Re: [CH] Peat Pellets

Matt Evans (tmattevans@gmail.com)
Sat, 19 Feb 2005 14:58:18 -0500 

Hi, Linda --

I'm planning on finishing in August with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering.
 My specific research deals with the mechanics of soils on the very
small (i.e., particle-level) scale.  I just wish it would help me grow
a better garden....

By the way, I meant to mention this in my last post -- you said you've
been unhappy with your results in starting tomatoes from seed.  I
think that if you use a method similar to what I outlined above, it
might solve your problem.  When I transplant my tomato seedlings from
the small cells to the Solo cups, I put the plant in the cup first
(all the way at the bottom) and then cover it with dirt.  Typically,
only a couple of inches of plant will be sticking out of the soil. 
When I transplant into the garden, I do the same thing, burying the
plant to the level of the lowest leaves.  My plants are consistently
stronger than the ones I buy from the nursery.

Matt


On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 14:44:58 -0500, Linda Panter <lipant@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> Hi Matt... what is your Ph.D in?
> 
> Not starting seeds???  gasp!  You of all people....!!
> 
> 
> Linda
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Matt Evans" <tmattevans@gmail.com>
> To: "Scott" <rooftopvoter@excite.com>
> Cc: <chile-heads@globalgarden.com>
> Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2005 2:30 PM
> Subject: Re: [CH] Peat Pellets
> 
> I use the same cups and have always had good luck.  I typically
> start
> in the 72-cell two-part trays and then transplant into cups when
> the
> seedlings get to be decent size.  The cups then fit back into the
> trays in eight rows of three.  This allows me to continue bottom
> watering after the transplant.
> 
> Matt
> (who's not starting seeds this year because he absolutely MUST
> finish
> this Ph.D.)
> 
> On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 12:04:27 -0500 (EST), Scott
> <rooftopvoter@excite.com> wrote:
> >
> > I have tried various peat "contraptions" and it's always the
> > same result.  They tend to dry out, but keeping them moist
> > enough for the seedlings leads to mold.  Pretty shades of
> > green, white and blue that don't seem to harm the seedlings,
> > but not the type of growth I like to encourage indoors.
> >
> > I use 16 oz. red plastic cups (like you see around kegs.)  I
> > melt a few holes in the bottom for drainage/watering and they
> > are reusable.
> >
> > Scott... getting to start seedlings this year... KCK
> >
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