Propagation: Epsom salts and Seed starting mix , 1 by bsetiawan

bsetiawan wrote:
Last year I started all my plants inside in flats and they did wonderfully. I used peat pods and pro-mix mixed with a little sand that we purchased at a local seed company. I watered the soil before filling the cups with tea I made from cammomile tea bags. This helps prevent fungus from starting on the soil. I covered them until they sprouted and used lights. As soon as the babies hatched...I uncovered them and wa la! I kept them moist but not soggy and they set on their real leaves.I continued watering them with weak cammomile tea until planting and they loved it. I transplanted my extras in styrofoam cups with holes punched in the bottom before they set on their real leaves. It was easier and I found that I didn't disturb their "roots" by doing this. When planted them in the fields...I did try something that I researched online and it worked great! After digging my holes I dropped in about 2 Tablespoons of epsom salt and about the same of powdered milk. Yes...I did! I had problems with black rotting spots ruining my tomatoes from lack of calcium in the past but we didn't have any of those after doing this. It was extra work at planting but it was well worth the trouble. I'm sure there will be people that will probably not approve of my methods and I'm sure no expert but it worked great for me and I will do this from now on. This is only one of last years pics. I had over a thousand pepper and tomato plants of all kinds from all over the world that I collected seeds online all winter and raised, planted and shared with family, friends and churches for their needy families. We didn't sell one but we were richly rewarded in our hearts. I am busy growing my plants again this year only I doubled the lights and plants. I think with the economy like it is we need to do all we can to help our neighbors. Growing up in a middle class to poor dirt farmers family I still remember my up bringing and how hard my parents worked to raise five kids. I still live a modest life and am still middle class but I hope to honor my parents and leave my children and grandchildren something to think about when I'm gone.

This message was edited Mar 17, 2009 9:32 AM