pull the netting off because roots were growing through by the time it transplanted. I did take scissors and cut the sides of the netting. Peat pots I tried the 2 1/4' strips, 3" strips, and 3" pots. I love the way the plants grow into the pot and you just plant the whole thing. However, the tomatoes I grew in the pellets sprouted faster, developed true leaves faster, and overall looked healthier than my peat pots tomatoes. I'm sure the devoted peat pot planters out there can tell me what I did wrong. I tried Jiffy and Miracle Grow seed starting mix. I preferred the Miracle Grow because of the texture. For whatever reason, the Miracle Grow would suck water up better from the tray than the Jiffy (no overhead watering required). The Jiffy mix seemed to be finer, more powdery, and I had to spray from above to fully moisten it. I preferred the strips in trays to the 3" circular pots. The pots took up more space and fell apart too easily when I had to move them around. I would consider using strips again. So, for next year, I plan to buy the small 72 peat pellets or medium 36 (which ever is on sale) and have a boatload of pots ready for transplanting. Hope this helps......See MorePotting up from my Peet Pellets Q's-pics
Comments (21)WOW, bdobs!! Great seedlings! I did everything wrong with my first batch, so they don't look nearly that great. I planted them on 2/9, but they do have their first set of true leaves starting, so we'll see what happens. I am starting a new batch today, with the peat pellets, and I am hoping they will do as well as yours look here. Nicely done! : ) When you went up to 10oz cups, what medium did you use?...See MorePeat pellet users - check this out (pics)
Comments (1)Well aint that interesting. I'm sure glad I took your earlier advise and ripped off the netting upon my first pot up. Thanks again Brian...See Morelilion
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