We don't have anything fancy for starting seeds. We have a starter tray place on a wire shelf that is located by a heat vent. This keeps the soil warm and encourages germination. The lid is kept on to keep the humidity high.
Once the pale, white stems of the fragile sprouts show themselves, the lid is removed and a plant light is placed on them for 8 hours a day.
We have our onions, broccoli, lettuce, kale, and thyme started from February.
Around mid March I plan on sowing peas and radishes directly into the garden and we will transplant the broccoli, lettuce, and kale to the garden. At the end of March we will start our Pumpkin and cucumbers indoors.
I'm really excited about our garden this year. Even if it's not a success, it is certainly fun to try.
Great idea about the heating vent!
ReplyDeleteThe only mistake was that I put the light too far above the seedlings. Apparently it should only be about an inch above...so all my lettuce and broccoli is "leggy" meaning the stems are too long. Trial and error.
Deletei need to get started on my garden! any tips for a first time gardener?
ReplyDeleteI'm a beginner too! It's trial and error. We have a pretty mature herb garden. Herbs are very forgiving, especially sage, mint, & lemon balm. You will learn as you grow. Happy gardening!
DeleteGoing into my second growing season, found its all trial and error like you say! Nothing tastes as good as home grown x
ReplyDeleteI actually had to restart these. I was using "Plant" lights which ended up making my seedlings leggy and then frying them. Apparently you should only use fluorescent lights that should be placed an inch or two above seedlings at all times. I'm up for the challenge though.
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