Seed starting without lights

[Redbaron]

Well all phases of my seed starting operation are up and running with seedlings in each phase. So for those who don't want to run up an electric bill here is the method of my madness.

1) I use a traditional heat mat and either cells or egg cartons to initially germinate the seedlings. The Mat is near a south facing window. I also cover the flats with saran wrap to keep the soil moist and warm all the way to the surface.

2) Once about 1/2 the seeds sprouted I remove the saran wrap and put the flats in my mini pop up green house, 2'X2' in the day light only and pull them inside at night.

3) Once I am pretty sure most everything that will sprout has sprouted, I leave them in the mini green house 24/7. This slows their growth a bit, but make them hardier. At this time I also mist them several days in a row with composted manure tea made with aquarium water for a light feeding and hopefully a good start with beneficial bacteria. Please note the mini green house is directly in front of a stone wall to prevent freezing temps inside the greenhouse. If it gets too hot I vent the green house around noon.

4) Once 2-4 real leaves show I repot to individual pots and put them in a hot frame heated by digging a pit and filling it with manure. I don't use big pots because I start later and use smaller younger plants initially in the garden than most people. Also I often use home made paper pots, although I have a few reused plastic ones from previous years.

5) A couple days before they go in the garden I harden them outside in full sun.

Pics to follow: