It is what it is 2023

Under extreme pressure from my peers I am reluctantly starting my 2023 glog
Haven't actually planted any seeds yet, but it won't be long before I succumb to the gentle scent of compost, the lure of germination and the excitement of seeing a sprout
I am, however, cleaning all my plant tags if that's not commitment I don't know what is

 

[Tinkerbelle]

I am amazed at how fast the Sugar Rush Stripey's are coming up. Soaked for a couple of days, then into soil and they're showing already.
No wonder they're called "Rush"

 

[Tinkerbelle]

So things I have learnt - it's a learning curve as always

Mistake - Bought the wrong lights - lights are set into the top of the propagator so they can't be lowered but we might have a work around this.
Therefore my first seedlings are a tad spindly. But that's OK, they'll make it or they won't.

Don't have a fan so I'm wafting seedlings with a tea-towel every now and again, it'll help or not.

Knowledge - Soaking seeds in warm tea germinate quicker than in water, although they're happy to be left 2 or 3 days if I don't get around to potting them.

Not sure about starting seeds off so early, last year I didn't start superhots until June and I still got a reasonable harvest. So maybe I'm being premature this year - that learning curve again.

First proper year using the heat mat and this makes a huge difference for germination.

That's it so far.

 

[Ratatouille]

The Tea Towel Method had me laughing. I sometimes use the Waving Hand Technique, it's similar I believe.

 

[Tinkerbelle]

the tea towel method is easier than blowing on them

 

[Simcows]

I set up my air purifier next to them for the same effect. I had it anyway and didn't want to invest in a fan. Tea towel is a good thought!

 

[PaulG]

Can you put the new starts on blocks to get them closer
to the lights?

 

[Tinkerbelle]

Hey Paul, how are you doing? Started getting those fingers into the soil yet?

We think we might have a work around, involving a wooden spindle and a couple of clips - it's yet to be tested.
Saying that the seedlings spent the day in the greenhouse having some sunshine, they seem to be doing OK - I can see a few with true leaves starting to form so they're not missing out that much

 

[Tinkerbelle]

The first batch - already grown up, left home and living in the greenhouse

The new batch just potted on - these are either boquinhos or habanadas - can't remember which order I photographed them in, I mean babies all look the same don't they?

 

[Ratatouille]

Look at the baby in the middle picture, throwing its hands up in the air. That one is feisty for sure.

 

[Tinkerbelle]

god I'm shit at photography

 

[Tinkerbelle]

promise I'll take better ones tomorrow

 

[thoroughburro]

Can’t properly grow them without becoming a botanist; can’t properly show them without becoming a studio photographer! I can relate!

 

[Tinkerbelle]

taa daa!

 

[PaulG]

On the way now, Tink!

 

[Tinkerbelle]

@PaulG your Trippaul Threat is in there somewhere - ah yes, 2nd in from the back on the right, baby Trippaul

 

[PaulG]

@PaulG your Trippaul Threat is in there somewhere - ah yes, 2nd in from the back on the right, baby Trippaul

Awesome to hear that, I hope they do well for you!

 

[Tinkerbelle]

Huzzah - I got a Papa Dreadie coming up - seeds were from the Seed Train, unfortunately no name on the bag but thank you whoever put them in

ETA1 - It took 2 weeks to get this sprout meanwhile no show of the Rocoto - little basterd

ETA2 - On the next round of rocoto seeds I'm going to soak it in lemon juice - found this information: "We have had the best experience with Rocoto seeds with the juice of a lemon diluted with water." I'm going to get a rocoto to sprout if it kills me

 

[PaulG]

Sorry to hear about your rocoto seed problems.
Maybe vary the temps on the cooler side a tad.

 

[Tinkerbelle]

Sorry to hear about your rocoto seed problems.
Maybe vary the temps on the cooler side a tad.

@PaulG What kind of temperature suits the Rocoto?

 

[PaulG]

@PaulG What kind of temperature suits the Rocoto?

In our climate they seem to prefer temps on
the cooler side. Once they grow out set of
true leaves I put them under less bright lights.
They do well under my T12 shop lights rather
than the T5HO lights.