Seeds Planted!

[billbird2111]

Yes, I'm giving an old wine rack a new life as a seed starting rack. Wine is a waste of perfectly good grape juice anyway!

I've got the rainforest effect going strong after less than 24 hours. It almost seems a little too moist for me, but there is no standing water.

Those are special grow bulbs in that lamp, and I've got the pods sitting on a heating pad set on medium. Seeds have been started in a spare room, where the temp hovers around 70.

Advice please?

Varieties include Hank Shaw's Volunteer Brandywine, Mr. Stripey Beefsteak, Green Zebra, Costoluto Genovese, Campbell's 1327, Druzba, Marianna's Peace, Shriver, Old Colossus, Peppermint-Quito's Strain, a paste tomato and Crack in a Sidewalk Red Cherry Surprise.

[dcarch]

There is no need for lights until the seeds germinate.

Looks like there is wasted light because the light fixture is much longer than the seed tray.

dcarch

[billbird2111]

Originally Posted by dcarch

There is no need for lights until the seeds germinate.

Looks like there is wasted light because the light fixture is much longer than the seed tray.

dcarch

Yeah, well, finances came into play here. The wine rack was old, and was given to me. It's not even three feet in length.

The light fixture is four feet in length. Home Depot did have a three foot fixture -- for $29.99. BUT -- the four foot long fixture was on sale for $8.99.

You do the math.

Plus, there are some side tables (old TV trays to be exact) that I can move in on either side of the light. And I'll need those -- as my order from PINETREE SEEDS just came in!

[bryanccfshr]

When you get germination you need to get the light much closer to the seedlings. 1-2" max. Closer is better. Once germination begins to take place remove that cover, Or prop it to allow air in and out.. If the room hovers around 70, you really don't need the heat mat that much. Maybe a few cycles just to start the process and shut it down.. Remove it once you see some germination. For now you can probably turn the light out set the seed tray on the top shelf and wait til germination before placing the seedlings very close to the light. Once germinated cooler temps and intense light and occasional air movement for strong seedlings. Weak light, no air movement and warm temperatures will cause leggy plants.

[Worth1]

Looks good do what the other guys said.

Worth

[robin303]

You also could put your rack next to the window with the tray on top if you have sun.

[Tomatovator]

To cover a seed tray with enough light I use 2 fluorescent fixtures (4 bulbs). In the fixtures I have an Ott light and a regular daylight tube. Works fine. I would prop up one side of that cover now or raise it a little all over so there is not such a tight fit. It looks like you are getting a lot of condensation. The seedlings will damp off quickly if they are left alone under that cover for long. You probably don't need any bottom heat at all. Just my $.02.

[billbird2111]

Thanks for everyone's help. I appreciate it. I did take the cover off for a little while, because it was just a little too wet in there.

Looks much better now. I'll get that light down closer. Didn't realize it had to be THAT close!

[feldon30]

Yeah, anything shorter than 4' is much more expensive and much lower wattage. I could not find a 2' or 3' that was 40W, at any price.

I paid $20 for a 4' 40W x 2 setup with a large reflector. I put two seed trays underneath with no problems. The seedlings do grow somewhat towards the center, but that does not affect the final product whatsoever.


Click for Larger Size

[Worth1]

Here's my setup.
Funny thing is I was looking around for something to put the plants on and I forgot all about the metal saw horses and plywood I had.
Worth
Attachment 3878

[bryanccfshr]

Yes, this close.

[billbird2111]

Originally Posted by bryanccfshr

Yes, this close.

I believe you have some big plants, sir. NICE!

[bryanccfshr]

Thank you.
Those were 5 weeks old. They will be 8-9 weeks old when planted. This is my first year starting under lights myself.. I just read and followed good advice.

[brog]

Hi Bryan Great looking plants Whats the good advice--How much and what kind of fertilizer Bill

[bryanccfshr]

I PMed you my reply. . As for fertilizer they have only seen two very light applications, one of seaweed, one of Medina Hasta grow. Both at half strength.