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New Berlin, PA

Is it better to use larger pots from the start, or to germinate seeds in smaller pots and then transplant? I was thinking smaller pots would be easier to keep soil temp up.

Also is it best to use seed starting mix in the larger pots, or is potting soil better to use? Thanks for any help!

4/7/2016 8:37:32 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Everybody finds their own method and uses what works best for them. Myself, I used to germinate in the larger containers and keep them there until I moved them outside. Now, I have found that smaller peat pots works best to keep a nice steady temperature ( I use heat mats, no lights). Once it germinates (no longer than 12 hours after it’s out of the seed shell), I give it a good water then peel the peat pot away and move into the larger container. The water helps hold the soil together without disturbing the roots. The larger containers are all pre-cut down the sides (held together by duct tape)and along the entire 360 degrees of the bottom. Wiz taught me this years ago and it makes transplanting much easier.

4/7/2016 10:34:21 AM

New Berlin, PA

Thanks Smallmouth. What mix do you put in your larger containers that you put the peat pots into?

4/7/2016 11:49:58 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I just use sterile seed starter mix all the way through and give them a little diluted Neptunes fish and seaweed once growing under the lights. Mine are inside 10 days maximum so I don't use potting mix.

4/7/2016 2:58:27 PM

Manitowoc

Hello smallmouth and Djw. In my experience what works great for me is starting with about a6 inch plastic starter pot, and transplanting up from there if need be. Now I've tried all kinds of starter soils and for my money and results I've found fox farms light warrior seed starter with about an inch or so of oceans of forest on the bottom.. when the plant gets its first true leaf she's getting pretty hungry by then and the roots will be all aground the bottom feeding on the ocean of forest heavy nutrients. I blend it in my transplant hole outside as well so it gets a good boost without shocking it. Fox farms soil ain't really pricey for the quality of product. Imo

3/11/2018 11:10:15 PM