1
1/22:
Seeds into starting mix. I am trying two different media, so there are two cells of each variety.
One is Orchid Mix with most of the big stuff sifted out, the other is the Heinz 57 I have always
started my veggie seeds in - basically a little bit of everything from recycled potting soil
to compost with some peat thrown in. Not very scientific, but it has worked okay for general
gardening. There are two or three seeds in each cell.
For germination, I'm using two 4' full spectrum flourescent tubes. The 'tent' is made of
corrugated cardboard covered with foil on the inside. It's an upgrade from my post in the
Ghetto Growing Gear thread which just had 2-year old foil draped over the light fixture.
The corrugation provides a bit of insulation and the foil keeps the light bouncing around
inside the tent. The temp inside the tent is about 80-82F, with no heat mat.
Right now the lights are on 24/7.
Here's the seeds-eye view:
The starting mixes were a little wet, so I'm letting everything mellow out for awhile,
then I'll put covers on for humidity control - probably tonight. Once everything is in
a nice balance, a light spray now and then should keeps the mix moist. this worked great
last year with just foil draped over. This should be more efficient. I just got tired of
messing with three sheets of draped over foil flopping around all the time
Now just to wait with great anticipation!
Seeds into starting mix. I am trying two different media, so there are two cells of each variety.
One is Orchid Mix with most of the big stuff sifted out, the other is the Heinz 57 I have always
started my veggie seeds in - basically a little bit of everything from recycled potting soil
to compost with some peat thrown in. Not very scientific, but it has worked okay for general
gardening. There are two or three seeds in each cell.
For germination, I'm using two 4' full spectrum flourescent tubes. The 'tent' is made of
corrugated cardboard covered with foil on the inside. It's an upgrade from my post in the
Ghetto Growing Gear thread which just had 2-year old foil draped over the light fixture.
The corrugation provides a bit of insulation and the foil keeps the light bouncing around
inside the tent. The temp inside the tent is about 80-82F, with no heat mat.
Right now the lights are on 24/7.
Here's the seeds-eye view:
The starting mixes were a little wet, so I'm letting everything mellow out for awhile,
then I'll put covers on for humidity control - probably tonight. Once everything is in
a nice balance, a light spray now and then should keeps the mix moist. this worked great
last year with just foil draped over. This should be more efficient. I just got tired of
messing with three sheets of draped over foil flopping around all the time
Now just to wait with great anticipation!
