Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Seed starting MAF 2014, 1 by Ric_of_MAF

Ric_of_MAF wrote:
OK I took a couple of pics, so here's how I do my seeds.
I usually use fresh soil mix and clean containers, once in awhile the containers are even soaked in a Clorox solution to kill any pathogens. Some things I sow in flats to transplant, but most often I sow 1-2 seeds in a cell. Cells may vary from 1/2" plugs to deep cell market packs depending on the plant characteristics and intended use. With the larger cells you get better success with plants that do not like to be disturbed such as plants that form a taproot. Open sown is good for things that can be moved easily, marigolds for instance. My set-up consist of a piece of Corian a little larger than my heat mat giving me a min. 20x20" surface (2-1020 trays). The Corian keeps the heat in and very uniform. I always use a domed tray for germination holding the moisture in. My favs are the high domed trays (#1) with vents so you can reduce moisture gradually after germination. The other one I use is a clear dome for 1020s.(#2) I also use this heat system to jump start cuttings in soil or oasis under a dome. I found oasis cut to 1" squares, is an excellent medium for some plants that tend to damp-off or are slow to root (Persian shield).