Beginner, tons of questions...

Hello. I'm very new to all of this. I've tried to do some introductory research, and it has helped some, but so many of the pages I come across use terminology that I am utterly unfamiliar with.

Anyways, I have many questions regarding growing vegetables.

I want to start some seeds indoors. I've looked around some and it seems I can do these in plastic cups? Tiny ones, like 2-3 ounces? Then I move them up to a bigger, 'normal-sized' drinking cup (not sure of exact ounces)? I do this for everything I grow inside? Then I transplant when it gets some leaves, I *think* I get that part, it's just this beginning that is confusing me.

I bought some 'starting soil' from Lowe's, I just fill the cup 3/4ths or so with that then make a hole, place the seed in it, then cover it and water? What is peat and how is it different from soil/advantages and disadvantages compared to soil? Someone recommended to me, and I got, a 'Jiffy Greenhouse' that has 12 slots with little circles of peat, but the idea of peat, I guess, confuses me heh.

I read that I poke a hole in the bottom of the cup to let excess water drain, but would a plastic cup's composition/shape allow draining to happen? What do you all put the cups on? Some people in another thread said shoeboxes but wouldn't the water soak through the cardboard?

Where do I put all these cups? My windowsills are very small and I think I only have two.

What can be grown exactly inside? Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cucumbers, onions, beans, squash? That's most of what I'm looking to grow, I think.

When do places usually begin to have plants to buy? For things that are difficult to raise inside by seed and just to have more things that are more certain to succeed. I went to Lowe's one week ago and the only non-decorative plants they had were strawberries.

I feel like this is just barely scratching the surface, but I think it's enough questions for one thread, haha! I greatly appreciate any forthcoming assistance.

Souvenir,

For tomatoes, and peppers you would have an easier time if you start with store-bought plants the first year. You are far enough south that it is a little late to start tomatoes from seed. Usually one should start tomatoes from seeds about 6 weeks before the "average last frost date" (see below). They aren't too hard, but it would be less complicated to start with plants your first year. Garden centers and big-box stores should have plants any day now for your area.

I do use the Jiffy "peat" pellets for starting tomatoes and peppers. They work okay for me. The other option, "starting mix" is a very fine mix of various components that provides a sterile (no germs) substance for the seeds. It gives the seed moisture and a place for roots as the plant sprouts.

The real catch is that to start seeds for transplant is that you need a good source of light. Many people use various setups with florescent lights. Others do use a window, but it needs direct sun and you need to rotate the plants every day, so that plant grows fairly straight even though the sun comes from the side.

The other plants, cucumbers, onions, beans, and squash can all be planted directly in the ground. The only one of the four that even transplants very well is onions. It's possible to buy onion plants, transplant them, and grow onion bulbs. However, for your part of the country it may be too late for onion bulbs. It is still possible to buy onion "sets" (very small onion bulbs) and use them to grow green onions.

How much garden space do you have? What kind of dirt/soil is in your area? Do you have an area that has been used for growing things before, or will you be starting fresh?

According to the Frost/Freeze database, http://davesgarden.com/guides/freeze-frost-dates/index.php?q=70444&submit=Go your average last frost date is the first part of April. That means that it is normally pretty safe to plant after that date. You might have a few days earlier, since the database only has towns near you from south Mississippi. Once the soil temperature warms a little, you can plant beans, squash, and cucumbers.

This is a great place to start--ask away! As someone else said, "There are no stupid questions."

David

Thanks for the reply, it was very helpful. I'm pretty set on getting plants too, but a big reason I want to start from seeds is fearing the places won't have a large variety, and it's also sort of a learning experience. As in, I expect few of the seeds I try to start indoors to really take off or anything, but I just want the experience for the future.

As for your questions, I'll have perhaps a 15 by 10 feet area or so. I could go larger but I don't want to start out too heavily and burn out. I have no idea what kind of soil is in the area and have no idea of how to find out or what to look for. I'll be starting fresh. My only experience at all with growing things was ~6-7 years ago when I was a kid and my parents handled everything. Now, I'm 20 and leading this project myself. Though at the same house it will be in a different area as my grandfather fenced off where we planted years ago for his cows, so I will be starting fresh so to speak. Not that I'm too sure what that means, haha.

Hello. I'm very new to all of this. I've tried to do some introductory research, and it has helped some, but so many of the pages I come across use terminology that I am utterly unfamiliar with.

Anyways, I have many questions regarding growing vegetables.

I want to start some seeds indoors. I've looked around some and it seems I can do these in plastic cups? Tiny ones, like 2-3 ounces? Then I move them up to a bigger, 'normal-sized' drinking cup (not sure of exact ounces)? I do this for everything I grow inside? Then I transplant when it gets some leaves, I *think* I get that part, it's just this beginning that is confusing me.

The 2-3 ounce cups will be big enough to grow your seeds to transplant size-water them from the bottom with room temperature water with 1/4 teaspoon of Miracle Grow per gallon of water. See below on how to water them from the bottom.


I bought some 'starting soil' from Lowe's, I just fill the cup 3/4ths or so with that then make a hole, place the seed in it, then cover it and water?

Yes, make hole about 1/8 inch deep-place 2 seeds in it and cover. Water from the bottom.
If they both sprout snip one of them off.

What is peat

Peat is a dried moss that you can buy.

and how is it different from soil/advantages and disadvantages compared to soil?

Advantages-Peat moss holds water very well-it is light and airy so roots grow through it well.

Disadvantage-it is difficult to wet but you just set your cups in the “Tupperware” put some water in the Tupperware and let your cups soak until the peat is moist.

Someone recommended to me, and I got, a 'Jiffy Greenhouse' that has 12 slots with little circles of peat, but the idea of peat, I guess, confuses me heh.

I read that I poke a hole in the bottom of the cup to let excess water drain, but would a plastic cup's composition/shape allow draining to happen?

Yes. I use a 3/8 inch drill bit.

What do you all put the cups on? Some people in another thread said shoeboxes but wouldn't the water soak through the cardboard?

I put them in Tupperware type containers bought at Wally World.

Where do I put all these cups? My windowsills are very small and I think I only have two.

The seeds you mentioned do not require light to germinate (sprout) so they do not need a windowsill at first.

What can be grown exactly inside? Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cucumbers, onions, beans, squash? That's most of what I'm looking to grow, I think.

Tomatoes and pepper seeds can be started inside. (The seeds like 80 degree temperatures) On top of your hot water heater?
The others should be put directly into the ground. Onion plants now--beans/squash/cucumber April 1.
You are a bit late to start onions from seeds but any farm supply store will have the onion plants.

When do places usually begin to have plants to buy? For things that are difficult to raise inside by seed and just to have more things that are more certain to succeed. I went to Lowe's one week ago and the only non-decorative plants they had were strawberries.

Try a farm supply store.

I feel like this is just barely scratching the surface, but I think it's enough questions for one thread, haha! I greatly appreciate any forthcoming assistance.

As soon as the seeds sprout and show what looks like 2 leaves (these are called “Cotyledons”) put them in light. Your porch-or on the North side of your house outside for a day or so. When the next pair of leaves show move them to brighter light like the East or South side of house—outside.
When they are 5-6 inches tall put them in the garden.

Awesome. So helpful. Thanks!

I set my cups in kitty litter pans I found at Dollar General fairly cheap.

Great idea

Souvenir - I've been growing my own food for 58 years and it's easy to overlook the fact that individuals like yourself need a place to start.

As to your soil: It will need to have "good tilth"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilth

About a day or so after a heavy rain, take a handful of your soil and squeeze it in the palm of one hand.
Open that hand.
Poke the soil gently with the other hand.
It should break apart.
It should NOT feel greasy!
It should not be too sandy.

If your soil broke apart when gently poked, it should have "good tilth". If it was anything else, get back to us with a description so we can help with amendments.

Because you have a small area for your new garden, perhaps it would be a good idea to start with purchasing one or two of each plant that you want to grow. You will need to purchase some fertilizer. I prefer organic fertilizers, but a good alternative is "Osmocote" which is a time-release fertilizer.

If you really want to grow from seed, the best plan is to follow the instructions on the packages for your particular zone.

You don't seem to have an adequate set-up in your home for starting seeds indoors, so I would suggest you start seeds outdoors. This way you will not have a huge investment in shelves/lighting/pots, etc.

It will take a few seasons to get the hang of it, but once you do, you'll be like me -- "I'm not happy unless I'm digging in the dirt"

Souvenir - Hey neighbor :) I am in Slidell, about an hour south of you.

Here is a link to the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center's Home Gardening web page. Lots of useful info here. This link will bring you to the home garden, vegetable page, which has a vegetable planting guide for Louisiana and a "what to plant in march and april" guide. Hope this is helps! Good luck.

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/home_gardening/vegetables/

Honeybee, I'm about 10 years behind you with my food growing. I have used the "wet soil" techinque for years. I used to check out books at the library on ornamental and food plantings. That was when they used DDT for crops. That should explain a lot age-wise. I like to get dirt under my fingernails and read that if you will dig your fingernails in a bar of soap before digging, it will prevent broken nails and make the dirt come out easier. Souvenir, try your county agent. I am a big fan of those people. If your county does not have a good one, try some other county. They at least know all the poisons and what is best for your area. They are farm oriented, but have a home and garden aspect. Use Dave's garden on that unfamiliar terminology. There is a Botanary sight which is very helpful. Also, us oldtimers are glad to help. If it had not been for some old people when I was young, I would not know as much as I do. Also, my interests lie in this direction, and I can't stand an unanswered question.

Also, you can contact them to see who your county agent is - yea I know we don't have counties but they still call them that. I believe they will come out to your house to discuss and help you with your gardening decisions. The one for my area has been extremely helpful.

Here is the link for the office in your area.

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/our_offices/parishes/Tangipahoa/

Also, when I researched Kentwood to verify your parish, I noticed that Kentwood has a Garden Club. Maybe they would be willing to help answer some of your questions,.

Thanks, Em! I did not know which way to direct. I think every state is supposed to have agricultural help if one knows where to look. I guess something did not go through the last post, because I said not to be intimidated by terminology. Words can't hurt you, only the people who use them, and I avoid them. Luciee, and good luck on your planting.

Souvenir, I think you have the right idea to buy plants from the store. If Lowes doesn't have what you want, are there plant nurseries in your area? They might have more kinds. Is there a real reason you want so many varieties though? Most stores carry the old stand-bys that are hardy enough to succeed even with a newbie. If you don't know what the heck is in your soil, don't be overly stressed about it. If you're growing vegtables just to see if you get anything at all, just go ahead and dig a hole, plop the plants in, and make sure the roots are covered. Most plants that you buy in the store are pretty forgiving, since they've already gotten a good start. Then read some more, and next year dig some compost (stores carry that too) into your soil. Think of compost as "vitamins" for your soil. You'll learn more every year of your life, and you'll certainly have failures, but gardening is to be enjoyed!

luciee - I've not tried the soap-under-the-nails trick - thanks for the tip. I do, sometimes, put petroleum jelly under my nails as I find it stops the dirt from getting under them somewhat.

You probably started gardening long before there was an "internet" like I did. How on earth did we manage? LOL

If I handle to much dirt I find it really drys my hand out. My cure for keeping dirt or grease or whatever from under my nails and generally staining my hands as I'm very light skinned is to wear exam gloves.

Honeybee, we got along just fine without it. Of course, there was still the telephone. And radio and tv. I could always talk to the plant store people. Just try that now, Lowes and Wal-Mart employees know nothing. LOL!! Luciee (: )

Try your local independent nursery-they are knowledgeable-helpful and on the endangered species list

You guys are seriously so helpful. It's almost like information overload, but in a good way, which I guess I kind of asked for.

I think I'm not going to worry about the soil and all this time around, it's a bit much. I did go to a local nursery today and got pepper, tomato, squash, cucumber, okra, eggplant, and watermelon plants. I was surprised they had so much in plant form! I got more than I had intended but the plants aren't expensive. Seeds-wise I only got purple hull pea seeds and jalapenos. The jalapenos are pretty much for fun/experimentation only: I'm gonna try to 'start' them inside with the cup method just so I'll have experience come next year. Then again that's how I'm looking at this whole thing anyways, haha.

Ems: Hello! Thanks for the links, I'll check them out. :)

And a general thank you very much to everyone. Nice community here.

Here's a simple light shelf you can make using boards and concrete blocks.

I buy regular 48" shop lights at HD/Lowe's (that's Home Depot or Lowe's - "The Big Box" stores) for $10.

Each light kit uses two bulbs, and each shelf uses two light kits side by side for a total of 4 bulbs per shelf.

P.S. MG Potting MIX, MIX, MIX can serve as your "peat" component. And, always remember -- Potting MIX, MIX, MIX on is to be used in your containers. Potting soil is for the ground, garden, and/or raised beds...

Welcome aboard. Lessez les bon temps roulet, cher!

Linda



This message was edited Mar 18, 2011 11:23 AM