Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Vulcanicola !, 0 by Kell

Kell wrote:
Hi Margo, I was writing my last post while you posted.

Well................... if I were you I would get a light ASAP. You do not have to get a fancy one at all. The shop lights are like $9.99 here and hold 2 bulbs. Go get one while your true love procrastinates and jury rig it some where. That should guilt him into movement. Sigh a lot as you put it together. That is what I do and my man hops too fast. It has metal chains with hooks on the end so you can hang it somewhere.

Maybe someone who knows about soaking will chime in here for I really know nothing about it. But......... why soak then peel? And if you soaked before you peeled and the seeds were still firm no harm done. The only time I would be tempted to soak is if the seeds were old and I would peel them first. And then I would only do it overnight.

The older seeds may take longer so be patient. It is best if you stop going in there and touching them. I really prefer the small batch method esp for older seeds that are going to take awhile. I put a tupperware container in a plastic bag, twist close and close it with a velcro strip, tight. I do NOT open it again until the seedlings are about 2 inches tall or so and ready to go into their own 16 ounce red cup. They stay moist the whole time.

I am afraid to use a heating mat myself because I am afraid I will steam my seedlings to death. I am probably nuts.

Anyway, patience is the key. One year way back, I gave up and tossed my dirt in a pot and in spring I had baby brugs coming up. I had no clue what the cross was by then.

The lights are right above this bag, like 2 inches higher.