RE: [CH] V7 #298 When to start seedlings?
Boulden, Randy (RBoulden@natco-us.com)
Thu, 8 Feb 2001 09:20:48 -0600
I have a similar setup. Mine consists of 3 pieces of plywood 12 in. by 6
ft. each with a 4 ft. 2 bulb shop light attached to the center. I line up
sets of bricks 3 high and place the lights on the bricks. The back of the
setup is against a wall. The front has another piece of plywood to seal in
the warmth created by the lights. I have done this 3 years in a row with
great success. Very little to no damping off. My Bird's Eye pepper seeds
came up after 4 days. As the seedlings grow, use pieces of 1 x 4 to raise
the lights.
> ----------
> From: Cameron Begg[SMTP:begg.4@osu.edu]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 7:51 AM
> To: chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> Subject: Re: [CH] V7 #298 When to start seedlings?
>
> Hi CH's,
>
> A few people seem concerned with this, so here are my thoughts from N.
> America.
>
> 1 - You should not start seeds more than 6 weeks prior to the last
> probable day for frost in your area if you plan to plant them
> outside. Even then, the plants will not perform well until the soil
> has warmed up.
>
> 2 - If you are going to keep them in pots, at least until the soil is
> warmed, you might think of starting the seeds a couple of weeks
> earlier and shuttling them in and outside when the weather permits.
>
> 3 - Sufficient indoor lighting is a consideration. The closer you can
> get them to fluorescent light tubes for 12h per day the better. I use
> a light fitting that takes four 4' tubes. It is raised on wood blocks
> as the plants grow and the starter trays slide in and out for
> watering. A mixture of warm white and cool white tubes is as good as
> expensive "Growlux" tubes.
>
> 4 - Use only water and a sterile seed starting mixture. Just cover
> the seeds and water with a mister at first. Germination is much
> improved and hastened by heating (pads) to up to 90degF. Do not apply
> fertiliser of any type until the plants have at least one pair of
> true leaves. (Not the cotyledons or "seed leaves" that come through
> first.) Tomato fertilizer is fine for chiles. Use at the maximum
> dilution in place of straight water.
>
> 5 - Plants need to be blown around a bit to develop strong stems. If
> you have your lights on a timer, consider hooking a fan in there too
> to create a gentle breeze. Remember that this will greatly increase
> water use.
>
> 6 - Other stuff I've forgotten, but I'm sure the other CH's will
> offer plenty of advice. Also check out the archives:
> Back issues of the Digest are available at:
> http://chileheads.netimages.com/archives.html
>
> --
> ---
> Regards, Cameron.
>