Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Boxes Have Arrived

Even the UPS man asked what are these?  I told him they were my plant starting lights and he looked at me like what are you talking about!  Isn't it a little early, he said, no I explained that these were for indoors and then we put them outdoors.  He petted Reggie who barks non-stop at him each time his truck pulls up.  You would think Reggie would know him by now!




I am planning on using a sterile synthetic soil because if it has any real dirt in it the seedlings can suffer from a sickness called "damp off."  This is devastating to see happening, watching one plant after the other fall over at the soil line and die,  expensive and not fun to watch.


There are lots of pieces


It's ready to go, each set of lights plugs in separately.


These are the little peat plugs that came with the pans and covers.  It was difficult to find just the trays, it seems everything comes in a kit.


I have decided to use the little peat pots for the very small impatiens seeds.  I filled the container with warm water until they were saturated.


There are only twenty-five seeds of this new introduction so I can't afford to lose any.



I would normally used a sterile synthetic soil and will for some of the other seed starts especially the larger seeds.


The lights are on a timer 14-16 hours is appropriate for seed starting a cover is necessary in the beginning to retain moisture (many years I just used a sheet of plastic).  I do not have a heated pad under these or the seeds would germinate faster.  Lights are adjusted low and will go even lower when the cover is removed (when all the seeds have sprouted).


They are really small but are beginning to sprout!


Wild Thing Impatiens
Hopefully, this is what I'll get!




24 comments:

allanbecker-gardenguru said...

Here's wishing success and fulfillment growing plants from seed.
I have tried several times and have failed because I don't have the time to do it right. I envy those that are able to follow all of the important steps to ensure "liftoff".

Lona said...

What a wonderful setup Eileen. By the way that is one nosy UPS driver. LOL!
The impatiens are a very pretty color. I love impatiens for all of the shade I have around here. I will sow my impatiens the first of March unless I get impatient to get into some more dirt.LOL! I usually get damping off when I forget to water the seedlings from the bottom instead of dumping water right onto them. I had to remind myself of that just the other day. I am going to enjoy watching your plants grow.

Anonymous said...

Dear Eileen, This looks like a veritable plant laboratory that you have started up....before you know it, you will be rivalling Home Depot!! I had absolutely no success with seed sowing and growing [unless,of course, you count Mustard and Cress on the windowsill] so I am most impressed by your very professional approach. I wish you every success!!

scottweberpdx said...

That set-up looks great...good luck with your seed-starting!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Allan,

I haven't done this in years and didn't think I would ever again. But, those newer varities that I cannot find locally made me try again, this time on a much smaller scale.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Lona,

The UPS driver has come to my house for several years and he does bring the big items into my house because of lack of room on my front porch. He does worry about the dog not greeting him with affection!

I hope my utility room is warm enough for the seedlings, may have to invest in heat mats.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Edith,

I had done this on a much larger scale many years ago. I hope it works out this time or I won't be too eager to tackle this again.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Scott,

We will see if this project is successful!

Eileen

Becca's Dirt said...

You will be able to set out so many new little plants now. I love that rack with the lights. I need to get my butt in gear.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Becca,

I have not done this in a long time and still have a lot more to plant - hope they all grow.

Eileen

Diana LaMarre said...

What an exciting project for you, Eileen! This will certainly fill the time from now until spring planting. I hope you have great success.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Zoey,

I think I had forgotten about the daily care of seed starting and I only have one tray planted so far!

Eileen

mary anne said...

Eileen:

I am in Houston on a design job and I had a half hour to check my emails and blogs.

You little stinker! I will have to come over when I get home and see how far the seedlings have come. How exciting to be in the Spring moment with all of that snow on the ground. I wish you much success for your efforts!

garden girl said...

That's quite a setup Eileen! Good luck with your seedlings.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Mary Anne,

You will get some warmer weather in Houston. I will miss you at the Garden Club on Monday. I would love to hear your design ideas when you return.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi GG,

I haven't done this in a long time so I hope all of these expensive seeds survive!

Eileen

Jennifer@threedogsinagarden said...

Hi Eileen, You have an impressive set up there! I hope all these efforts will be well rewarded. Have a great weekend.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Jennifer,

I'm crossing my fingers that this all won't be a waste.

Eileen

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Oh, Eileen, you are serious! Good luck!

Karen said...

Eileen, now you have me anxious to get my seeds ordered. The new set-up looks amazing, I just know you will have success with it. I used a very crude homemade shelf & light deal that Carl rigged up for me and had great luck. I hope you keep us posted on the seedling's growth, nothing like little green plants coming up to make a person know Spring is almost here.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Good grief, this set up looks so very professional. You'll soon be bursting with wonderful plants.

I love enthusiasm and how it makes us feel young and hopeful!

All joys,

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green island

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Sharon,

Seed starting is something I always enjoyed but have not done this in many years. I am starting all over but on a smaller scale.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Karen,

When I did this before I just had a long workbench type table and shop lights. I don't have room for this type of set up anymore so I had to go vertical. I am not sure I will like climbing up to look at the plants.

Eileen

Indoor Fountains said...

Good luck!! I am sure you will be fine- you really know your stuff!!