skip to main content

Growing from Seed

first time growing from seed

14 years ago

picked up a seed starting kit. but am not using the burpee potting mix "discs". got an organic seed potting mix instead. am doing 72 pods in total but to ensure i hopefully get one of each plant i did 6 pods of each of my 12 seed choices.

so i obviously have some questions. already know the basics of getting the seeds into the pods. already have them covered up and see the humidity in the "greenhouse".

questions,

1. do i NEED to heat the seeds before they germinate? room temp is normally 62-67 in my house.

2. i do not have a direct sunlight area inside. i do get some direct sunlight but it is not in one consistent place all day. so i would have to sit there and move the pods throughout the whole day to keep them in direct light.

so, which light is good for a $40 price range? and, do i even need it?

3. can i use a mister do water? i had a tough time using my garden watering can earlier.

thanks in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

keriann_lakegeneva
14 years ago
I would search each of our questions first, in this forum, and then re-post if you cannot find answers.
There are hundreds of posts on each of your questions.

Keriann~
digdirt2
14 years ago
In addition to all sorts of great discussions here on your questions there is also a great set of FAQs here which address them. It is the blue button on the front page but I linked them for you below.

But basically the answer to your first 2 questions is yes. #3 answer is that misting creates problems. Bottom watering is best IMO but if you can't do that then a small watering can or even a glass can be used.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from Seed FAQs
Related Discussions
Pansy/Viola Seed Question
Q
Comments (2)
Well, AFTER the first glass of celebratory champagne (this is essential, you know...), you should put the seedlings in a cool (maybe 55-60 degrees) sunny place, starting with a bit of sun and by the end of the week lots of sun. Lisa
...See More
First seed to plant run
Q
Comments (2)
This is my hydroponic lettuce experiment. Gonna try and start a few in rockwool and transfer to a tuppaware tote DWC.
...See More
Ghost and Scorpion Chiles (first time growing from seed)
Q
Comments (5)
I'll defer to others as to whether they're ready to transplant (I wait until there are some true leaves), but I see you're getting good germination and two seedlings coming up in each pot. Do you want to keep all the seedlings, or will you sacrifice one and leave one to grow? If you want to keep them all, the separating and transplanting is probably best done sooner rather than later. I've seen some recent discussions on the techniques folks use to accomplish this. Good luck with it. You've already done better than some first timers who have difficulty getting seedlings in the first place! Tom
...See More
Carrot seeds sprouted, first time growing from seed!
Q
Comments (7)
Ashley: Carrots are notoriously slow to germinate. I plant them in my garden each year. It can take up to 15 days before they are up and visible. Be patient when growing carrots. I also find they are real slow growing for me once they do germinate for the first 1/2 of the season. I often wonder if they are going to amount to anything, then they always surprise me with how much root and shoot growth I get in August/September when they start sizing up nicely. Everything I planted in my garden in late may is growing well, big and looking good except my carrots. They just sit there for weeks on end and now are just starting to get some height. I know by Late September they will be good for harvest. I think eating carrots fresh picked are truly amazing in flavor. While they do store well for me in the refrigerator, nothing beats eating them very shortly after picking. Such a nice intense carrot flavor.
...See More
hank2230
14 years ago
Hi, love your user name but what is a feeth and dooth? LOL. This is the system I use. It is a 15' strand of rope lights (bought at any Target store) that I lay in the bottom a growing tub, just lay on the bottom and wind back and forth and it generates 70+ degrees F. It is insulated to protect the lights from dampness/moisture that might collect. I use Kitty Litter for my "sand" and fill the tub about 3" deep over the lights. My lights are 2, 4 foot GE T8 daylight 32, 2700 lumens, color temperature 6500. I had never grown seeds before so I planted 6 "Common Milkweed" in a "Promise" tub March 9th and on Sunday, March 14 I had 5 nice little seedlings that are growin like weeds. The total cash out-lay was less than $40.00. Hope this helps.
jimfnc
14 years ago
I used the Burpee 72 pod ultimate kit (self watering tray). The Burpee disks you put warm water on worked very well for me - 70 out of 72 tomatoes, eggplant, peppers sprouted and are doing well. The self watering container worked fine. I don't have a heating mat - two lamps with standard 100 watt bulbs provided the heat for germination. Then $20 for a two bulb 4 foot fluorescent shop lite, with one standard bulb, one "daylight" bulb. The tomatoes are already transplanted to larger containers. Peppers & eggplant coming along fine. I used stack of books to prop the light a few inches over the sprouts.
feethanddooth
Original Author
14 years ago
my co worker who does alot of home growing suggested the 4 foot light like you have.

going to home depot in a little while to price them out.

need to get it this weekend. my lettuce has sprouted!!!!

Related Stories

CONTAINER GARDENS 8 Easy Container Plants to Grow From Seed

Get beautiful blooms and herbs in summer by starting these choice garden picks from seed in spring

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Seed

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed

EDIBLE GARDENS Why Grow Quince? For Beauty, Fragrance and Old-Time Flavor

By Marianne Lipanovich

Delightfully perfumed fruit and lovely spring blossoms make this apple and pear cousin worth a spot in the garden

WINTER GARDENING Extend Your Growing Season With a Cold Frame in the Garden

By Paintbox Garden

If the sun's shining, it might be time to sow seeds under glass to transplant or harvest

GARDENING GUIDES Seeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started

By Abundant City

Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Easy Edibles for First-Time Gardeners

By Marianne Lipanovich

Focus on these beginner-friendly vegetables, herbs, beans and salad greens to start a home farm with little fuss

Houzz Interview: Miss Mustard Seed’s Charming Pennsylvania Home

ARCHITECTURE Get a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus

SALVAGE Reinvent It: An Eclectic Texas Garden Grows From Creative Salvaging

By Becky Harris

Teardown pieces and upcycled finds turn a next-door lot into a garden brimming with vegetables and originality

MOST POPULAR Summer Crops: How to Grow Sunflowers

By Marianne Lipanovich

Savor snack-tastic sunflower seeds once the radiant blooms have faded — if the birds have saved you any, that is

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I seed oriental poppy etc on top of mulch

11

Potting mix recs, please

13

Rant: Where have all the flower seeds gone?

12

New GMO tomato seed released for sale to home gardeners

10

Need help growing Paulownia Tomentosa from seed.

20