the set up

Seed tray

I also started wintering chilies this year but started from 2" seedlings. Looks like a good setup, what kind of bulbs and wattage do you have? I don't have any experience with the water pad that you have but I know chilies like good drainage and hate over-watering. I'm not sure that the soil soaking up water all the time is going to help either of these things though I don't know exactly how that system works. Good move with the heating pad for soil temp and keeping the pots off the ground. Are you planning to keep them in pots or move them to the ground after the last frost? keep updating your pictures so we can see how things are going! Good luck!

Looks like a very nice setup!

I'm a newbie at this as well. Started from seed last year, and overwintering a few this year.

But, I also wonder about starting with a wicking watering system. Seems like the soil would stay pretty damp. Maybe later when the plants have a larger root system, but, keep an eye on things while they're still seedlings.

The setup looks great. You may need to add an air intake and exhaust once you turn on the lights. Also, I think those Burpee pellets are made of coco coir not peat. I've used them before and they are very nice.

Yeah I am going to try the wicking trey, and I am also going to plants seeds in regular seed starting pots. I have about 50 verities of seeds to start, so I think I will do 1 of each in the wicking trey and 1 of each normally. I also plan on putting half in the ground and half in pots after the last freeze. I just canÂt do one plant of each verity I need at least 2, so I am going to have around 100 plants maybe...

I am using 20 watt 1000 lumen bulbs, keeping them about 3 inches above the seedlings. I cut a 4" diameter hole on one side with the 50 CFM bath fan blowing in. On the other side I cut six 1" diameter holes so the air can flow through. I covered the holes with screen to keep bugs out.

Sam

what part of FL are you in? I am in Tampa and I believe the last frost date in this area is at the end of february.

Northwest corner, in Pensacola
It is suppose to get 34 degrees tonight....thatÂs cold for us in Florida

Just a little update everything is going great so far. I ended up planting 36 different varieties of peppers. I planted 3 seeds of every pepper, and ended up with 60 seedlings so far. The bhut's only took 10 days to sprout, and they are looking very nice. Thanks for all the help!

Sam

Looks good! My system is pretty similar. I am a fan of the Burpee 72-cell tray with pellets that you're using. I like the pellets. I used them last year and will again this year too. My germination rates with those pellets was at the high end at around 90 % and I found that their system required very little, if any, maintenance or watering until the time came to up-pot everything to 3".

For a first time seed grower, you are doing great.
I was in heather's tomato and pepper exchange also.
Smart and very organized lady. I had so many peppers,
mostly hot, a lot of smokemasters, so I shared with
other people. If she does it next year, I'm in again.
I love to grow my vegetables from seed, it seems more
satisfying that way. Right now I'm watching my Bhut's
grow. I'm tempted to start another pepper, maybe the
Peppadew.

I have used that exact same burpee seed starting tray last year.
Works great!
I think I'm going to buy some more of those pellets from burpee this year, as they really soak up the moisture. More so that some plain seed starting mix I bought.
Nice looking plants!

All I can say is that : INTERNET is great. I learn somthing everyday. We are so fortunate. How did the previous generations do without internet?
Spending the nights on the internet and the days in the garden. That is rewarding.