seed starting mix -- homemade or store bought?
Judi
last year
last modified: last year
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (11)
Related Discussions
Best seed starting mix?
Comments (2)I use Miracle Grow potting mix and always have great results. As of right now, I have coleus, lupines, black pansies, and blue poppies all growing in it under my lights, with very good germination rates. I've used potting soil of various brands, even Miracle Grow Garden Soil, which the instructions clearly state not to use in containers. It seems to me that unless you have a really finicky plant, they are happy with almost anything. Many plants reseed without our help, and sometimes in odd places. Nature has given the seeds what they need to do their thing. The best we can do is try to imitate it. If you're still not sure, I would recommend trying first with seeds that are easy to replace. (this is what I did when I decided to take the leap into winter sowing.) That way, it won't be absolutely heartbreaking if something goes wrong. Good luck!...See MoreGrowing Roses from Store Bought Seeds
Comments (3)This is how I handled my Rugosa seeds this past year. First I soaked them in 3% hydrogen peroxide for a minute or two to kill any pathogens and rinsed them off. I then wrapped them in moist paper towels and place them in sandwich bags. I kept them at room temp for 60 days, checking them every week or two for mold or signs of germination. If they had mold, I soaked them in HP again and put them in new paper towels. If any were germinating, (only a very small percentage germinated here) I planted them in a good seed starting mix. After 60 days I took the seeds that hadnÂt germinated and placed them in the fridge. I would check these every week or two also for signs of germination and plant the ones that were. After 90 days in the fridge most of the seeds that were going to germinate did, so I discarded the rest, but you could plant them, as there might still be some left that might yet. Good luck...See MoreStore Bought Seeds vs. Saving Your Own
Comments (9)It is probably impossible to identify by the photo but it is the one out in front. ***** It is impossible to ID it by a photo other than to say that it's a typical gold/red bicolor. But there are close to 100 varieties of gold/red bicolors that are known, and most of them look pretty much alike. As for saved seeds, the nice thing is that if you save your own you know exactly what the age is. When buying seed you often see a packed for date but that only means when the seeds were packed, not when they were produced. Some, but not all seed companies, do germination tests on the seeds they sell. And some companies produce all the seed they sell, some subcontract out for seed production, and some buy wholesale off the shelf and some do a combo of what I've said. The one place where you can be sure of buying tomato seed that's never more than two years old is Sandhill Preservation, and I can't make that comment for any other company that I know of. iF any of you know any other companies that can make that claim, please let me know. Carolyn...See MoreHorticultural Oil Sprays - Homemade or Store Bought
Comments (2)Hi Patty! There’s lots of experts who will weigh in here, but I just wanted to say that it may be a good idea, especially your first time, to stay away from homemade and go towards light, pre-formulated horticultural oil. I would also dilute it to half the strength (of the recommendations in the directions) so you can see how your roses react. The last thing you want to do is damage your roses by adding too much of one ingredient in a homemade mixture. The preformulated oils have impurities and compounds removed. Impurities and compounds like sulfur or nitrogen with the oil can cause plant damage. This is a good link from the Colorado Ext garden service: http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/insect-control-horticultural-oils-5-569/ I would go with something simple at first. A simple type of horticultural oil with no extra additions, and very dilute, so you can see what happens with just that. Also, just a note, my Teas and China’s didn’t seem to like it. I may need to be better about keeping the oil away from them this year....See MoreJudi
last yearJudi
last yearlast modified: last yearbeesneeds
last yearkevin9408
last yearvgkg Z-7 Va
last year
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESSeeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started
Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSPlanting Time: Get Your Garden Started With Seeds
You can get an early gardening fix — and save money too — by starting seedlings in the warm indoors
Full StoryWINTER GARDENINGYour Essential Seed-Starting Glossary
Before starting plants from seed indoors, learn these common horticulture terms
Full StoryBLACKMixing Patterns: Start With Black and White
Learn the principles of layering patterns with some dramatic, high-contrast designs
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESHow to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over
No need to feel overwhelmed. Our step-by-step decorating guide can help you put together a home look you'll love
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESA Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning
Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENS8 Easy Container Plants to Grow From Seed
Get beautiful blooms and herbs in summer by starting these choice garden picks from seed in spring
Full StoryHOMES AROUND THE WORLDHouzz Tour: Homemade Touches Enhance a Danish Bungalow
Upcycled items mix with heirlooms and investment pieces in a decor writer’s minimalist home
Full StoryTRANSITIONAL HOMESMy Houzz: A Couple’s Fresh Start in Kansas City
Empty nesters personalize their 1911 Missouri home with a mix of navy, leather, wood and brass
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Plant a New Lawn From Seed
Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed
Full Story
LoneJack Zn 6a, KC