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seeds Starting seeds..

So I've always used the paper towel and ziplock bag method when starting seeds but ever since I've been starting to get into the hotter variety of peppers the seeds have just been rotting in the bag since it takes them close to a whole month to sprout. So my question here is what method do you use to start seeds and why do you think it's best?
 
 
P.s The reason why I don't just put seeds in the soil in my garden beds is because I have cats.. Cats that like to dig up everything in their path when it comes to my garden. So I'm stuck with starting seeds indoors. I've been considering putting some sort of mesh on top of the garden bed after I put the seeds in the soil. I'll most likely be trying that once I get some extra money to buy some mesh.
 
I Have been using a ziplock container with locking lid. 2" deep x 5" wide x 9" long. Fill full of moist dirt, sow seed's. Place it on a heating pad, and wait. Considering going wth the soil blocking method next year. Mainly for ease of up-potting and less waste.
 
primal13 said:
I Have been using a ziplock container with locking lid. 2" deep x 5" wide x 9" long. Fill full of moist dirt, sow seed's. Place it on a heating pad, and wait. Considering going wth the soil blocking method next year. Mainly for ease of up-potting and less waste.
 
Ooo I like that idea, gonna go ahead and try it thanks!
 
Hotter variety meaning superhot? Those also required a very warm germination bed of 85°-90°. Don't provide that needEd warmth and they will rot.
 
CAPCOM said:
Hotter variety meaning superhot? Those also required a very warm germination bed of 85°-90°. Don't provide that needEd warmth and they will rot.
 
This.  Even with proper temps you are looking between 7-20 days for germination.  My 7-Pot Burgundy and Orange Butch T Scorps were some of the last peppers to pop up in this last round, even with constant temps 80-95 degrees.   7-Pot came up at 13 days, and Scorps came up at 15.    I've had peppers "Surprise" germinate after over a month of being in the soil.  
 
backyardpepper said:
So I've always used the paper towel and ziplock bag method when starting seeds but ever since I've been starting to get into the hotter variety of peppers the seeds have just been rotting in the bag since it takes them close to a whole month to sprout. So my question here is what method do you use to start seeds and why do you think it's best?
 
 
P.s The reason why I don't just put seeds in the soil in my garden beds is because I have cats.. Cats that like to dig up everything in their path when it comes to my garden. So I'm stuck with starting seeds indoors. I've been considering putting some sort of mesh on top of the garden bed after I put the seeds in the soil. I'll most likely be trying that once I get some extra money to buy some mesh.
I don't know, I've been using that method, and it still worked those that took a while, 30+ days. Those didn't show any signs of decay up till that point.  I've had some seeds rot though, but it could have been the seeds were dead? I also soak in a 1/4 strength Chamomile tea solution 12-24 hours beforehand. This helps soften the seed coat, but I think it kills some possible seed pathogens as well.
 
backyardpepper said:
So I've always used the paper towel and ziplock bag method when starting seeds but ever since I've been starting to get into the hotter variety of peppers the seeds have just been rotting in the bag since it takes them close to a whole month to sprout. So my question here is what method do you use to start seeds and why do you think it's best?
 
 
P.s The reason why I don't just put seeds in the soil in my garden beds is because I have cats.. Cats that like to dig up everything in their path when it comes to my garden. So I'm stuck with starting seeds indoors. I've been considering putting some sort of mesh on top of the garden bed after I put the seeds in the soil. I'll most likely be trying that once I get some extra money to buy some mesh.
 
 
I do the same thing with one added measure...
 
I add 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide to the [quart sized] sprayer that I wet the paper towel with. This acts as an antiseptic and can help prevent rot. Also, submersing the seeds in straight H2O2 for ten seconds before putting into the bag can help.
 
 
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Ive always just used potting trays and throw seeds in with very good results.. I would still be using that if i hadnt tried a jiffy dome. I will use a jiffy done every grow now, they work so well its crazy. From my bells to my brown moruga and everything in between
 
50 cell tray with humidity dome, heat mat at ~80°F, coir plugs, two seeds per plug, no special treatment (just drop the seeds in); 90+% of at least one seed per plug germinating.
 
The majority are super hots.
 
You can check my glog, if you are interested.
 
I've tried just about every way, indoors and outdoors. Now I stick to a basic cell-tray, heating mat, seed starting mix (any brand), and do it indoors then transfer to solo cups.
 
LordHill said:
This is exactly what I use. I put them on a heat mat as well. I have always had good success with this method (much better than the paper towel method). I remove the pellets from the dome as they sprout and pop them under lights.
 
P.s The reason why I don't just put seeds in the soil in my garden beds is because I have cats.. Cats that like to dig up everything in their path when it comes to my garden. So I'm stuck with starting seeds indoors.
It would be simple to just relocate those cats... Peppers never gave anyone Toxoplasmosis Gondii...
 
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