Transplanting sproutlets

Once you've got your seeds started developing tiny roots and first sets of leaves (by denoing them or whatever method you use) if you've got another month until last frost, what would you transfer them to? Do peat pots or peat buttons work well? Please will everyone let me know what they have that works best? I have a gazillion seeds cooling in my refrigerator, and more in packets waiting for spring (which comes early here in Texas).

I run away from peat pots as fast as I can. Have seldom seen good luck with those things. (The idea is good but too many negative factors show up with them...they dry out too quickly, they allow mold/fungus to grow on them, etc.)

Soil blocks would do you better (if you have a soil block maker). Otherwise, I'd just pot them up in to plastic cell packs or pots, depending on what kind of seedlings you have started.

I've never heard of a soil block maker, but Google just showed me one. What kind of soil do you use in one?

When I had one I just used regular potting soil, or seed starting mix. Mine would make four blocks at a time and worked fairly good. Some folks really like theirs.

I gave mine away to someone tho who doesn't start as many plants as I do. (It is easier, faster, more convenient for me to use the plastic cell packs, mainly because I start thousands of plants each year.)

I also just now remember having a pot maker that you use newspaper to make little pots with. I think I gave it away also but it would be something else you could consider.

Here is the URL for the Paper Pot Maker:
http://www.seedsofchange.com/garden_center/product_details.asp?item_no=S14924&UID=2003021811584396

I think I will probably craft my own, but I like the newspaper idea a lot.
PAUL

I didn't care for the paper pots myself. I found that the newspaper held too much water and tended to mold or get slimey. I would bump up to cell packs or 4 inch pots depending on what you have now.

Badseed, can you give me a link to someone who sells the cell packs so I know what you're talking about?

Cell packs are the plastic (usually black) 4-packs or 6-packs that you usually see at garden centers when you buy seedlings. Walmart probably sells them also...usually the "packs" (4 or 6) and the black tray they fit in. Often times they come with a clear plastic lid to cover them with.

For what it's worth,

I save all the tubes from toilet paper and paper towels, Christmas wrap and such and cut them into 2½- 3" pieces and line them into the trays you can get for large salads in the deli self serve bars and in the supermarket where they make up sub sandwiches. They have a nice cover and it is clear. They'll hold close to 55 plants that way. We use the commercial, 70# bales, potting mix #5 for this and the ProMix #1 for seeds.

We also have the Large (20" x 30") aluminum pastry/bread trays that are about ¾" deep and use the window kits that you get at Lowe's to make a tent over them. It is perfectly clear, like GH film, and the plants receive the full spectrum of light/colors.

After loading the tray, because the pan is so shallow, I tie a piece of string around the lot of them to keep them standing and from falling apart. When you plant, plant the paper tube and all.Don't try to handle them unless you're ready to plant them, though. They may fall apart.

Horshoe is right about the peat pots but forgot to mention that those little NYLON net bags around them will not disintegrate. Not to mention that the world's peat supply is being depleted, as we speak.

Bob


This message was edited Jan 18, 2004 2:15 PM

I preface my opinion by saying: You will find that what works for one person here might not necessarily work for another. There are many variables involved in gardening -- climate, growing conditions, etc....

I swear by peat pots. I keep them together in a tray designed to hold 12. I start my seeds in a sterile soiless mixture in individual cells under a clear dome. Once they sprout I remove the dome. Once they have a substantial root system I transplant them to either 4" peat pots or plastic pots (with Miracle Grow potting soil) depending on the individual plant's needs (certain plants don't transplant well and benefit from a biodegradeble pot so that the roots aren't disturbed), and give them a diluted dose of root stimulater.

I hope you have fun and success with yours, regardless of the method you choose to use!

I like to transplant mine directly into 4 or 6 paks.
I have used the pots made from newspaper but still go back to the 6 paks method.

Paul

nowheat, sorry to leave you hanging! You got the correct answer above. I imagine since you are a zone warmer than me, you should be able to buy these at Lowes or Home Depot soon. Lowes seems to be cheaper where I live. I buy the 72 cells in trays with lids. These are great and will house seedlings until it is time to put them in the ground. I think they are less than $5 per set.

I buy plastic pots at a garden supply place. They fit into the flats, and you can get different sizes, based on the type of plants you are growing. They aren't THAT expensive, and can be re-used year after year.