| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Dec 13 2012 : 08:03:22 AM
I am determined this year that the seedlings won't die (quiet prayer placed here) Every year that I have tried something went wrong, don't ask me, I think I am just failing somewhere. So I have a plan to do a grow shelf in my home, somewhere and I found the book shelf plans by mother earth news http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/Multipurpose-Plant-Grow-Light-Seed-Starting-Bookcase.aspx?page=2
So my question for the masters of seed starting do you think rope lights, such as these http://www.lowes.com/pd_200630-84523-W11F0001_0__?productId=3092973&Ntt=rope+lights&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Drope%2Blights&facetInfo= would be alright to use for the lighting aspect of it all?
---
Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
http://simpileeliving.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
| 13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Mar 07 2013 : 5:18:51 PM
Here is my official update!!!
So we did a simple, cut giant hole in bag, poke holes in bottom and set seeds, tremendous success! Cabbage plant galore. So I figured some of them had super strong 2 leaves up and I should transplant them. So tonight my DD and I sat and transplanted individuals to 4" pots. They got a good amount of water and were set back under the lights. On the flip side I had some seeds that were past the experation date, I soaked them for about an hour or so and planted those in egg cartons. We have discovered a few were even bad so we only had to pitch an egg carton. Head lettuce and Broccoli have decided to sprout within the last day or two.
By far this is the strongest year for our seed starts. My DH has been so sweet, allowing the investment of the shop lights, bulbs and the shelving unit.
I keep the lights mm's above the leaves, trying to keep them for "reaching" the lights and becoming leggy. My DD loves the idea of plantings and reminds me all the time to water them. So far so good, keeping my fingers crossed.
---
Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
http://simpileeliving.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Jan 14 2013 : 08:13:52 AM
hmmmmm, I never tried the fan idea, I might just have to do that.
---
Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
http://simpileeliving.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
| LBP |
Posted - Jan 08 2013 : 1:22:48 PM
I start my seeds on top on my freezer where it is warm, and leave them there until they sprout, then I put them on the shelves with my fluorescent lights, very close to the lights so they don't have to reach. I "swat" mine, very light daily with my hand and also use the fan of low to toughen them up.
Come visit me at:
http://lbpsews.blogspot.com |
| mscountrygirl |
Posted - Jan 02 2013 : 3:24:13 PM
I did this last year and it was sucessful as well...for the seedlings that survived!
It's all good!
http://mscountrygirl.blogspot.com/ |
| texdane |
Posted - Jan 02 2013 : 2:30:07 PM
Emily,
Just wondering...do you take the seedlings out a little at a time before planting? A master gardener friend told me to do that, and I have had amazing results ever since. Before they go into the ground or outdoor planter, take the seed tray out and put them outside, first for an hour or two the first day, and then a little longer the next day. They should not be in direct sun, and should be able to have a gentle breeze blow through them. Then I leave the tray (making sure they do not dry out) outside 24 full hours before planting. Do this after there is no threat of frost. What a difference this trick made!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| mscountrygirl |
Posted - Dec 31 2012 : 2:16:00 PM
Deborah thanks for sharing your knowledge...I'm looking into the cinnamon thing.
It's all good!
http://mscountrygirl.blogspot.com/ |
| Room To Grow |
Posted - Dec 30 2012 : 07:47:12 AM
I have started seeds with seed started and was they did great. I saw that you can use cinnamon I think I will try it on a few and see what it does...You have to make sure the seedlings are about 5 in tall before planting them. so I dont plant them in small seed starting trays. I use small pots and it supports the seedlings while they grow.
now we are on our forever farm. God has blessed us. |
| edlund33 |
Posted - Dec 23 2012 : 12:20:24 PM
Emily I agree that the rope lights won't put out enough light to grow seedlings. However, a friend of mine uses them coiled up under the seed trays to provide warmth during cold spells. Dawn what a great idea to use the fan to strengthen seedling stems! I might have to try that this year.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
http://blueskyanddaisies.blogspot.com
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| mscountrygirl |
Posted - Dec 23 2012 : 07:05:42 AM
The wind idea is great! It makes sense to toughen them up! Thanks for sharing.
It's all good!
http://mscountrygirl.blogspot.com/ |
| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Dec 22 2012 : 2:49:14 PM
I agree, the rope lights won't give you enough light. For years I have used fluorescent lights that we hang from the ceiling. I start my seeds out very close to them so they don't struggle to reach the "sun" once they get going. I also keep the lids that come with the seed growing kits on for as long as possible. This prevent them from drying out. Once I feel the lids can safely come off, I put a oscillating fan on them to simulate the wind. This helps the stems toughen up. I slowly lower my plants as they grow from the lights. I use a timer on the lights to make sure they don't get too much "sun" or they will get weedy.
Best of luck on having a successful crop of seedlings. It's a very proud moment when you can transplant them outside & tell everyone you grew them from seed!
Dawn in IL |
| Melina |
Posted - Dec 22 2012 : 08:04:22 AM
I don't think those rope lights would put out enough actual light. I've always used the flourescent grow lights mixed with regular bulbs in an industrial fixture. They are inexpensive (except for the grow bulbs)and you can usually find the fixture at a Habitat for Humanity store.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
| mscountrygirl |
Posted - Dec 21 2012 : 6:11:40 PM
I am also trying to start seeds from scratch. I have had some luck but not enough to say its been sucessful. This year I have decieded to employ my children to help me remember to water them! Tomatos went well but pepper plants were a wash!
It's all good!
http://mscountrygirl.blogspot.com/ |
| FARMALLChick |
Posted - Dec 18 2012 : 11:07:15 AM
I seem to have lots of problems with starting seeds as well. I have tried so many different ways, but they always seem to wilt and die. I keep trying, but I have better luck direct sowing and hoping for the best. Good luck and if you figure it out please let me know.
Lora
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.CountryFriedAcres.etsy.com
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com
www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
