Starting Seedlings.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by meadowyck

what is my problem is I have food grade DE and that is too fine, it is killing the seeds.

So tomorrow I'm going out to pick up some seed started and start over the way that I did up north.

One way or another I'm going to have success....LOL

Jan, Home Depot and Wal Mart both have miracle grow seed starting mix in a bag for $3.99, which will be more than enough for you to start all your seeds. The expandable jiffy pellets are also a seed starting medium, ready to go.
You WILL have success.
-Marsha

[meadowyck]

thanks Marsha, I'm headed out today to pick up some seed starting soil and give it a try.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by meadowyck

thanks Marsha, I'm headed out today to pick up some seed starting soil and give it a try.

Great Jan. Just remember to barely cover the seed, I personally think even 1/4 inch is too deep and you will rot some of the seeds. Then put them under light. HD has a 2 foot double row outdoor ready grow light ( I got 3 of them 2 weeks ago)for about $50 and they have chains on them so you can raise/ lower them as the seeds start/ grow.I know it is a fair amount of cash but you only need to spend it once, then you have the light. You probably already have the light, but I would say it is essential.
Another TV person here advises me that she puts the light only about 1 1/2 inches( right on top) of the seeds and keeps it that distance as they grow. She has the best germination I have seen reported here, even very old seed. She also says she doesn't give up on them because she has seen germination take place after 1 month.
-Marsha

[meadowyck]

Marsha

when I lived up north I always started seeds on heat mats and I guess I was figuring that with the heat of the weather that I could do without that. With a heat mat I always had 100% germination within 2 days 3 days at the most....LOL

It isn't that I've never grown from seeds before, it is trying to get it right here in FL that is giving me fits....

the picture is of my winter seed sowing that I did the last 4 years while living up north, talk about easy, oh my gosh it was wonderful. I got all the milk jugs from my garden club members as we don't drink that much milk, well the only real good use of milk is for making gravy or ice cream...

[Garf]

I just started some Stump of the World. I hear a lot about these. I also started some Stick.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by meadowyck

Marsha

when I lived up north I always started seeds on heat mats and I guess I was figuring that with the heat of the weather that I could do without that. With a heat mat I always had 100% germination within 2 days 3 days at the most....LOL

It isn't that I've never grown from seeds before, it is trying to get it right here in FL that is giving me fits....

the picture is of my winter seed sowing that I did the last 4 years while living up north, talk about easy, oh my gosh it was wonderful. I got all the milk jugs from my garden club members as we don't drink that much milk, well the only real good use of milk is for making gravy or ice cream...

Heat mat isn't necessary for Florida, and might just help mold to develop( damping off).
I wouldn't do that here, but that's just me.