Need advice on seed starting infrastructure

[Gardadore]

Good for you!! It looks great. It looks like you have one light fixture hanging down - can't really tell. I have a similar set up and use two fixture sets, two 48" length bulbs per set for a total of 4 bulbs on each shelf. They are the simple light sets for a workshop - not fancy grow lights. You may find that will give the coverage you need. The Pro Mix is excellent stuff - you should be happy with that and it beats messing around trying to make your own. It's good for starting and potting up. I use it in my Earth Boxes as well - very versatile!!

[CrazyMtn]

KathyDC

I think the key to starting seeds is what works for you. All they need is heat and water and they will grow. Then you will need light once they pop up. The rest is what works for your system. I prefer something like Redbarons. I prefer using a seed starting mix of perlite and peat for starting and then just about any good soil works for transplanting. I would start with something smaller, simpler, and cheaper than the deep root you posted. I would also recommend a heat mat unless you have an area that around 70 degrees to germinate. Good luck

[KathyDC]

All right, well just to close the loop on this, I finally settled on the 55-cell rigid trays that NCtomatoman used in his dense planting method videos, so thanks to whoever posted the link on this thread as it was very helpful! Also got a heat mat and went down to my local nursery yesterday and picked up 1.8 cu ft of ProMix (I'll likely need more for transplanting, but that's enough for now).

I'm going to use basically his dense planting method for my tomatoes and peppers and possibly some flowers, although I won't be planting nearly as many as he did/does. I'll be planting out some for me, and donating the rest to a plant swap and sale to benefit our local tool lending library and community garden.

Now I just have to decide how I want to plant them out once they get big enough -- but that's a decision for another day.

All that's left to do for the moment is wait -- I'm still about 2-3 weeks away from it being time to start germinating seeds for indoor sowing.