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seeds A few question relating to growing seeds

So as you guys probably now i am getting into growing chillies. I have got some seeds of ebay unknown (stupid me), a few i already had (2x), yates thai chilli and the 20 variety that Nova has so kindly offered me.

I also am going to pickup mypots today. These are black plastic 20cm x 19cm lenth and 25cm x 17cm length. I am hopinh these are big enough sizes to start of. If need be i might transfer into bigger pots later on.

I have been reading about DWC, mist, air pots etc and the information just went over my head. I am planning on currently growing the old fashion way.

1. Should i mix the potting mix with manure and if so what ratio. Any other liquid fertiliser i can use and how frequently.
2. Can i keep the pots outside under a pergola with full sunlight or should i keep it under direct sunlight.
3. How deep to plant the seeds and how much to cover the seeds. How often to water the seeds.
4. Are there any particular variety that i might have to start indoors and if so on the window seal or away from sunlight.

I know these are some very simple questions but will allow me to maximise growth from the seedlings. Feel free to give me any other information.
 
I'm still pretty much a noob also, but from my limited experience in growing and tons of experience in trolling the forums I'll give my two cents.

1. Mix if you want, but it isn't necessary. The true greats at growing here will recommend otherwise, but potting soil can suffice with the proper nutes. As for liquid ferts- use a diluted solution. I think about 1/4 strength is recommended, eveln less for young plants, none at all until first true leaves. Excellent thread for choosing your soil. http://www.thehotpepper.com/topic/10245-all-about-soil-a-great-resource-i-thought-i-would-share/
2. Listen to the plants. Generally the more the better, but if they're started indoors they have to be hardend (sp?) first. Also, if they're potted you have to make sure their pots don't get too hot and burn the roots.
3. Just barely cover the seeds. 1/4 in. or less. Too deep and they can't make it to the surface, too shallow and they won't lose their shell. A lot of people prefer a coffee filter method or a wet paper towel.
4. Generally the super hots take longer, so if you're wanting a lot of them start them early (late December- Jan.). They should all be able to handle a window sill as long as they don't get too warm or dry.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the information here. Rather than just browse the boards, look for the answer to a specific question, that helped me alot...
 
AlabamaJack wrote a fantastic primer on how to start seeds. It was on his Facebook page but he seems to have taken it down. Maybe he will post it here if he reads this. I used it as a guide last season and it worked great.
 
I bought some potting mix today which the guy said has 25% manure, mulch etc etc. Nice fine looking stuff. Also got my pots which are great quality. But i am not feeling much happy. As i drove to the wholesalers i saw a huge huge recycling bin full of brand new plant pots. Thousands probably. Many sizes and colours. I so wanted to ask if i could take them but unfortunately i left it cos i felt so cheap. And now i've probably kicked myself several times. Dam sometimes i wish i would ask.
 
Over the last year I have been playing with different soils, peat, coconut coir, “triple mix” and so far nothing has worked as well as pepper Joe’s dirt mix witch has compost (mushroom compost) and cow manure but also pearlite or vermiculite, hay/straw and very fine pine wood mulch (maybe some sulfur or Epsom salt). I will try and figure out the best amount later on. When using coconut coir it’s best to have some dirt near the bottom of the pot… :welcome:
 
Over the last year I have been playing with different soils, peat, coconut coir, “triple mix” and so far nothing has worked as well as pepper Joe’s dirt mix witch has compost (mushroom compost) and cow manure but also pearlite or vermiculite, hay/straw and very fine pine wood mulch (maybe some sulfur or Epsom salt). I will try and figure out the best amount later on. When using coconut coir it’s best to have some dirt near the bottom of the pot… :welcome:

Hey Tyler,

That's great that combo worked out for you, I'd still be leary to bringing ANY type of "compost or dirt" indoors.
You're always taking a big chance when doing so.......you very well might end up fighting off those "flying little bastards" and other crawling pests.

just my opinion,

Greg
 
AlabamaJack wrote a fantastic primer on how to start seeds. It was on his Facebook page but he seems to have taken it down. Maybe he will post it here if he reads this. I used it as a guide last season and it worked great.

I don't know where it went...and I spent a lot of time writing that...dang Facebook...
 
Noob planter can only answer you this.

1. Should i mix the potting mix with manure and if so what ratio. Any other liquid fertiliser i can use and how frequently.
For germination use very light and porous soil (use cloth or container), i use no fert until they sprout, very weak fertilizer after they sprout (2week'ish sprout) once a week interval.

2. Can i keep the pots outside under a pergola with full sunlight or should i keep it under direct sunlight.
I wont recomend that, to much sunlight will burn them, under the shade should do, or keep them indoor with cfl for couple of week and harden them for a week or more.

3. How deep to plant the seeds and how much to cover the seeds. How often to water the seeds.
about 3-5 cm is enough. when you see them dry

"It's all about doing and googling"
 
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