Containerted's 2016 startup

[ContainerTed]

Today was the start to getting the seeds into the mix. I'll have at least two other trays like this one. Note that each of the 72 little compartments have multiple seeds in them.

I'll have the other two trays in a day or so. No hurry here. The second picture is the simple map of what seeds are in which compartment in case things get jumbled or take a hit or something. I also use that map to indicate that a little seedling has appeared indicating that germination has happened.

[clara]

It's really funny, Ted! That's almost exactly what my starting trays look like, but without the white stickers. The seed tray is in another tray, marked with A - L and 1 - 6. Then there is a map similar to yours with all the names and the number of seeds in each cell and I can see that in cell # G3 is Maiden's Fire for example.

[ContainerTed]

Originally Posted by clara

It's really funny, Ted! That's almost exactly what my starting trays look like, but without the white stickers. The seed tray is in another tray, marked with A - L and 1 - 6. Then there is a map similar to yours with all the names and the number of seeds in each cell and I can see that in cell # G3 is Maiden's Fire for example.

Clara, are you back home now? Hope so. You might see a couple of familiar names in this first tray. And, did you know that those white stickers are "cut up mini-blinds". Next destinations for the current occupants of this tray will be 9 oz plastic cups followed by a main garden location.

[clara]

Originally Posted by ContainerTed

Clara, are you back home now? Hope so. You might see a couple of familiar names in this first tray. And, did you know that those white stickers are "cut up mini-blinds". Next destinations for the current occupants of this tray will be 9 oz plastic cups followed by a main garden location.

Yes, Ted, and it was a gorgeous trip again! I was VERY tempted to repeat it a third time (in April), but for several reasons can't do it, sigh...

It's a great pleasure to see some very familiar names - I'm sure you'll like these varieties! My first 100 seedlings have already found their next home in 7 oz cups, some of the next batch will get 11 oz cups. All these cups are white and will be marked with a permanent marker. In the garden, I use spatulas (the same wooden stuff, ear, nose and throat specialists use) with the names on both sides and attached by a thin wire (with a hole in the spatulas) to the spirals (or sometimes stakes). No tomato cages here - they are incredibly expensive in Germany, I would have to pay about $20 each... and having about 140 plants, it would cost me quite a fortune...

[PhilaGardener]

Off to a nice start! Your picture is almost clear enough to provide the same info as your handwritten spreadsheet!

[ContainerTed]

Originally Posted by PhilaGardener

Off to a nice start! Your picture is almost clear enough to provide the same info as your handwritten spreadsheet!

Actually, the original picture had to be size reduced to be able to post it here. The original is good enough to read the back row with ease.

[imp]

Very nice printing, too! Want to do my labels from now on??? LOL!

Iam glad you are getting to start some, it's fun to get into the dirt.

[AlittleSalt]

It's all a really good system, but cut up mini-blinds is pure genius.

[heirloomtomaguy]

Very nice Ted. Here's to another great season my friend.

[ContainerTed]

Yeah, Robert. We've been using them for several years now. I cut each of the blind blades down the middle and then to the length I like. Then, a fine point Sharpie and we're off to the planting.

It's the easiest and, most importantly, by far, the CHEAPEST way to do it. You can buy a new blind or just use an old one that needed replacing. Each slat in a standard window width will yield up to 16 plant markers. An old pair of scissors cuts the plastic easily.

And, they go to the garden or container at plant-out time. I stick them in the ground when the seedling is planted and pick them out when cleaning up the garden in the fall. The shade from the plant all but eliminates sun fade.

[PhilaGardener]

Originally Posted by ContainerTed

And, they go to the garden or container at plant-out time. I stick them in the ground when the seedling is planted and pick them out when cleaning up the garden in the fall. The shade from the plant all but eliminates sun fade.

I've had problems with Sharpie "permanent" marker fading on mine, so I simply write the name at the top (exposed) and again near the point. Where it is underground, the writing remains clear and easy to read if I can't make out the name on the top. Saved me from lost ID more than once.

[kchd..]

Originally Posted by PhilaGardener

I've had problems with Sharpie "permanent" marker fading on mine, so I simply write the name at the top (exposed) and again near the point. Where it is underground, the writing remains clear and easy to read if I can't make out the name on the top. Saved me from lost ID more than once.

Hey PhilaGardener, if you use pencil on the mini-blinds tags, it will not fade in the sun at all.

PS. Your avatar is hilarious. Love it!

[ContainerTed]

Hey, Garrett. A couple of the ones I got from you are in that tray. Hope your season is bountiful and everything tastes good.

[heirloomtomaguy]

Originally Posted by ContainerTed

Hey, Garrett. A couple of the ones I got from you are in that tray. Hope your season is bountiful and everything tastes good.

I too have several of the ones you sent me in the ground already. Thanks again Ted

[AlittleSalt]

Ted, I showed this to my wife and she's agreeing 100%. She says a 24" blind at Walmart sells for $2.78 - larger ones for $3.78. I know how I'll be doing this from now on.