Beginner Gardening: Initial seedling container size and transplanting, 1 by lycodad

lycodad wrote:
You absolutely can use your cell packs to start seeds, the main consideration is available space. The reason I use smaller containers is that I can start far more seeds in them for the first three weeks or so, then I transfer them into my flats later. Just about any plastic container can be used with a quality potting soil to start (cottage cheese, yogurt, cool-whip, pudding cups, etc., anything 2 - 3" depth or so). I can plant 40 - 50 seeds in a cool-whip container for the first 3 weeks. This works well with tomatoes and peppers, I'm not sure about brocs because I don't grow them.

If you are using your cell pack just plant two or three seeds in each cell and go from there. You really don't need much light to germinate, but you do need warmth. I put mine on top of my kitchen refrigerator for about the first week, watching carefully for signs of life. Once I see the tiny green sprouts appear I immediately put them on my window shelf or under the light stand (don't wait a minute too long or they will be very leggy and weak!). Try to keep the temperature a cool 60 degrees.

At the three week stage they should be thinned and "stemmed" into flats. I uproot my tomatoes simply by lifting them straight up, then push an old wooden pencil all the way to the bottom of my flat. The seedling is then inserted all the way down in the hole covering as much of the stem as possible. You only need one seedling per cell. This "transplant" should last you another 3-4 weeks until planting time in your garden. Make sure to move them inside/outside to enjoy "real" sunshine on nicer days.

Also check out Dr. Carolyns tips in Tomato Forum, it's a good article.

Al