Watering Question

kaseyi · March 24, 2008

Hi...haven't been here in a long while. I missed you guys!

I have a question to ask of all of you that start their own seeds. I just started my seeds a week ago (I know, still too early acording to some people - I live in Chicago - but about a month later than I normally do!) and for the 1st time, I did not use the peat pots that I always used. This year I decided to do something different and I am using Large Plastic Drink Cups from soft drinks that my family have saved for me thoughout the last year (I figured they were bigger than the peat pots...more soil to grow the roots in). I poked my holes in the bottoms and planted my seeds. I have noticed, however, that after a few days, there was a lot of water in the bottom of the tray that I have these cups in. I never noticed large amounts of water pooling in the trays when I used the peat pots! I have not been watering the tomatoes any more than I had in the past, so I have to assume that this is from the fact that the peat pots absorbed the water and of course the plasic cups do not. My seeds have strted to germinate and they are popping out of the soil, but I am wondering about something...What should I do about this pooling water? Just leave it? Water less and let the plants absorb the water thru the holes on the bottom of the cups (thru the dirt)? Drain the trays and water as normal? Thanks for your help!

Kasey

PaulF · March 24, 2008

I think the key is the moistness of the soil in the cups. If that soil is dry and the water still pools in the tray, you may not be wicking the water into the cup and you may need a few more holes in the bottom. If the soil is moist and you have pools, you have too much water and I would dump the excess water and then water when the soil gets dry (but not too dry). I am a waterer from the bottom up and let the water wick up to meet the plant rather than putting water on the soil.

See a previous thread on transplanting. I am a repotter at the two true leaf stage; some do not transplant. Your choice.

ddrsheden · March 28, 2008

What size of cups are you using? 12oz? 16? 20?32?

If you are using tall cups...the water setting in the tray will not have any effect on such tiny plants.

You are up in the Chicago area...so...I hope you are White Sox fan!

the999bbq · April 3, 2008

I guess the holes you poked where still on the small side. I gave up on those cups even though I could have more than I could ever use and recuperating things is high on my list. it was too much of a hassle making the holes

Tomaat · April 3, 2008

I use cups too (from 125 to 300ml volume) and perforated some 7 holes or so for drainage. I prefer cups than pots for tomatoes because cups tend to be deeper. I would drain the water in the tray and only water when the growing medium is dryish plus reduce the amount of water and see how it goes. Good luck with your babies

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March 24, 2008	#1
kaseyi Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 12	Watering Question Hi...haven't been here in a long while. I missed you guys! I have a question to ask of all of you that start their own seeds. I just started my seeds a week ago (I know, still too early acording to some people - I live in Chicago - but about a month later than I normally do!) and for the 1st time, I did not use the peat pots that I always used. This year I decided to do something different and I am using Large Plastic Drink Cups from soft drinks that my family have saved for me thoughout the last year (I figured they were bigger than the peat pots...more soil to grow the roots in). I poked my holes in the bottoms and planted my seeds. I have noticed, however, that after a few days, there was a lot of water in the bottom of the tray that I have these cups in. I never noticed large amounts of water pooling in the trays when I used the peat pots! I have not been watering the tomatoes any more than I had in the past, so I have to assume that this is from the fact that the peat pots absorbed the water and of course the plasic cups do not. My seeds have strted to germinate and they are popping out of the soil, but I am wondering about something...What should I do about this pooling water? Just leave it? Water less and let the plants absorb the water thru the holes on the bottom of the cups (thru the dirt)? Drain the trays and water as normal? Thanks for your help! Kasey

March 24, 2008	#2
PaulF Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brownville, Ne Posts: 3,296	I think the key is the moistness of the soil in the cups. If that soil is dry and the water still pools in the tray, you may not be wicking the water into the cup and you may need a few more holes in the bottom. If the soil is moist and you have pools, you have too much water and I would dump the excess water and then water when the soil gets dry (but not too dry). I am a waterer from the bottom up and let the water wick up to meet the plant rather than putting water on the soil. See a previous thread on transplanting. I am a repotter at the two true leaf stage; some do not transplant. Your choice. __________________ there's two things money can't buy; true love and home grown tomatoes.

March 28, 2008	#3
ddrsheden Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bushnell, Illinois Posts: 38	What size of cups are you using? 12oz? 16? 20?32? If you are using tall cups...the water setting in the tray will not have any effect on such tiny plants. You are up in the Chicago area...so...I hope you are White Sox fan!

April 3, 2008	#4
the999bbq Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 191	I guess the holes you poked where still on the small side. I gave up on those cups even though I could have more than I could ever use and recuperating things is high on my list. it was too much of a hassle making the holes

April 3, 2008	#5
Tomaat Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 154	I use cups too (from 125 to 300ml volume) and perforated some 7 holes or so for drainage. I prefer cups than pots for tomatoes because cups tend to be deeper. I would drain the water in the tray and only water when the growing medium is dryish plus reduce the amount of water and see how it goes. Good luck with your babies .