Propagation: What's your method? Veggie seeds from germ to ground......, 3 by

wrote:
Junebugged,
Although I don't do much sowing of flowers anymore, just iris and daylilies. When I did, I sowed in seed flats. When they germinated I transplanted into 6-packs, or you can sow directly into 6-packs (3 seeds in each). The 6-packs fits into a plastic tray that will hold water.

I don't water just from the bottom. I pour some water on top first to begin the syphoning from the water in the tray. I don't leave water in the tray nor do I like to place fabric there. Constant moisture will encourage roots to grow out of the drainage holes.

For plants that resent transplanting, I used the peat pellets placed in a 3" pot to prevent them from drying out too quickly.

I don't use plastic 3" pots. I use 3" foam coffee mugs that are cheap to buy. 100 was under $2 at Walmart. A sharp object will easily punch drainage holes. I clean them and reuse them. I use a black marker to write on the foam. Wite-Out will cover the writing.

After germination, the seedling go under light for 16 hours per day for sun loving plants. I keep the flourescent tubes 2" above the leaves. I also use a timer.

I have two, 4ft flourescent lights on two 4ft sheves mounted on the wall in my office.

1] Flats with flower seeds
2] Daturas (moonflower) in 6-packs
3] Daylilies under lights growing in 3" foam mugs, placed in 20-1/2" x 10" flat.

That is how I did it during the 80's and 90's before I discovered the Deno method.