The Yellow Pear and Sungold tomato seedlings are up and under grow lights as of yesterday. The Mexican Tarragon (herb) is, too. I used a sterile seed starter mix, and spent most of one day trying to get the stuff damp. I won't use that again! What do you all use to start seeds? I'll be planting inside for the next two weeks, so I have time to switch mixes.
Jane, The soiless mix is your best choice. Still use it, but use hot water and a little dish soap to make it absorb. Let it sit for a few hours before you use it for seeds, though.
Jane, here are 3 soil mixes that work well. Basis Mix for seeds 4-5 parts peat moss 1 part vermiculite 1 part perlite I wet with warm water in an old dish pan. Over wet then add more dry mix til it's where you want it to be. I let set over night to absorb completely. Basic Mix with Compost 2 parts compost 2-4 parts peat moss 1 part vermiculite 1 part perlite Basic Mix with Nutrients Add 1/2 cup each for every 8 gallons if mix. 1/2 cup Bone meal 1/2 cup lime stone ( raises PH & provides calcium & magnesium) 1/2 cup Blood meal or soymeal ( nitrogen)
Carolyn, I did use hot water, but didn't think to use dish soap as a surfactant--great idea! I'll use up the remaining few cups of soilless mix using soap. Donna, I think when I run out of soilless mix, I'll use your basic mix with compost, and when I up-pot (I love that term--up-pot!) I'll use your basic mix with nutrients. There's a solution or two for every problem on the Stew! :-D
I use plain old horse manure and a bit of potting soil. Works great, doesn`t pack down, built in fertilizer for seedlings.
