Trying out something new this year for my seed starting

Jetstar · February 23, 2020

Today I put the finishing touches on my small seed starting set up, once again I'll be starting my sweet peppers now just cuz they take a few extra weeks normally. Yes I'm still using a pair of 100W compact fluorescent bulbs (1600 Lumens each set to run 16hrs on a timer once I put the seeds in starter mix. For now I put the pepper seeds in wet paper towels in sealed baggies til they sprout, then in the mix they go. Now since I don't use a heat mat I'm taking a cardboard box I got at Walmart that fits over the seed starting tray I'll check the temp to make sure its not to hot but provides the warmth peppers need to help them germinate. Give this a look I'm thinking it will work and I'll paint the inside with white spray paint. Any advice on any mods I should make will be welcome.

Nan_PA_6b · February 24, 2020

Do you have the lights inside the box? That would warm up the box some. If the lights aren't inside the box, the box would stop drafts but not do much more. Are those lights OK to use in a confined space?

Jetstar · February 24, 2020

Yes I have 2 1600 Lumen compact florescent lights inside the cardboard box and today the temp at the tiny slit on the topside of the cardboard box was 86 after it was on 10hrs so I don't think it will get to hot

MrBig46 · February 24, 2020

I also use a cardboard box to illuminate the seedlings.
Vladimír

Jetstar · February 25, 2020

Its a lot easier for me to use the cardboard box and if it breaks its easy to replace and in most cases stores are happy to give them away... Free is always good!!

February 24, 2020	#2
Nan_PA_6b Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 3,194	Do you have the lights inside the box? That would warm up the box some. If the lights aren't inside the box, the box would stop drafts but not do much more. Are those lights OK to use in a confined space?

February 24, 2020	#3
Jetstar Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: N.E. Wisconsin Posts: 308	Yes I have 2 1600 Lumen compact florescent lights inside the cardboard box and today the temp at the tiny slit on the topside of the cardboard box was 86 after it was on 10hrs so I don't think it will get to hot

February 25, 2020	#5
Jetstar Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: N.E. Wisconsin Posts: 308	Its a lot easier for me to use the cardboard box and if it breaks its easy to replace and in most cases stores are happy to give them away... Free is always good!!