June 3, 2009

So, you know what didn't work for seedlings - well, here is what has worked.

Find some space where you can set up a shelving unit near a sunny south window or glass door.

Plant your seeds in trays that will drain.

Use a thermostatically controlled heat mat set to about 90 degrees for heat loving plants - or heating pads set on low.

Suspend shop lights from the shelving unit (mine has mesh shelves) so that they are just above the seedling trays.  Move the light units up as the seedlings grow.

If you use a potting mix such as peat and perlite (1:1), start fertilizing the seedlings once they're up.  I've tried waiting until the first true leaves but it just seems to delay progress.  Fertilize weekly.

I've used a variety of fertilizer recipes - here is one -

Per gallon of water:

1 tsp each of Synergy, Mineral Matrix, and, Ruby Fulvic, 4 tsp BioGrow, and 1 oz Maxicrop

from time to time I've also added Nature's Nectar nitrogen and potassium according to package directions

I had the healthiest seedlings ever last year - I'm not sure that all the ingredients are absolutely necessary but this year I didn't have the BioGrow or the Maxicrop or the Nature's Nectar potassium and the seedlings did poorly.

Pot up your seedlings to bigger containers as they grow and start getting them outdoors as soon as possible to get direct light.

Take the move slow - seedlings can die of sunburn.  A few minutes twice a day is enough for the first few days - then start increasing the time in the sun.  I usually double the time outdoors each day.  Once they can stay out for an hour they can stay out all day.  If it's cool out let the seedlings stay warm in some sort of greenhouse.  I use a small "Flower House" - a pop-up greenhouse that's about 2 feet tall and fits several seedling trays.

On transplant I most often add a handful of alfalfa meal to the planting hole and wet it down with a fertilizer solution - I'm not convinced it makes a real difference but I've been superstitious about it.  You can try experimenting - if it doesn't really make a difference you can certainly save yourself some money and time!

Now is a good time to start fall crops such as fall cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, and summer lettuces.