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7144 members, 153552 posts, 340 blogs
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Newbie grower here with some concerns
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midnight51 Just Arrived

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1
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| Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:51 am Post subject: Newbie grower here with some concerns |
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Hi I just took an interest in trying to grow some herbs from seed indoors. It is winter here in Ohio obviously but I am just experimenting as this is my first time growing and I'm want to get a feel for things before season comes around. I tried planting some Chamomile in a 5.5"x10" flat and the seeds did sprout but I think I spread too many as about 40 sprouts came up and they all wilted not long after. So technically this is my 2nd attempt at growing. I went out and purchased some small clear widemouthed cups (about 4" high) and put 2 seeds in each cup - 10 cups of Chamomile and 10 cups Lavender. They are currently sitting about 6" under a 75 watt long tubed grow light. Also I have planted 3 5" high pots of Thyme (~5 seeds in each pot), they have the additional underpot watering system where you can water from the bottom of the pot.
What I am most curious about is how much do I water and how long to keep the lights on per day for best results. I am most terrified of over watering or under watering as I am very new to this. So I have started out watering with a mist bottle diluted with some Miracle Grow additive and a touch of lime to raise PH every morning. For the underpot waterers I am adding new water to the underpot each day (It soaks up quickly I have no idea how but it does) and I also lightly mist the tops every morning.
The potting mixture I used was about a 4 part mixture of Jiffy Premium Seed Starting Mix to 1 part Miracle Grow time release Potting Mixture. I tested this mixture to a PH of about 6.0 and I heard that the Lavender enjoyed about an 8 so that's why I added a touch of lime to the misting bottle. (Very small amount, I took a pocket knife and took a pinch from the bag enough to cover just the very tip of the knife)
Like I said my main concerns are with the lighting and watering. Any advice would be much appreciated! I can provide pictures if this would be of any value.
Thanks all for your input!
jdb
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gardengater Highly Skillful

 Joined: 30 May 2008 Location: NC Posts: 1566 PlantStew: 28 |
| Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: |
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It really depends on the type of lights you have, Midnight. I have GroLux type and there are some things that just don't grow under lights. Keep temp about 70, keep lights on around 10-12 hrs a day, place flats on gravel or other (marbles) to be able to water and keep humidity high. All I can say is don't give up and keep experimenting with different seeds.
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