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Monroe Nc

I see everyone or most everyone on their diaries starting seeds in small peat pots, then they transfer them to larger pots a few days after germination. Why not just start them in the bigger pots to save the extra handling of plants? This may have been a dumb question, please someone help me understand. If they get root bound really fast seems only logical to start in bigger pots. Also when transferring to garden how can you tell which direction they will go? And is it ok to plant on a sloped mound to help the main to the ground. And how high should mound be. Thanks

3/14/2012 2:53:00 PM

Polson, Montana

I for one germinate on a heat mat then put them under lights; the smaller pots allow for more room. Then they are transferred to larger pots. I don't think you could generate enough heat for the biggers pots.

3/14/2012 3:23:04 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Griz, & cp...I start my two AG plants in one gallon pots inside of a temp controlled environment....I also start several dozen maters, peppers, etc, in very small containers, & then up size the pot size...in a less controlled environment!!! In the one gallon size, the AG's still need to be transplanted to the ground in 7-10 days!!! Peace, Wayne

3/14/2012 5:11:45 PM

Monroe Nc

Thanks for help, will try gallon size. Test germinating a 650 sweet now in one gallon pot. Guess we will see. Down here in south don't think we need hoop houses for warmth. By may our highs are in upper 70s to low 80s. Lows in 50s. I don't have a germination chamber, I usually put sandwich or gallon bags over pots, and put under an old lamp. It usually works great for zucc, and squash. Tomatoes also. Once they germinate take bags off and put out in sun a little each day. Anyone else use this method? Thanks for reply.

3/14/2012 5:51:42 PM

Westford, MA

Read in an earlier post of a Heavy Hitter that uses the old "Arm Pit" technique.
I didn't hear too many details, but here they are.

1. File seed edges, and soak in YOUR prefered solution
2. Wet some PLAIN Peat Moss, squeeze out any excess water.
3. Place seed in mix pointy end up
4. Place the balled up mix under armpit, Pointy End toward the Pit, (heat source).
5. Roots should sprout in 3-5 days.
TIP: Do Not check mix periodically where consistent heat is required, for this process.

I think the HH used BOTH pits, I'm only working one, but I guess that's why he is a Heavy Hitter, and I'm NOT.

Good Luck!!

3/15/2012 9:41:35 AM

Hinckley MN

Last year (my first), I did germination tests on some seeds I was given. I found out the light in my oven keeps the oven at over 100 and cooked many good seeds. miracle grow potting mix, in peat pots, in solid flats on a heat mat had almost 85% germination rate for me. This year I'm converting a chick incubator into a germination chamber that can hold a consistant 85 degrees F. In a test, I had nearly 100% germination with that method. I can fit nine 5 inch peat pots in the incubator and zero 1 gallon pots.

I do up pot to 7 gallon grow bags, but only because I live so far north, my patch isn't ready in early May. I use 1/2 miracle grow potting mix and 1/2 custom potting mix in the bags.

Since I usually start 8-9 plants and I only have 2 armpits available, I have not tried the "Arm pit" technique. If you try it please share your results with the rest of us!

3/15/2012 10:09:49 AM

Monroe Nc

Please only serious replies, but I do have two sons that could put them under their pits. So if all three of us try it that's 6 seeds, maybe one will germinate. Think I'll do it the old fashion way. Thanks to those with helpful replies.

3/15/2012 3:10:38 PM

Westford, MA

Sorry had read DY (I think) telling Richard B. something about a seed could germinate in an arm-pit. My feeble attempt at a bit of levity.

3/16/2012 8:41:27 AM

Westford, MA

I do use
The File and soaking.

Moist "Seed starting mix" in Daily Pill boxes,(clear plastic,w/flip tops)(DON"T open the flip tops, they'll dry out very quickly!!)

The pill Box goes in a Baby Wipes warmer($15), lid slightly open. (Watch temps w/digital thermometers, 80-90(95) degrees is probably optimal)(I keep water or wet sponge in bottom of Wipe Warmer to prevent over heat/burn)

2-5 days you can see the white root sprouting(Thru clear plastic)

Transfer to the next size pot you want, and get them under lights.

Keep the lights close so plants won't get leggy
Bottom heat can also give the new plants a boost

I go to a 6" , Then 1 Gallon pot split & taped, inside a solid holder pot

Good luck

3/16/2012 8:59:42 AM

Breslau, Ontario, Canada

Hey CP
The main reason I dont use a huge pot to start my seedlings in, is because it makes an already delicate operation of tranplanting the seedling into the garden even more difficult.

3/16/2012 10:29:20 AM

Webster, NY

There are many different ways. I file, soak, wrap in a damp paper towel and place in a zip lock baggie. I then place on a germination mat, with a towel in between. Directly on the mat gets too hot and burned the seeds. I usually get all seeds germinating within a couple days. I've had some go a week.

3/16/2012 10:47:20 AM

Stanwood, Washington

I found some 1 gallon Pots made of Coconut similar to peat pots. I am going to try sowing directly into these and then put these straight into the garden. I am thinking this will help to avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting.

3/16/2012 2:36:19 PM