Seed starting first time....

17 years ago

Ok since I got this wonderful gift from the hosta elf I ran out today to get what I thought was everything I needed to get my seeds started. These consisted of lighting and potting soil for seed starting (as it states). Didn't have alot to choose from this time of year it seems. But I didn't find any trays so I guess I've got to come up with something. But I just wanted to double check my research on getting the seeds started.

1. sterilize the soil. This seems to be done several different way. Is is completely nessacery? And any opinions on the best way?

2. While the seeds are germinating they are keep in a dark warm place correct?

3. Once they are sprouting move them under the lights up to 24 hours a day?

Anything else that may help me at all?

Thanks for any advice.

Shelly

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Comments (8)

Teresa_MN
17 years ago
Shelly - here is a link to an article by Bob Axmear about starting seed indoors. It's on the home page of the Hosta Library in the lower left hand corner.

I've never tried growing seed indoors. I have two cats, one of which has to have a paw in everything, so I don't bother. I do have some William Lachman seeds I'm going to try this year in a mini greenhouse on my deck. I will refer to the article by Bob for any tips.

Teresa

Here is a link that might be useful: Hosta Library - starting seed indoors
greenguy
17 years ago
remember don't panic they are seeds and it should be FUN to grow them - that is the best advice i can give you

other then that i have been starting my seeds in containers from wendy's salads (the lids snap on nice - i have a cat where i grom mine also) and i put them under lights soon after planting them i think the extra warmth helps to get them going - the size of these fit nicely under regular 4' shop lights (to bad they are round)

i would get them started and ask questions as they come up - some one here is sure to give you a good answer quickly

forgot to mention i wash the wendy's containers in my dishwasher without a problem (i was really worried the first time)
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
17 years ago
sterilize the soil to avoid a plethora of gnats in your house.... milk jug .... 2 or 3 inches damp soil ... plastic bag over it .... microwave until the meat thermo indicates it is over 180 .....

cool ... plant seed... heat helps... light irrelevant ... top of fridge is warm ... light can be 16 to 24 hours ... save a few cents..

light must be 2 to 3 inches from the plants for best effect ...

use the SEARCH function for many more tips ....

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: read this about sterilization
ademink
17 years ago
I used the oven method in this article and it was EASY and not messy. I used a covered aluminum turkey pan...got the soil damp...baked and let it cool. It's super handy b/c as I need soil, I just lift the lid of the pan, get out what I need and then close it back up. I'm using plastic take home containers that I got from Gordon's Food Supply w/ the clear, hinged lids. I boiled the water that I used to water them after I planted and have had no fungus or gnat problems. I did get things a little too wet and have a GREAT algae culture going. LOL I put mine under the lights immediately and they are doing quite well!
chelielynn
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the advice as I really do appricate it. Started last night, found a couple Bonsai container that I figured would work. Scrubed them with bleach and water. This morning I took my soil and ran boiling water though it a couple times to make sure it was sanitized and let it cool all day today. Just got home from work and planted the seeds and covered the everything with plastic and placed on top of my fridge. So I guess I'll see how everything goes. Keeping my fingers crossed and I'll post pictures as I see some progress.

Thanks again for your help guys....and gals. Hope mine grow as good as I've seen you guys growing them.

Shelly
rob_sneyers
17 years ago
Hi Shelly,

I did some indoors hosta sowing for the first time this winter (together with the kids.
You can follow every step I made (errors included)on the link below.

It's EASY but higly addictive

Greetings from the Hosta Mill, Belgium

Rob

Here is a link that might be useful: Sowing
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
17 years ago
i never heard of pouring boiling water thru soil to sterilize it?? in theory the temp is hot enough .... but i wonder what you washed out of the medium ....

regardless.. they are hosta.. probably wont care ... and you should have fun ... good luck

ken
greenguy
17 years ago
Rob those are some great close up pictures

nice to see you getting the kids involved

I am also growing some seeds with my soon to be 5 year old daughter

Seed starting first time....

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Seed starting first time....

Comments (8)

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