What do you use for"grit" for seed starting?
SeniorBalloon
8 months ago
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zen_man
8 months agorosaprimula
8 months agoRelated Discussions
What annual seeds do you start in Jan/Feb?
Comments (20)Hi Linda - Last year was my first year for geraniums, so I don't have that much experience. Looking at my notes they started sprouting in 3 days. The geraniums I sowed this year (4 days ago), haven't sprouted yet. I looked at Swallowtail seeds info and they say at 75degrees it is 14-21 days. Dont know why I got such fast germination last year. I am sure it varies among the different types. I have to confess that I bought more seed on line yesterday. I was looking specifically on Swallowtail's site for more coleus, but I ended up spending another 41 bucks (free shipping for $40 orders). Along with the coleus I decided I would give Begonias and Lisanthus another try - they didn't do well for me last year. It actually a little late to start them, but - what the heck. Also got some more impatiens, scabiosa, zinnia, and yes - two more types of petunias, Dolcissima Frangolina and Sophistica Lime Bicolor. The Frangolina are similar to the Flambe, but the color is deeper. They have really nice varieties of annuals available and are a little cheaper than Johnny's or Parks....See MoreWhat soil mix do you use to start your seeds?
Comments (15)As Davidinct mentioned the standard ProMix has Mycorise included but you can also order it with Biofungicides for a little extra per bale ($1.45 from my supplier). Both of these additives have research support for reducing pathogen organisms and the biofungicide can even boost production due to the benefit of the root colinizing organisms. These are similar to a whole new line of commercial products like TC-22, Rootshield, etc. Either way this new technology in planting media makes good sense. The opposite, very risky alternative of using any unsterilized material can lead to a complete wipeout of your seedling crop in a few days from soilborn pathogens. I would never,ever attempt to start seeds in soil from the garden. Your time is too valuable to risk the crop loss....See MoreDo I have to use a florescent light to start my seeds?
Comments (10)I've never used an indoor light, and have generally had fantastic results. I tend to pop mine into a west facing window which gives great light. That said I'm sure things would go even better using indoor lights, but you shouldn't have any problem without them. As far as seeding indoors and transplanting, I've done that with everything and also had great luck - from the normal things (toms, etc) to carrots and peas. The important thing is to not let the roots grow too long inside so they aren't disturbed at all. Transplant as early as you can to either outdoors or into a small pot before moving outdoors....See MorePOLL: What light do you use for seed starting?
Comments (28)I'm using a combo of 4 foot cool white (more of the blue spectrum lights)and regular flourescent (more of the red spectrum) bulbs side by side to give you more bang for your buck. In theory it would cover the same light spectrum as the grow lights. I have 2 bulb shoplights and so use 1 of each in each fixture. I got the fixtures for $10 at Home depot and about 2 bucks for each of the bulbs...now you have the equivalent of growbulbs. Really saved me some money since I now have 8 light fixtures going. However I can't say if it is really any better than just a regular flourescent bulb yet, because this is my first year trying it out. But the bulbs are the same price so since I was buying the lights anyway, I'm giving it a try....See Moreken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 months agobeesneeds
8 months agoSeniorBalloon
8 months agobeesneeds
8 months agomxk3 z5b_MI
8 months agolast modified: 8 months agolat62
8 months agoSeniorBalloon
8 months ago
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