No didn't miss it and completely understand it. But nothing says you have to have a fancy seed starting mix. A big bag of plain old Jiffy Mix costs $4. A small bag that is plenty for starting seed of plain Miracle Grow is $4.95 at Walmart. Are those prices out of line? While neither are ideal at least both are sterile and that eliminates all the soil bacteria and fungus problems that cause the loss of so many seedlings when you use dirt. It is a balancing act between cost and production of viable seedlings and if you avoid any upfront costs but end up with no viable seedlings or only seedlings that have disease problems to begin with what have you gained? Egg cartons are simply too shallow. You can germinate in them but then have to immediately transplant them to larger containers with more soil. Plus they are difficult to maintain proper water levels in. If these seeds were meant to be sown outside in the garden in the first place, but I'm doing the baggie method to ensure I only plant viable seeds, why is using dirt from my garden so bad? You never mentioned exactly what seeds you were doing. If these are seeds that are supposed to be direct seeded anyway then you are just wasting time and money and the seeds with the baggie/egg carton method. Just plant them. Things that should be direct seeded won't appreciate being transplanted. I like to know factual, scientific reasons for things. I would agree with using caution when reading anecdotal opinions, especially when dealing with controversial issues. But when the issues under discussion, as in your post, are hardly new ones or ones that are not contested, I would suggest you keep in mind that standard practices are the standards for very good reasons. They are not anecdotal. These issues may be new to you but not to this forum or to many other gardening forums and gardening websites. So do some research since there is ample scientific research and testing info available on all this. Use Google, use the search here to read about the problems with 'egg cartons', the reasons why using dirt or soil or compost to start seeds is never recommended, check out the many detailed FAQs here (blue button on the forum front page where it says "before posting a question..." You'll find many discussions about all those issues. Most importantly, learn to distinguish between what is offered as random personal opinion and what is provided by informed sources. EX: YouTube and eHow are notorious for uninformed personal opinions, state university ag extension sites are respected sources. So use the local source available to us all, your local county AG extension off and website. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Illinois Extension

Hi, Can anyone suggest a place to buy the dwarf Singapore Jackfruit? I contacted papaya nusery and they are not carrying it anymore. I live in Los Angeles. I would like to find the plant. anyone with info would be great! I would also buy from any of the members who have access to it. thanks!

Have found a new seller at eBay selling few types of jackfruit (and other fruit seeds) The most popular item there is probably the deep orange But also 2 Thai Jackfruits with good features looks inviting The seeds I bought sprouted on their way and are planted and growing quick The seller is reliable and seem he sells jackfruit seeds out of seedlings who were grown from selected fruits Although jackfruit seedling will not grow identical to their parent, if they came from good parent they have better chance to produce good fruits. If someone is looking for Jackfruit seeds and cannot find any, that link might be good place to start. 4 types of Jacfruit at that eBay seller store http://www.ebay.com/sch/cappilucypeter/m.html? Here is a link that might be useful: 4 types of Jacfruit

Lots of tropical seed sellers on this forum: http://tropicalfruitforum.com/