So I had this idea that I've not really seen anyone talk about so thought I'd share my experience and see if anyone else has tried it, maybe I'm missing some cons I hadn't thought about? So far I'm quite chuffed it's working.
The usual advice I see on tutorials and such when starting seeds is to plant multiple seeds in a tray, all moist, leaving the lid on and placing on a heating mat. Then once a few pop up open the vents to let some air in to avoid damping off disease of the ones that sprouted. Then once more than 50% have sprouted, remove the lid entirely and eventually take away from the heating mat. But there lies the conundrum of decreasing the chances or the rate at which the remaining cells will germinate. So what I did was, chop every planted cell into a single separate cell and put them all back into an empty identical cell tray as a holder. Then taken an extra empty seed tray (without the lid on and not on a heating mat) which I have transferred each individual sprouted cell into. Best of both worlds. I don't need to open vents or take lids off at all to ensure no damping occurs on the sprouted while still giving the remaining ungerminated the best moist and heated conditions while catching up! What you guys think?
P.s Yes that pretty coarse potting mix with added perlite already that I recycled from last year rather than specialized seed starting mix. I didn't have high hopes for it working out but they seem to be doing okay.
by Illustrious_Bunch_62
5 Comments
I guess thats a good idea. I dont use heat mats or humidity domes. Next time you reuse potting soil from outside, you might want to pour boiling water on it before using. It will kill any bugs, weeds, and diseases that might be in it.
While I’m not entirely sure what you mean, I think you’re saying you take the ones that start and just move them to an empty cell so you’re not messing with the vent?
I start a large portion of mine in paper towels in a bag, once they sprout I can individually plant them, knowing it’s a sprouted seed ready to go.
The only thing I personally start pepper wise in trays or cells like this anymore is jalapeños and bell varieties. I start them 4-5 weeks before my last frost, and usually do 250 jalapeños every year with 150-200 bells
That’s what I’m doing, but I still keep the sprouted seedlings on the mat, raising them a tiny bit to avoid overheating.
I’ve chopped up all seed starting trays into singular cells and use a cheap plastic shot glass for the “greenhouse effect” just until germination. I start my seeds in my home office which is already limited for space (London housing) so need to be mobile. I put each cell onto a small terracotta saucer and bottom water as needed. Not the most efficient but works for my small space.
I use neither heat mats nor domes and get great germination. Just keep them moist and in a warm area of the house.