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Garden Gate:  Seed Starting Question - update  |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 21 2012 : 6:11:40 PM
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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/ |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Dec 22 2012 : 08:04:22 AM
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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 |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4738 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4738 Posts |
Posted - Dec 22 2012 : 2:49:14 PM
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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 |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1501 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1501 Posts |
Posted - Dec 23 2012 : 12:20:24 PM
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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 |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2012 : 07:47:12 AM
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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. |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2013 : 2:30:07 PM
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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/ |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
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LBP
True Blue Farmgirl
81 Posts
Linda
Goodview
VA
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2013 : 1:22:48 PM
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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 |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2013 : 5:18:51 PM
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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.
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Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
http://simpileeliving.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
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Garden Gate: Seed Starting Question - update |
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Seed Starting Question - update
