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Get Growing: Starting Seeds

by: RiaD

Fri Mar 11, 2011 at 10:00:00 AM EST

_{originally posted 16.2.10}

a quick photo essay on seed starting....
(these pictures will open in another window if you'd like to view full size)

i finally got a seed heat mat (that's it on the left)
and a seed tray w/humidity cover...
well actually i got 2.

for years i just cut toilet paper rolls in half (paper towel rolls in 4)
cut 4 slits in their ends & fold up like a box....
it's been 13 yrs since i've started seeds. i hope this works!

RiaD :: Get Growing: Starting Seeds

i got my tray & insert

put them together

and filled with dirt

then i banged it gently on the table to settle in the seedling mix(dirt),
(like you do a cake)

planted the seeds & just barely covered
w/more seedling mix...& sprayed it down with a spray bottle.
i put on the covers & plugged in the heat mats

in a couple hours they looked like this:

in 4 days they look like this:
(that is red cabbage in the foreground that looks like grey sticks)

not as many came up as i'd like but i'm using old seed.

on the right side you can see milk cartons (well OJ really)
cut in half & covered w/cling wrap. these have leeks planted in.
they are not up yet.

*update 16.2.10
as the new blog was being born the poor wee seedlings have suffered :(
also- i need to set up a fluorescent light just above the seed trays. window light is NOT enough!

update 11.3.11
as usual i'm late again this year. mrD bought onions, cabbage, broccoli & brussel sprouts sets and planted them out. he also planted peas, spinach & lettuce seeds.
the peas are coming up!
last year mrD bought a wire shelf thing & several fluorescents on sale.
he's got those on chains so the lights can be raised as plants grow.
i'm hoping to start tomato seed next week.

be sure to see all the posts in this series for more info!

Tags: seed starting, gardening, Get Growing, (All Tags)

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Get Growing: Starting Seeds | 25 comments

good morning how r u....... (15.40 / 5)

by: theevolutionarysieve @ Fri Mar 11, 2011 at 15:47:38 PM UTC

too tooooo (14.75 / 4)

busy!

& you...?

(^.^)

"Indeed, if a poor man will spend a year in prison for stealing out of hunger,
how high would the gallows need to be to hang the rich man?"
~The Patrician in 'Snuff' by Terry Pratchett

by: RiaD @ Fri Mar 11, 2011 at 18:02:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

well ty...... (13.33 / 3)

hope busy is a vgood thing for u........

just watching the world spin round......

buildin up my solar in my little ark.....

fishin everyday and walking everyday........

by: theevolutionarysieve @ Fri Mar 11, 2011 at 18:13:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I didn't (15.00 / 4)

have enough sunlight last year either and the first ones died. So I bought 3 grow lights for my pole lamp and that worked well on the second batch and for each batch of wheat grass I grew for the piggys. One of the grow lights already burned out :( so this year I will just be using the two little grow bulbs and moving them some through the day or daily to cover the whole tray.

by: Alma @ Fri Mar 11, 2011 at 17:04:51 PM UTC

I have had mixed results (15.00 / 3)

starting seeds. Since it remains "iffy" here about frost until early May, I find it more cost effective just to buy tender plants, like tomatoes and peppers, at a locally owned nursery. Whilst I do not have a full set of statistics from last year, by the time that I bought the starter trays, the soil mix, and so forth, I had spent more that I finally ended up doing by going to the nursery and buying plants ready to put into the garden.

I do not mean to indicate that starting your own seeds is not a good thing to do, but in my particular situation it is not cost effective. Part of the problem is that I am so cheap that I will not keep my house over 54 degrees in the winter and early spring (I wear lots of layers), so even if using a heat pad under them, the ambient air is still pretty cool.

The other problem is that my seedlings are often "leggy". I suppose a good grow lamp would eliminate that, but that is another capital cost. For me, at least, I am just better off buying ready to plant ones from the nursery, except for the warm weather seeds, like okra, squash, and the like, that I just plant directly into the garden.

Please do not get me wrong! If it works for you, and is cost effective, by all means sprout you own! It is just not the best approach for my situation. I love to write about gardening, and if there is room here for me to add a piece now and then, I would enjoy making contributions. It is almost time to till, although I got two inches of snow last night!

Warmest regards,

Doc

I would rather die from the acute effects of a broken heart than from the chronic effects of an empty heart. Copyright, Dr. David W. Smith, 2011

by: Translator aka Dr. David W. Smith @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 03:49:53 AM UTC

Oh, by the way, (15.00 / 3)

how do I tip and rec your post? The way to do it with the comments is pretty straightforward, but it is not obvious how to give your original a tip and a rec.

Warmest regards,

Doc

I would rather die from the acute effects of a broken heart than from the chronic effects of an empty heart. Copyright, Dr. David W. Smith, 2011

by: Translator aka Dr. David W. Smith @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 03:52:47 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I just figured out the rec thing, (16.00 / 4)

but I do have a suggestion. The tips are too complex. I have always thought that only four were too few, but 16 are too many, and the labels are not that clear. Besides, if I were still married and used your most favorable one, I might have a lot of explaining to do.

I do not intend this to sound mean or anything. We are friends, and as one to another, I just want to provide suggestions that might be of interest to you to improve your already excellent site.

Warmest regards,

Doc

I would rather die from the acute effects of a broken heart than from the chronic effects of an empty heart. Copyright, Dr. David W. Smith, 2011

by: Translator aka Dr. David W. Smith @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 03:57:22 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

LOL (16.00 / 4)

I love you, Doc.

And I'm straight and married. ;-)

by: Timbuk3 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 04:46:58 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

What else can I say (15.00 / 4)

in reply?

I used to be married, for over 31 years, and still love her more than myself. But circumstances have changed, so we are no longer legally married, but in my soul I am more married to her now than when it was legal. I will never marry again. Once is enough, and even with all of the roller coaster parts of it, I would never choose a different mate for myself. We raised some pretty awesome children, too!

Warmest regards, and love,

Doc

I would rather die from the acute effects of a broken heart than from the chronic effects of an empty heart. Copyright, Dr. David W. Smith, 2011

by: Translator aka Dr. David W. Smith @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:18:17 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

There's nothing else TO say (15.00 / 3)

...unless, of course, you WANT to say something else. ;-)

I just wanted to point out that "love for your fellow human" isn't a bad thing. It may be, when you think about it, the defining difference between a "liberal" and a teabagger/conservative/republican; the capacity to care for someone other than yourself.

Glad your kids turned out OK. There are plenty of people who can't say that. Sometimes in spite of their best efforts.

I have two kids and two step-kids who I'm happy for, as well. I'd like to think I helped them find a good attitude towards life, but in the end they did it all themselves and I'm happy for them.

The step-daughter and her husband are coming to visit the end of the month. That'll be a hoot, but I wish I could find a way to convince people who come to visit me that DC is WAY cooler than NYC. A week in NYC and I'd be bored. A month in DC and I'd be wishing I had a little more time to do the rest of it. Yet, everyone who comes to visit us in DE wants to go to "the new Rome". Go figure.

If that's confusing, I have a house in DE and and apartment in DC. I've been to NYC plenty of times, and once you've done times square, central park, rockefeller center, and the former WTC site you've seen enough. In DC, you've got 20-some Smithsonian museums, the national zoo, the mall and monuments and cherry blossoms, Mount Vernon, the great falls of the Potomac, the holocaust museum, the fantastic restaurants on King street in Alexandria...

Hmmmm...

I'm a pretty happy, if busy, guy.

Just know that you're loved, Doc. It may not be much, but it helps sometimes.

by: Timbuk3 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:46:36 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yeah (1.00 / 2)

and my hubby tried to get in all of DC in 2 days. All of the monuments, Arlington and all the museums. Me and the kids were practically running to keep up with him. I wish we would have made it back to have time to really see everything before he became disabled. Now it would take us months with how slowly he moves. I so miss having to run to keep up with him.

by: Alma @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:58:11 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Alma (16.00 / 3)

I was about to put a mmgmphhaha! rating on your post because of the "tried to get in all of DC in 2 days" bit. Then I read the rest.

This breaks my heart: "I so miss having to run to keep up with him."

I sincerely hope he still has the "tried to get in all of DC in 2 days" attitude.

If you ever want to come back, you know how to get ahold of me. I can, for example, help get him to the Potamac 5 blocks from my apartment. You can see the capital from there. I hope to watch the cherry blossom fireworks from there, then walk my wife an step-daughter home for some conversation and "snacks".

Don't think I'm bull-shitting. I can't help you get there, but I'd have a great time showing you around. And I understand the frustration of a handicap. My own aren't obvious, but I'm far from perfect.

by: Timbuk3 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 06:05:53 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

The mmgmphhaha (16.00 / 3)

would have fit that trip well!

He still has that attitude and would try to do it. And I would too if I could get him to use a wheelchair or even a walker with a seat for something like that. But he'll only use his cane and he couldn't even make it across a street before the light would change on him. Then he has the problem of falling down or almost falling down all the time.

We went to the Henry Ford Village a few times after he first became disabled. I had to catch him several times and since he's over double my weight and my back isn't exactly in one piece it wasn't good. He was still having bouncing fits often then(kind of whole body muscle spasms, epileptic seizures have been ruled out) and he had a few of those while we were there too. Over exertion that exacerbates his pain seems to bring them on.

But last summer he found out he could still ride his bike so he was riding 10-20 miles with his brother most evenings. :) To bad they don't allow bikes in museums.

by: Alma @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 06:24:22 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

We love (15.00 / 4)

gardening posts here. So any and all are welcomed.

by: Alma @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 04:56:06 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

And (14.00 / 4)

We love Alma 'round here. ;-)

In a more serious vein, I really do enjoy the gardening posts, and it's that time of year again.

RiaD's made me realize I need to get some seedlings started. I LOVE doing that stuff. You put this little thing into some dirt, and a few months later you're eating this DELICIOUS fruit (tomato) or vegetable.

Man, BLTs and sweet corn is a freakin' MEAL in the summer!

by: Timbuk3 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:12:11 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Of all of the vegetables, tomatoes (14.50 / 4)

and okra seem to be the most prolific. I can tomatoes every season, but okra does not preserve well unless you blanch it very fast, after slicing and then bread and flash freeze it. Not that easy at home.

Warmest regards,

Doc

I would rather die from the acute effects of a broken heart than from the chronic effects of an empty heart. Copyright, Dr. David W. Smith, 2011

by: Translator aka Dr. David W. Smith @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:20:25 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

If I coud only grow one thing (10.67 / 3)

...it would be tomatoes.

Summertime BLTs ~~give me an erection~~ make my day. ;-)

by: Timbuk3 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:48:30 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I don't know whether (7.67 / 3)

it's true...but a few years ago I read that tomato plants are perennials...just not in our climate. Up here, they're annuals.

Do you know, sweetie, whether that info is correct?

English usage is sometimes more than mere taste, judgment and education - sometimes it's sheer luck, like getting across the street.
E. B. White

by: Youffraita @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 09:38:20 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

logically (15.00 / 2)

that seems like it would be correct.
i know you can get a tomato stalk from a plant in the garden in october, stick in some dirt & bring it inside for the winter, have fresh maters long about december/january....
seems like theyd be year-round &/or perennial in warmer climes

"Indeed, if a poor man will spend a year in prison for stealing out of hunger,
how high would the gallows need to be to hang the rich man?"
~The Patrician in 'Snuff' by Terry Pratchett

by: RiaD @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 13:09:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I've still (15.00 / 3)

got a few weeks to wait until I start my seedlings. Spring doesn't come early around here. I can't transplant them outside until early May. But thats okay it gives me time to look up Rias post from last year on making pots out of newspapers that you can just plant in the ground when the time comes. I just love recycling. :)

by: Alma @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:50:28 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Would you do me a favor (14.00 / 3)

...and post the link to that (Rias post from last year on making pots out of newspapers that you can just plant in the ground when the time comes.)?

I didn't see it the first time, and I'd be interested in trying it.

BTW, I transport my recycling 100 miles, but have found a local recycling site and will do that more, soon. Throwing things away is a waste when you can find a way to re-use them.

by: Timbuk3 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 05:55:46 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Here you go (10.00 / 3)

It was a comment in her post on growing peppers.
http://firefly-dreaming.com/sh...

by: Alma @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 06:06:22 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Gah! Darlin' it is SO (14.67 / 3)

wonderful to see you around again.

Sweetie, don't scare us like that again! Take care of your eyes, dammit! I've been wearing glasses probably as long as you have: if you can't see, it SUX! BIG-TIME!

English usage is sometimes more than mere taste, judgment and education - sometimes it's sheer luck, like getting across the street.
E. B. White

by: Youffraita @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 09:46:05 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

It especially sucks (15.00 / 1)

when you're addicted to the computer... and its sitting right there...and you know you can't use it. :(

I've really missed you Youff and I've thought about you every day.

Is Una Spenser at dkos someone you usually follow? I have a friend from the Election Diary Rescue that wrote me that she is collaborating with Una on Egypt and the Region daily diaries. When I read that name I thought I remembered you posting links to some of Unas stuff.

by: Alma @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 23:56:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

heh (15.00 / 2)

i was very confused. making pots from newspaper? wtf is alma talking about?
then i followed your link. i don't even remember making that comment..

for plants susceptable to cut wurm i like to plant in toilet-paper/paper-towel rolls. the cardboard acts as a collar keeping your plants safe (make sure cardboard is 1-2" above soil line)
for those of you just finding this idea & wanting to use it this year- ask at a busy restaurant or gas station for them to save toilet-rolls... & go back every other day to collect them to show you're really interested in collecting these.

"Indeed, if a poor man will spend a year in prison for stealing out of hunger,
how high would the gallows need to be to hang the rich man?"
~The Patrician in 'Snuff' by Terry Pratchett

by: RiaD @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 13:19:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Get Growing: Starting Seeds | 25 comments

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