This is a new adventure for me. a search of the Web indicates several approaches to this, each with pro’s and con’s.
I1) it seems to me that bio-degradable starter-trays with dome, bottom-watering tray and heating pad would create the best conditions for fast, vigorous germination. on the other hand, these kits get mixed reviews. Many customers say the medium – pellet, coir, plug, what have you – does not engender strong roots or plants, and often nothing at all.
Also, some say that as the seedlings are developing, the peat pots quickly become moldy, which is not desirable.
Once set in a permanent location, the bio-degradable containers, it would seem to me, would slow root development – in the sense that the small pots have to have time to decompose.
On the other hand, removing plants from plastic trays is difficult and often destroys the root system.
2) then there is the common sense, obvious alternative of starting the seed directly in its permanent containter. but this lacks the advantage of a heating pad, plastic dome and bottom watering tray. there will be fluorescent lights immediately overhead within a few inches.
After reading everything on the Web, all equally hyped by merchandisers, I’m sorta’ befuddled. I’m really looking for personal, hands-on experience to give reliable answers. no guesses, or mere speculation, please.
What has worked well for YOU? What technique are you giving 5 stars?This reply was appreciated, and has spurred me to come-up with a variant that is right for me.
My plan is to use individual, plastic, starter pots, perhaps cut from linked groups. a popular item around my place is pre-washed organic lettuce which comes in transparent, vinyl boxes roughly 8" X 12." a large number have been saved. In one of these the starter pots will be placed, so the larger container may serve for bottom-watering. another of the large, vinyl items will be placed on top as a dome.
As the plants are intended for indoor vegetable-gardening – a new venture for me – I am intent on generating as many positive factors as possible.
The warmth of a heating mat placed beneath this arrangement will encourage speedy germination. Seed will be soaked overnight to initiate growth before planting, with a single seed placed in each starter. This technique eliminates the need for "pricking out" and allows minimal root disturbance in transplanting.
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Filed under: Indoor Gardening
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For indoor container gardening, what is the best, sure-fire method for seed-starting you have found?
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"Scientist" and "demonize" are oxymorons. "Common sense" has nothing to do with logic. It is more innate, like instinct.
The cat will be fine without any heating pads, etc. However, it also isn't going to make him sick to go from warm to cold.