Starting Seeds Soon
Return to DiscussionsI was at Wal-Mart today getting dog food and fighting the ice when I saw that they had the seed starting mix and the seeds out. How exciting. It was like a breath of Spring. I got some seeds, even though I may already have enough. Time to plant soon. BTW, this is not the same feeling I had when Wal-Mart started Christmas in September.
Greetings,
Friday, I am adding another layer to my raised bed greenhouse. With my collection of cardboard egg cartons as my seed starters I should have a good start.
I do have a concern with the next frost, but I think a U shape 2" PVC filled with old school Christmas lights should keep the seeds warm long enough to gain some sprouts in a few weeks or so.
Looking forward to Spring - Considering grow lights (low-power)
Cheers
Lastweekend I put in some pole bean seeds in a protected area and expect them to germinate in 2 weeks. I may cover the sprouts with some pine straw to help keep the frost off if it gets that cold here. I also put in some wildflower seeds - spurred snapdragons - that should be ground seeded in January. They are a hardy flower and the cold will not bother them. Admittedly, living in Florida does have its planting advantages. Other seeds and plants will wait until the last frost.
Lastweekend I put in some pole bean seeds in a protected area and expect them to germinate in 2 weeks. I may cover the sprouts with some pine straw to help keep the frost off if it gets that cold here. I also put in some wildflower seeds - spurred snapdragons - that should be ground seeded in January. They are a hardy flower and the cold will not bother them. Admittedly, living in Florida does have its planting advantages. Other seeds and plants will wait until the last frost.
Last frost in FL, What is that, Feb 1? ;-)
I was at Wal-Mart today getting dog food and fighting the ice when I saw that they had the seed starting mix and the seeds out. How exciting. It was like a breath of Spring. I got some seeds, even though I may already have enough. Time to plant soon. BTW, this is not the same feeling I had when Wal-Mart started Christmas in September.
Question for you that are better at this than me: I have, until last year, always planted tomatoes and peppers from pre-started plants from the nursery. My first attempt at seed planting those last year was a dismal failure. After reading the instructions, after doing everything possible wrong by not reading the instructions, I tried again with much better results. In the end, I had awesome tomatoes and jalapenos and made a ton of salsa. Any tips from you experts, so I'll get it right the first time this year?
I always start my tomatoes and peppers inside under grow lights. Here are my tips:- use a good quality seed starting mix- make sure the soil is the right temperature for germination (I use a seed mat set at 75 degrees)- once the seeds germinate give them lots of light (I use fluorescent or LED grow lights set only two inches above the seedlings and on for 18 hours a day)