correct temps for germination...?

[huntsman]

Following some advice I obtained here, I have decided to plant outside, in the direct sun, thus avoiding grow lights and supplementary heating, and I have two questions:

1. At what temps is it safe to try this? (We are just about to hit Spring...)

2. Will I still need saran wrap?

Thank you!

[dipchip2000]

Huntsman

I start some inside and some outside for replacements. for the ones outside I use a starting tray with germinating mix. I sow seeds and cover with saran wrap and set them on covered patio to receive morning sun and rest of the day mostly shade. The temps germinate the seeds and not the sun.Ideally they will germinate at temps around 75 degrees F. But set them out anytime and when the temps are right they will sprout. (check Wintersown.com). After they emerge as sprouts remove the saran wrap and keep moist and let them grow. They will harden off by themselves and you may repot them at about 2inches or with 2 to 4 true leaves. Go very lightly with fertilizers while they are small. Use only diluted liquid fertilizers and use it sparingly.
I do this every year for replacements for plants that die early on. I start my main crop inside under lights to get an early start.

ron

[huntsman]

Hey Ron!

Sounds like great advice, thank you!

[dipchip2000]

Thank You also Huntsman

The peppers you sent me last year were awesome. If you are searching for any Tomato seeds let me know because I might have them. My season is winding down and the fall crop is starting to develope but will be short lived. Hope you have a great long season.

ron

[mdvpc]

Craig, NCTomatoman, has either a video, or a link to a video on how to start seed. Lots of folk use that method.

[huntsman]

Thanks, Michael

Is it posted on T/Ville? All I can find in that vein is his thread on bulk sowing.

[Zana]

Huntsman,

That thread is a great one to work your way through. I used it this year and had great success with starting the seeds that way. Plus it doesn't take up a huge amount of space if you're not starting a huge amount of seeds (at least to begin with, before you've transferred them into individual small pots).

Zana

[huntsman]

Zana -

It's great, but worked too well for me in my first season, and I germinated a gajillion cherry toms!

[Zana]

Huntsman,

LOL....yeah...that can be a problem.....But then, I learned to limit how many seeds I actually plant....or give away allot of the seedlings.

This year I didn't do any planting of seeds early. Rather I did all my intense planting outside. So many of my plants are a bit behind, but since they're all in pots/containers, the "soil" was warmer than than the ground to begin with, so those plants caught up quickly to the few that I bought at the farmer's market or got from friends.

I can't believe I only picked up 6 black cherry plants and 4 yellow pear plants. That's the sum total of my "cherry" size tomatoes...and this year they're barely producing. I've only been eating the black cherries for about 2 weeks and the yellow pears have only produced about 8 ripe ones so far (Although since they're in my "driveway garden", I suspect some of the neighbour kids have scarfed down the yellow pears....lol). Grrrrrrrr.... So I probably could've done an intense planting of those varieties in June and had equal size plants by now...and more fruit! Grrrrrrrrrrr.......20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing. But then this was a new growing environment.

I guess its feast or famine...lol. Then again having extra plants in reserve is a great idea. I like it.

Zana

[huntsman]

Heh Heh!

Hindsight is waaaay under-rated IMHO!