This year we have big gardening plans. This coming weekend, weather permitting, we are going to build some raised garden beds. I've ordered a variety of seeds to plant in our new garden but some of them have to be started indoors. I haven't had much success starting seeds indoor. The one time I tried, the soil got mouldy (too much water?) and the plants were too spindly (not enough light?) and eventually my seedlings rotted away.
I did some research before starting seeds indoors again and decided to try some new things. I purchased a PotMaker so that I could make environmentally friendly seedling pots that will eventually decompose in the ground. It does take more time to assemble than using plastic, peat or coir pots but it was a process that my children enjoyed being part of.
Another investment I made for starting my seeds were heating mats and a thermostat. Some seeds need consistent warm soil to germinate and my house isn't always that warm especially at night. The hope is that the heating mats will help the pepper and tomato seeds to germinate more quickly and consistently. A little trick I learned with the heating mats is that if you plug them into an extension cord and then plug the extension cord into the thermostat you only need one thermostat. This might be an obvious tip but it didn't occur to me that this could be done until someone suggested it.
When was planting the seeds into the paper pots I used some seed starting soil then attempted to water them just the right amount. Now I just have to wait and seed if they sprout.
I did some research before starting seeds indoors again and decided to try some new things. I purchased a PotMaker so that I could make environmentally friendly seedling pots that will eventually decompose in the ground. It does take more time to assemble than using plastic, peat or coir pots but it was a process that my children enjoyed being part of.
Another investment I made for starting my seeds were heating mats and a thermostat. Some seeds need consistent warm soil to germinate and my house isn't always that warm especially at night. The hope is that the heating mats will help the pepper and tomato seeds to germinate more quickly and consistently. A little trick I learned with the heating mats is that if you plug them into an extension cord and then plug the extension cord into the thermostat you only need one thermostat. This might be an obvious tip but it didn't occur to me that this could be done until someone suggested it.
When was planting the seeds into the paper pots I used some seed starting soil then attempted to water them just the right amount. Now I just have to wait and seed if they sprout.
Linking to Barn Hop.
I have also started growing a few plants inside, with about 60% so far. All my sunflowers are growing as well as my peas, but no such luck with my zuchinni, tomatoes, parsley and basil. I guess I just have to keep on watering and waiting :) I got E to help me with planting too, who knew that planting seeds would be so much fun! I can't wait to hear how your seedlings are doing. I think I'm more nervous for the day I set everything in the actual garden! Happy planting :)
ReplyDeleteCindy
How wonderful Cindy! Planting seeds is such a magical and special moment for children to take part in. Happy gardening to you too!
DeleteI hope you have great luck! I have (had?) high hopes for starting my seedlings, but we still have about 2 feet of snow, and they tell me winter isn't ready to let go yet :( . Might be awhile before I can plant the seeds. Last year my sunflowers were my most encouraging seeds. They grew so quickly and happily!
ReplyDeleteI hope to plant some sunflowers too. My son is especially keen on growing giant sunflowers.
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