Built my new seed starting rack last weeked

13 years ago

Well, it WAS rainy so I had to do something inside....

I started a few years back with this little 2' tabletop setup:

Decided to move up to a 4' tabletop setup this year but Cathy said putting it on top of a 2' door across two sawhorses swallowed the whole middle of the room and "it's gotta go"! :-(

So, the NEW tabletop setup went to Sally and I put together a setup on wheels that can be out of the way in front of a closet and moved when we need to get into the closet :-)

I know what to do with veggies, now what I need from you folks is to learn what flower seeds I should start inside for the various seasons and when to move them outside. I'm tired of seeing the same old flowers and want to grow some unique things in my yard...here's my new setup.

Tom

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (23)

gardengimp
13 years ago
OMG - that is awesome! And I love the gizmoid for adjusting the lamps.

~dianne
bamboo_rabbit
13 years ago
Tom,

You are getting all fancy on us:)
Related Discussions
HAVE: New list plus last of my rare Cherry seeds!
Q
Comments (90)
I recieved this reply from rareseeds.com and they gave me the following messages: 1/1/08 "Michael, We only sell ground cherry seeds for $1.50 a packet or 1/4 oz for $7.50. Thanks for letting us know I will go to the site and see for myself. Pam" Then on 1/2/08 "Mike, I looked up the link and Jere also checked this out. After reading the responses to this guy from other forum members, Jere decided that he wouldn't worry to much about it. Also, the date is pretty old, almost a year. But, Jere said to tell you thank you very much for your concern about this. There are shysters everywhere it seems. Don't think this guy will get very far with knowledgeable forum members. By the way, we also have a forum. www.idigmygarden.com. Love to have you. Pam" I thought I would post this to prove it once and for all!! ~mike
...See More
I Started These Tomato Seeds This Week
Q
Comments (24)
Lynn, I see that you and I still like many of the same tomatoes. LOL I think you will like Jubilee and Jaunne Flammee'. Both are really great performers in our heat, but your heat probably is worse than ours. Heatwave is iffy. It does produce in the July and August heat but the flavor is a little lacking (but you know that I say that based on my "heirloom-preferring" tastebuds). In your soil and your growing conditions, it may taste better than it did in my soil and growing conditions. I do think Heat Wave II tasted better to me than the original Heat Wave. Brandy, Sorry if I confused you by referring to seeds sown directly into the ground as wintersown. On GardenWeb, winter sown does refer to seeds sown in containers and exposed to the cold temps. To me, though, anything I plant in the winter in wintersown, which probably would drive the people on the wintersowing forum nuts! LOL If you want a good explanation of wintersowing, go to the wintersowing forum here at GardenWeband read Trudi's FAQ. It is very informative. I sow larkspur, poppies, etc. into the ground anytime between November and February, depending on when I get around to it. This seeds will sprout in the cold and form tiny ground-hugging rosettes. You won't see much vertical growth, but they are making roots all that time and, when the spring conditions are right, they start to grow like crazy. (Lots of cool season weeds, by the way, grow exactly the same way....germinating in fall or winter's cooler weather and flying under the radar until spring). Some plants don't like to be transplanted, and for me, poppies and larkspur are two of those. (I have transplanted poppies before, but they aren't crazy about it because they have long taproots.) So, wintersowing them in containers doesn't work because they get mad when you transplant them into the ground. As far as the purple coneflowers and hollyhocks....I tried numerous times to start them indoors under lights. I was able to do it with the hollyhocks pretty easily, but the coneflowers just didn't want to sprout. Yet, they would reseed readily in my garden. So, I wintersowed some a couple of years ago and had great results. As for the hollyhocks, there is no reason to take up a lot of space indoors under lights because I can direct sow them into the ground (if it is not a rainy winter) or in flats. They transplant easily and are pretty cold hardy. I seem to get higher germination rates with the ones sown outside than I do with the ones sowed inside. I love hollyhocks and have them every year. However, if a really, really wet rainy year, the seed often rots before it can germinate because I have horrible, slow-draining red clay soil. Your problem with hollyhocks last year probably had more to do with the excessively wet weather, the lack of sunshine as it seemed to stay cloudy FOREVER, and the late cold spells. Those three conditions caused lots of problems with plants here that are usually pretty easy to grow. Between "the cold" and "the wet", a lot of roots were stunted and the plants just didn't grow. I noticed this weekend that hollyhocks are already sprouted in my garden. They are small and low to the ground, with 2 or 3 leaves about the size of a nickle or so. You could direct sow hollyhocks in the ground now or wintersow some in a flat or other container. My main challenge with wintersowing is that the cats like to lay on any flat I plant anything in, even if I have lids on the flats! The dogs, of course, like to walk on the containers, and the wild things, like racoons and possums, like to paw through the soil looking for whatever. Also, if I am not careful, the wind carries them all away, even when I think I have them in places where they are sheltered from the wind. Dawn
...See More
The dogfights in my backyard last week
Q
Comments (10)
I agree with all of you that these guys are so much fun to watch! I'm sure the hummers being chased off have a different opinion, but, at least in the case of my backyard, they do have other nearby options. My neighbor to the north has a rose of sharon at the corner of her house nearest mine, and I did not see my little sentry chase other birds off until they entered my yard. The neighbor also has some sort of bright orange trumpet vine growing along the back fence at the side farthest from me. So, even though the sentry wouldn't let them in my yard there were still other food options only a few yards away. I do have several of the plants most of you mention. I planted four o'clocks behind the house this year. They haven't gotten very tall, but they are blooming. I also have Grandpa Ott morning glories on a 6'x6' trellis intended to shade my air conditioning unit. I have some Cardinal Climber, at least that what I asked Horn for when I bought seeds, although the leaves are not like the original Cardinal Climber I grew. These have palm frond-like leaves. However, these don't bloom much until/unless I abuse them. If I start cutting them back severely they'll start making blooms, otherwise they just grow foliage all over everything around. I haven't tried petunias since I moved into the house. I did grow them in containers, whisky barrels, on the patio at my apartment, but they always withered and died when hot summer temperatures arrived. Maybe they would do better though now that I can plant them in the ground. Of course, the problem with all these is they don't bloom until either late spring or summer whereas the hummingbirds generally arrive in Oklahoma in late March. It does sound like the cross vine Dawn mentioned might be just what I'm looking for, and I would love to plant some native red honeysuckle. Now I just have to find out where I can get them and figure out where they might grow in my yard. Unfortunately, my backyard gets a lot of shade due to tall evergreens that line the entire perimeter. Dawn, how much shade would the cross vine tolerate? Any idea where I might be able to buy some? Also, anyone know where I might find the native honeysuckle? And how much shade the honeysuckle would tolerate? I may have to get creative and figure out a spot to set an arched arbor or something similar just out in the middle of the yard for one of these. The fence from my house to the south property line gets sun in the morning and has a large evergreen branch that was seriously bent by the ice storms in Dec. 2007 that needs to come down. If I cut that branch off it would probably reduce the shade that piece of fence gets during the later afternoon. Might that be enough sun for one of these two vines to be reasonably happy? Thanks for all the suggestions. If you think of more, please let me know. While I'm specifically trying to figure out early spring bloomers for the hummingbirds, eventually I wouldn't mind digging up most of my yards and replacing the weeds with flower beds of various types. Not only would that be more colorful and fragrant, but it would cut down on the mowing. :D Debra
...See More
New to starting tomatoes and pepper from seed. Tweak my plan!
Q
Comments (14)
Keep in mind you can go to your local Library where they will have plenty of books to help get a good perspective on how to start gardening this way. I have a huge garden I start from seed every year. I learned from my German grandparents who where farms by profession. I live in illinios zone 5 and my "last frost date is similar to yours from the sound of it. My grandparents always sow they're seeds straight in the ground early June. I on the other hand follow thyre basic guidlines but take it a step further and start my seeds off in peat pellets in a humidity tray (for the first week or so before removing the lid) and grow them under a florescent grow light similar to what you have in mind. Everything mentioned can be bought at your local lowes, menards, or home depot. I usually plant mid june which is a week or two after when they do but then again mine have already been growing for about a month while they just sowed the seeds directly in the garden bed. I wouldn't worry about potting up. I just wait until they have grown for a few weeks or so and are not so fragile before planting them. I would say playing with them out of ground after this, especially if your like me and have ALLOT of seedlings is more trouble than its worth. But if you want to go that far you would up pot when the root ball occupy s the entirty of a pot and begins to wrap around the outside of the soil against the pot. Also if you are going to grow them under a florescent light fixture you are going to need a bulb meant for growing plants, A normal bulb isn't going to work. I'm trying to keep things basic so you can play along but once you get the hange of it and become more educated there's allot you can do to boost this early stage (and the whole growing process for that matter). for example I use I also use soluble seaweed powder fertilizer(something like 1-1-16) to stratify my seeds and to dilute in the watering to help them get a vigorous root system before planting but I know what im doing and would wait to tinker if you are new. I would say to just follow either of these basic guidelines and you should be fine. if your in doubt you can test the water by just trying to grow one or two seeds to see how things go to use them as a test basis for what you might like to change when you actually grow them (if that's anything).
...See More
ladywingr
13 years ago
Excellent work. You're very creative!
izharhaq
13 years ago
It looks so neat and elegant, apart from fluorescent tubes has anyone used the LEDs?
tinael01
13 years ago
man o man am I jealous.
loufloralcityz9
13 years ago
Izhar,
I have used the LEDs (mixture of red & blue LEDs on 2'X2' panels)
It makes all the plants coloring look very strangely purple, like a science fiction scene.
It seems to work well, but I cannot get used to the odd colors.
Perhaps if I also used one length of fluorescent I could switch on to check on the plants progress.
I expect a UFO to land any moment. Very eerie indeed!
Beware the trifids ;o)

Lou
whgille
13 years ago
Tom, that is a really nice, useful and creative set up! I hope that you fill with wonderful flowers soon.

Silvia
CaptTurbo
13 years ago
I think it would be a shame to hide that beautiful contraption in a closet. I'm sure it will be especially attractive when you have the plants going.

I keep several fish tanks in the house. I like the soft light and calming effect they create. I'm thinking your plants growing under the lights would be at least as nice.
jwahlton
13 years ago
Very impressive. I've got to do something about lighting in my house for my seeds.
saldut
13 years ago
THANKS again TOM - My head is filled with all kinds of ideas abt. what to do with this set-up, all the wonderful seeds I can start... I did drag out some packets of Snapdragons also Dill also Parsley also Catnip, for the kitties... and some other seeds that were hiding in the utility-room... and planted them and they are lined up under that magical-light !! and those 'mater seeds are looking fantastic, nice and sturdy.... don't know why I waited and procrastinated abt. getting a gro-light and now I am in seed-starting heaven!! Your set-up is the ultimate - the Cadillac of seed-starters!! THANKS AGAIN, sally
SaintPFLA
13 years ago
Wow! VERY impressive, indeed!

Geez, and to think I have a plastic tupperware lid taped to the top of a windowsill so it doesn't it fall off with a few seedlings on it (catnip for the kitties)!

For flowers, this is a great time to start Zinnias, Marigolds, Sunflowers (maybe the squirrels will leave the tomotoes alone!) and herbs.

Btw, I still have that Flamevine if you are interested. It would look great in that spot in your front yard on a trellis.

Here's a link to what it would look like. I have it in a container so it has not gotten crazy and out of control, which is also why it's only bloomed 'once'.

http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/Flame%20Vines.htm
tomncath
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone. So, what flower seeds do I start now indoors? You name it and I probably have it, I went crazy last year buying seeds to get into flowers...even things like nemesia. I know things like marigolds, cosmos and zinnias can be started outside, but what should be started inside and when? Salvias? Sarena? Nemesia? Celosia? Snapdragons? Cleome? Lobelia? Alyssum? Verbena?

Sally, are you ready to pot up those maters tomorrow?

SPF, I'll take you up on that Flamevine offer. Would you like to meet at Sally's tomorrow?

Tom
SaintPFLA
13 years ago
Tom: tomorrow sounds fine. I just need time to remove it from the pot. It's probably a little root bound.

Snapdragons enjoy the cold, so I'd just scatter the seeds and watch them pop up. They are blooming now, but you can probably get another round.

I'd try the salvia indoors, alyssum, verbena, margarita daisies, vinca - pretty much anything.

Let me know about tomorrow!
jpagliai
13 years ago
Tom, Love the setup! I see metal shelves at almost every yard sale I go to. Now I know what to do with them :) How many plants do you think will fit? I started 19 different types of vegetables 3 days ago. Have always had good luck just sticking them out on my enclosed patio (only natural light)but with this weather...I don't know if they will survive. A trip to get lights will be on my husbands to do list tomorrow :) Thanks for posting the pictures. Jen
jpagliai
13 years ago
Forgot to ask, what type of flowers are you looking for? Annuals, Perennials, etc... Shade, Full Sun, etc... I've got a great book called Best Garden Color for Florida maybe it can point in the right direction.
loufloralcityz9
13 years ago
Tom,
The Manalucie seeds you had asked me for just came in today's mail.
I think the mail was delayed by the southern snowstorms.
I will try to get them in the mail for you on Monday as I need to pick up a mailer package.

Lou
amberroses
13 years ago
I start most flowers outside. I either sprinkle them in a pot or scatter them in the yard if they are tougher. I did start the hibiscus inside. With your nice set up you may have better luck than I did starting them inside.
sultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
13 years ago
Very nice. What are the syringes for?
I have 2 black shelves that look similar to yours that I am starting a bunch of seeds on. You have nicer lights though, mine are just the cheapo shop lights from walmart :P I have heat mats under some of the stuff like the cacao beans.
tomncath
Original Author
13 years ago
Now I know what to do with them :) How many plants do you think will fit?

Depends on how big they get. My problem was that tomato seedlings that should have been outside a month ago we inside growing to 10" because of the unusual cold weather we were having...I've never keep them in this long and they were getting so big that I ran out of room with one 4' light, and Cathy was not happy with the setup in the middle of the room.

Forgot to ask, what type of flowers are you looking for?

I have no idea, I'm open to suggestions...I'll pick up a copy of the book for some pointers. Thanks!

The Manalucie seeds you had asked me for just came in...

Thanks Lou. Do you like okra? I do but Cathy's not wild about it so I stopped growing it. Look at my response in this post and tell me if you'd like some seed for dwarf okra plants.

I start most flowers outside.

Looks like that's mostly the case Amber, I was hoping to be able to enjoy some inside just watching them get started before moving them outside....

Very nice. What are the syringes for?

Drawing put liquid nutrients to put in the water....

...You have nicer lights though....

I was going to by the cheap T-8s but when I was how wide the spacing of the bulds were on these, and the silver reflectors above the bulbs I couldn't resist. They were not cheap though, $40 a pop!

Tom
SusieQsie_Fla
13 years ago
Hi Tom
I haven't forgotten that you so kindly helped me after TS Fay ruined my poor garden and you sent me TONS of seeds.

Now I'd like to help you with some seeds, if you'd like some.

Here's what I have:
Crossandra
Asclepias
Gaillardia
Blackberry Lily
Echinacea
AppleBlossom Amaryllas
Salvia coccinea Red
Gypsophilia
Mexican Hat
Petunias

I also have some seeds from my hybrid hibiscus crosses that might turn out amazing AND some ornamental grass seeds.

Let me know if ya want me to send any of these and I'll be happy to box 'em up.

Susie
tomncath
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the offer Susie, that's very kind of you but I think if I collect any more seeds Cathy is going to make me live in the garage :-) :-(

Tom
loufloralcityz9
13 years ago
Tom,
I still have not mailed out those seeds yet because I was busy mending the chicken pen wire. Wild boar hogs dug under the chain link and then tore up the chicken wire on the cage run Sunday night. They came back again last night but I found and sealed up the hole under the chain link with concrete and dirt.
They were after the metal chicken feeder, they tore that all up and ate the chickens grain. I finally got done mending the chicken run today and doncha know the UPS truck delivered, just at sundown, a box of orchard trees I had ordered from California. I will check on those trees in the morning light and see if they can wait to be planted later.

It's always something messing up the plans,
Lou
tomncath
Original Author
13 years ago
No big deal Lou, there's always next year. My place is so small I always have big plans for plants, then have to postpone half of them until another season :-) :-(

Tom

Built my new seed starting rack last weeked

Comments (23)

gardengimp

bamboo_rabbit

Related Discussions

ladywingr

izharhaq

tinael01

loufloralcityz9

whgille

CaptTurbo

jwahlton

saldut

SaintPFLA

tomncath
Original Author

SaintPFLA

jpagliai

jpagliai

loufloralcityz9

amberroses

sultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)

tomncath
Original Author

SusieQsie_Fla

tomncath
Original Author

loufloralcityz9

tomncath
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Built my new seed starting rack last weeked

Comments (23)

Related Discussions

tomncathOriginal Author

tomncathOriginal Author

tomncathOriginal Author

tomncathOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

tomncath
Original Author

tomncath
Original Author

tomncath
Original Author

tomncath
Original Author