Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Seed Starting

My husband decided to get rid of my shop lights that I hadn't used in many years.  I had two forty-eight inch lights that I hung on chains above a long bench in my old old home and my last home.  For many years I started seeds in my basement under these lights, veggies, geraniums, impatiens, petunias, salvia, etc.  I had great fun every year scanning the catalogs and choosing unusual seeds for plants I could not find at the nurseries.



I had a routine, watering each day before I went to work and raising the lights as the plants grew a little higher.  It is important to keep the lights low in the beginning, almost down to the soil, so that they stay short and fat, not tall and spindly. 


This is a nice one with plenty of planting space for me, but it is quite long and I am not sure it will fit in the space I have.

Well, guess what, I have developed a new passion for wanting to grow seeds again, but in a more high tech manner.  While teaching, I used a tiered plant growing system which worked very well with the trays and timer and the ability to move the trays up and down - no chains.


This would probably be the most practical for the space I have.

I think this will be my after Christmas present because they are quite expensive.  Stay tuned, Gardener's Supply has free shipping so this may be my choice.  I just don't know whether to order the one, two or three tier system!

13 comments:

Mary Anne said...

Good Morning Eileen:

I must give you my vote!! I would go with 3 tiers.....The third tier for me!! (only kidding) It looks like maybe two would not be enough.

I will come over and take a lesson in seed sprouting.

Happy New Year Eileen!!!

Bonnie said...

Some years I get the urge to plant seeds and other years I just don't want to bother. Having a growing station like one of these would make the process more enjoyable.

Indoor Fountains said...

Always go withb the three tier system.. you know you will fill all tiers in no time!

Lona said...

I think that would be a lovely after Christmas present.I have bought things from Garden Supply several times and I like the quality of the items they carry. I like the tall one which takes up less space.
Have a Blessed New Year.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Mary Anne, I guess the tall one has four tiers, I'll need a ladder to climb up there!

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Bonnie, it is taking me a while to think this out as I virtually had given up seed starting. They will have to be very special seeds.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Indoor Fountains, I know I will fill them all up and create a lot of work. However, it is rewarding to grow seeds from the beginning.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Lona, you are right, I have a space problem. So, the tall one would probably be better.

Eileen

Larry said...

Hi Eileen... these are beautiful! I have lots of room in my homemade cases in the basement for starting seeds. The lights maintain a constant 78 degrees. However, you've got me dreaming again... I've been buying lots of phalaenopsis orchids lately and this makes me want to grow then under lights... guess I'll do some research... I actually could make the case myself in some nice black walnut and buy the rest of the components... just what I need... more ideas! Thanks a lot!! Larry

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Larry, I know, I have always had a primitive arrangement but I am not able to do this again. I have to pick a more formal set up because of the space that is available.

Eileen

meemsnyc said...

Ooooh, I would love one of these!

Gloria Bonde said...

Just today I ordered 3 self-watering window boxes from Gardeners Supply (instead of having Ted make me a new window box. They are having a free shipping special. I have grow light set up downstairs and love it. Some years I start few, some years lots - Happy Growing - You will have to show us what you chose.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Gloria, I did order the narrow four-tier plant light stand just last night. Now, I need to decide what I really need to plant.

Eileen