Started seeds!

[Homebrewer]

Maybe it�s just cabin fever but I have planted a large portion of my seeds last week in starter trays. (Tomatoes, Peppers, Cabbage, etc.) I have them in the utility room with the door shut and heat on at around 75 degree and several are coming up. Anyone else starting anything yet?

 

[catman529]

Good deal. Starting my peppers as soon as I get the Bhut Jolokias in the mail. Tomatoes I will wait until the very beginning of March. Should have planted peppers already, but hey I ordered the bhuts a little late.

 

[spoon]

Cabbage, broc, brussel sprouts are about inch tall now.

Planting all seeds in a week

 

[Homebrewer]

I used this: http://www.yougrowgirl.com/2006/03/31/t ... ing-chart/
it is very interesting and useful. I used April 10th as the last average frost, but in an almanac it was April 6th. Anyway a good way to keep notes for next year... Thank the lady for it after�

 

[Wobblyshot1]

Probably wait till the middle of March to start tomato and pepper seeds.

 

[mlhm5]

Once they come up and you transfer them (if they are in cubes) I like to have a fan blowing on them - seems to make the stems a little tougher. I transplant to a hoop and cover system.

 

[catman529]

Once they come up and you transfer them (if they are in cubes) I like to have a fan blowing on them - seems to make the stems a little tougher. I transplant to a hoop and cover system.

I forgot about that... since the fan I had died, I sometimes "pet" them... brush them with my hand, to strengthen them up a bit. I also have trouble finding a place to put a fan since the shelves are maxed out with plants.

 

[Homebrewer]

My set up works out pretty well. I have a 6 ft. plastic table from Sam�s setting in my basement. My basement temperature runs around 64-68 degrees so I have one of those oil filled electric heaters that rolls right in under the table. The table top runs 72-74 degrees constantly which works like a heating pad. The bottom of the table don�t get hot enough to be a hazard, it feels to be maybe 80 degrees. I have a 4 bulb Fluorescent light on a chain so I can adjust it up and down, it is currently about 3 inches above the 6 flats of have seeded. Most of my tomatoes are up 6-7 inches cabbage, cauliflower, etc 3-4 inches and I had put the fan on them yesterday morning and they are looking stronger already.

 

[beagle]

How long will you guys put the fan on them? Thanks

 

[catman529]

How long will you guys put the fan on them? Thanks

15 min or so, can't remember if it's more than once a day but I dont think there are any exact rules. You are simulating a breeze so make it as windy as you want without damaging the plants. Also keep in mind that this will dry out your plants faster and they will need to be watered more.

 

[Homebrewer]

On low about 6ft away all the time. It is a small 8in fan.

 

[beagle]

Thanks

 

[catman529]

all the varieties sprouted now except habaneros and eggplant. Tomatoes that were first to come up showing first true leaf budding out. Almost time to pot up the maters. One of the fluoro tubes just burned out. time for a trip to wally for a new tube and a cubic foot, more or less, of Miracle Gro potting mix. Already got 16oz plastic and 8oz foam cups ready to go. Plastic for maters, foam for peppers (since peppers sprout later and dont get as big)

 

[Wobblyshot1]

Finally got around to starting tomato seeds today.....German Strawberry, Giant Belgium, Delicious, and Kellogg's Breakfast.