So I've never done a grow log, but this is my third consecutive growing season (chiles and other veggies), and I'm not really sure how many overall.
It's becoming a Christmas tradition for me to start seeds after all the hubbub has died down. Usually the 26th or 27th. Probably will be both earlier and later this time 'round.
I've got a very basic germination setup that consists of two 6' 2x4 square frames and some cross bracing, plus plywood for the trays. Each 'rack' (there are two) can hold three 48" fluorescent rigs with one grow light and one 'sunlight' spectrum light. I'll post pictures when able.
This time, I've been relegated to the back office at work, having been banned from gardening activities inside my own home. It sounds ominous, doesn't it? Mainly just because we're at kid #2 as of a few weeks back, and we're out of spare rooms. We need to move, but the school district is too good, and I digress...
Anyway, I'm sorting my final grow lists out and I'll continue to post here and solicit advice (which I continue to need plenty of) as I go along. My intent is to start between 360-450 seedlings of various kinds, assess the non-germs and attrition rate in late February, and then sell off or give away any excesses.
My tomatoes are set. I'm growing JD's Special C-Tex, Porter, Sungold, and Cherokee Purple.
I'll also germinate some greens (kale and chard) and some herbs (borage, basil).
But mostly, it'll be peppers.
I also aim to do a lazily controlled experiment to compare germination rates and growth rates between starter media, including PET-based cubes, bark-based cubes (Root Riot), rockwool, and two types of potting soil.
I'm excited about starting up again, and it's weird to still have fruit ripening outside right now when while I'll have starts going again. Last year, we got hit hard on 12/6. This year, we haven't had a nasty freeze yet. Just a few light ones, and most of my 2010 stock in pots is doing just fine.
That's all for now...
It's becoming a Christmas tradition for me to start seeds after all the hubbub has died down. Usually the 26th or 27th. Probably will be both earlier and later this time 'round.
I've got a very basic germination setup that consists of two 6' 2x4 square frames and some cross bracing, plus plywood for the trays. Each 'rack' (there are two) can hold three 48" fluorescent rigs with one grow light and one 'sunlight' spectrum light. I'll post pictures when able.
This time, I've been relegated to the back office at work, having been banned from gardening activities inside my own home. It sounds ominous, doesn't it? Mainly just because we're at kid #2 as of a few weeks back, and we're out of spare rooms. We need to move, but the school district is too good, and I digress...
Anyway, I'm sorting my final grow lists out and I'll continue to post here and solicit advice (which I continue to need plenty of) as I go along. My intent is to start between 360-450 seedlings of various kinds, assess the non-germs and attrition rate in late February, and then sell off or give away any excesses.
My tomatoes are set. I'm growing JD's Special C-Tex, Porter, Sungold, and Cherokee Purple.
I'll also germinate some greens (kale and chard) and some herbs (borage, basil).
But mostly, it'll be peppers.
I also aim to do a lazily controlled experiment to compare germination rates and growth rates between starter media, including PET-based cubes, bark-based cubes (Root Riot), rockwool, and two types of potting soil.
I'm excited about starting up again, and it's weird to still have fruit ripening outside right now when while I'll have starts going again. Last year, we got hit hard on 12/6. This year, we haven't had a nasty freeze yet. Just a few light ones, and most of my 2010 stock in pots is doing just fine.
That's all for now...
