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Cornucopia - Australia

Starting seedlings

18 years ago

I've had recent trouble growing some things from seeds. I think it's because I sit the little containers with the seed on a deck that's too hot. The seeds germinate, but don't seem to do a whole lot more. Even on cooler days, the strong sun on the deck seems to heat the little black pots up too much.

Where do people raise their seedlings? I am considering making a little shelter with shadecloth to sit the seedlings under. Would this be worthwhile?

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Comments (5)

goldhills
18 years ago
In warmer weather I generally start them under 30% shadecloth and after germination, lift the shadecloth off in the mornings and late afternoon, for longer periods until they can handle full sun.
Raymondo
18 years ago
The little black pots heat up too much in direct sun, even a mild one. I raise seedlings in semi-shade then harden them off before planting out. Actually, I don't do too much of that as I prefer to sow seeds where they're going to grow.
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Mabb
18 years ago
We start our seedlings in peat pellets, inside. We have a tray with a plastic cover - a mini greenhouse - and we place that in a north-facing window. They stay inside until they're ready to transplant into a small pot. Even after they're in the little pots, if the nights are cold, we bring them inside until they're almost ready to plant out.

I think even if we were starting something off from seed now, I wouldn't have them outside for too long - too hot and windy. We have a neat little sprinkler head for a small water bottle that is just right for watering the peat pellets gently. Very easy to keep them moist.

I highly recommend the peat pellets. They're cheap and we've had a lot of luck raising babies this way.
cosmicgardener
18 years ago
The Coir seed raising mixture I discussed on another threat has proven to be fantastic - it keeps the seedlings roots cool and that is important as they need a good root system to thrive before the tops grow. I also give them a twice a weekly feed of Seaweed solution or Worm solution or Thrive in desperation. It's important to keep them damp not wet, shaded not dark, with light not sun.

Cheers
Linda
bikingchris
Original Author
18 years ago
Excellant- thanks for all that help!

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