Time for a new glog!
Last year's grow went okay. It could have been better, but I'll take what I learned and try to improve.
In particular, a number of varieties from one specific vendor all failed to germinate or failed really quickly after germination. Before I realized they were specific to one vendor, I started looking for a better heat mat and fan.
My brother gifted me what seems like a much better heat mat and a much better fan, so I'm hopeful that'll help all the seeds/seedlings do better this year. Not necessarily top of the line, but better than what I was working with. Next up, I think I need to upgrade my lights. I'm using some SANSI bulbs that have been good, but I've got my eye on this panel. And I'd like to think about some possible soil improvements.
(None of these are affiliate links, they're just meant to be helpful to other growers that might be interested. If it's better not to include links, @The Hot Pepper, let me know!)
I still don't know how many plants or what varieties I'll be growing, but I know I'll likely rely less on bags and expand the area I use in the berm along the west side of the house. I also plan to focus mostly on chinense and pubescens, though an annuum or baccatum or two will likely get into the mix.
But to kick things off, here's a blossom on an Aji Ayuyo, seeds courtesy of @CaneDog. I started six different winter plants in 8-inch pots just to keep things interesting while it's cold: two of the Ayuyo, Jigsaw from Baker Creek, KSLS from Peter Stanley, Olho de Mutum from @TexasHotPeppers, and Olho Peixe White from @mattspeppers. A couple of these will stay inside come spring, and a couple might get planted out.
So, that's the start for this next glog. Best of luck to the rest of you this season!
Last year's grow went okay. It could have been better, but I'll take what I learned and try to improve.
In particular, a number of varieties from one specific vendor all failed to germinate or failed really quickly after germination. Before I realized they were specific to one vendor, I started looking for a better heat mat and fan.
My brother gifted me what seems like a much better heat mat and a much better fan, so I'm hopeful that'll help all the seeds/seedlings do better this year. Not necessarily top of the line, but better than what I was working with. Next up, I think I need to upgrade my lights. I'm using some SANSI bulbs that have been good, but I've got my eye on this panel. And I'd like to think about some possible soil improvements.
(None of these are affiliate links, they're just meant to be helpful to other growers that might be interested. If it's better not to include links, @The Hot Pepper, let me know!)
I still don't know how many plants or what varieties I'll be growing, but I know I'll likely rely less on bags and expand the area I use in the berm along the west side of the house. I also plan to focus mostly on chinense and pubescens, though an annuum or baccatum or two will likely get into the mix.
But to kick things off, here's a blossom on an Aji Ayuyo, seeds courtesy of @CaneDog. I started six different winter plants in 8-inch pots just to keep things interesting while it's cold: two of the Ayuyo, Jigsaw from Baker Creek, KSLS from Peter Stanley, Olho de Mutum from @TexasHotPeppers, and Olho Peixe White from @mattspeppers. A couple of these will stay inside come spring, and a couple might get planted out.
So, that's the start for this next glog. Best of luck to the rest of you this season!
. You're lucky it's still early so that you can restart.