Jiffy Pots/Pellets

I'm new to gardening. Please tell me the pro's/con's you've had using Jiffy pots &/or pellets. I've kinda been getting mixed signals about them, depending upon what I'm reading.

Denise

I have never used them, I germinate too much for them to be affordable. But even if that wasn;t the case, I wouldn;t use them-I think a soiless mix(peat/vermiculite, perlite) is the best- I think oxygen is more easily available to the roots with the soiless mix, and that you can control the amt of moisture in the soiless mix than these jiffy pots. And if you are careful-transplanting the roots in a soiless mix actually stimulates growth by handling the roots. They always grow fast when I transplant to a larger container. But as I said, I have never used the jiffy pots. Someone else may have something good to say about them.

I find both of them useful for transplants and rooting cuttings. The good thing about them is moving the seedling/cutting to a permanent pot or the ground without losing soil around the rootball. Just make sure you cut the rim of the peat pot off or bury it completely when you do pot it on so it doesn't become a wick exposed to the air.

I like plastic...Jiffy pots are far too demanding for proper hydration...they tend to dry out, or mold. Mold on the outside isn't terrible, but it just means something isn't going just right.

I've had more problems with Damp Off and Jiffy pots/pellets...also, the pot doesn't break down over the year in the soil...leaving some plants rootbound. The pellets have a net like substance on them that needs tearing off. It's supposed to hold them together...but it won't decompose either.

Some folks swear by Jiffy pots..some folks swear at them...there's no middle of the road, you might try some seeds both ways to see what you prefer.

Here is a begonia I started in late summer 2004 in a Jiffy pellet. This picture was from July last summer with a bit of soil added to the bottom of a Solo rinse cup to raise the plant to the top of this tiny pot. The roots came through the mesh and captured the rest of the soil at the bottom as well.

It's still in the same pot with no ill effects. Not that I'm advocating bonsai plants like this but it's pretty neat. When my other begonias root through the Jiffy peat pots I started recently I will post some pictures of them.

I use Jiffy pellets with out problems. Jiffy pellets use canadian peat moss...which is a soiless mix. I am used to them and have their watering habits down packed.

You will have to tear out the netting carefully it can hold back root growth if planted with it. The peat moss and roots will stay together...but try to avoid as much root loss as possible. It isn't a problem if you tear some of the fine root ends while removing the net.

I can see why people think it pointless to use pellets if you're going to remove the netting. I agree actually, but since I started with them...I have gotten used to them, and seen great results. I have their watering habits down packed.

I go from pellets to 7 oz cups with a drainage hole. After a week or two the plant should be ready for it final destination.

I'm presently starting some morning glories inside in peat pots. I did cut out holes on each side close to the bottom and then put a coffee filter in before filling...trying to avoid a root bound plant. I can see that they dry out fast. And I can see where mold might be a problem if not careful. Does anyone have suggestions for starting plants, like morning glories, that don't transplant well (aside from peat pots)?

Thanks, Denise

Are there peat pellets now without the netting?

Denise

How about those 7oz clear plastic cups? Make a few holes, or one large one on the bottom. Fill it with jiffy mix or something sterile. The clear plastic lets your observe root growth and can tell you when is a good time for a transplant as well as preventing the plant to become rootbound...if that's what you want to prevent. A few slight squeezes and small scissors can cut the cup...and then completely pull it open. If you have let sufficient roots to acquire the soil mix you will have a nice root ball. Intact. Ready for transplant.

Edit for grammar.

This message was edited Apr 4, 2006 10:14 PM

Not that I know of.

Let me know if you need a better pic.

I transplant morning glories all the time...I use the same type of cup that Flaks does. They're cheap and plentiful.

Well, that's good to know! I was under the impression that morning glories were tempermental when it came to transplanting. If you're having success with the clear plastic cup method, I'm definitely willing to give that a try. I'm not wild about these peat pots LOL.

Denise

I am using pellets this year for the first time. I like them because they are quite small and I have very limited space. I am using chamomile/tea tree spray on them to control damp-off and it has worked perfectly. The little seedlings, once sprouted, go out in the cold frame, then into their own pot on the deck once they have a few leaves (or they've gotten leggy). I've gone through a hundred pellets so far. They are not messy and are easy to water without disturbing the placement of the seed or the tender little seedling. Just pour water into the tray and all the pots suck it all up!
I'm able to see what the seed is doing as it sprouts and that is fun too!

I'm using the pellets, too. So far, I like them LOL. I thought I saw a listing on a web site (trying to remember which) that had new jiffy pellets that didn't have the mesh on them. My latest adventure with pellets was...I didn't realize they came in more than one size! So now I'm trying to find refills for the smaller pellets. I have 4 mini-greenhouses...2 take the larger size and 2 take the smaller. If anyone knows where to get refills for the smaller size, please let me know. Problem is...on most web sites, they don't tell you which size that they have. And I've seen both sizes labeled "Jiffy 7."

Denise

The kind that I buy only has the mesh on the sides, so the roots can find their way out the bottom. And they do! I found mine at a local hardware store, they sell them in bulk for 10 cents each. Not bad.

Well, I started some seeds on the pellets in those mini-greenhouses. Checked on them and after a couple of days, they'd started developing white, fuzzy mold on top. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it? I misted them with a water/peroxide mixture and have left the tops off.

Denise

Chamomile tea works very nicely and so will the peroxide. I don't use the top and the seeds germinate very nicely on their own with a little heat. Maybe make some small holes in the top or leave it off slightly so air can circulate. Once the seeds germinate, you don't need the top anymore anyway.

I have used the peat pellets, and found that the "Jiffy" are larger and soak up lots more water than the "Perry Morse". After soaking the jiffy's to get them expanded, I had to squeeze them out, but then they did ok. I do prefer the PM. I use them because I am limited on space, too.

I'm thinking perhaps the pellets were too wet. It's warm enough to leave the lids off now, I think. I hope the seeds sprout instead of rot LOL. You live and you learn, I guess. Next time I'll try to squeeze out some of the excess water. Very much a learning year for me. There's bound to be casualties :~)

Denise

I was adding 3% H2O2 to the water in my spray bottle, and in a moment of inattention (a looong moment!) I put the sprayer mechanism into the bottle of peroxide (a perfect fit). I didn't notice it until after I sprayed all my seedlings in jiffy pellets. Well, I thought, what's done is done, so I may as well see what will happen. To my surprise, the seedlings did not seem to be harmed, and the mold on the pellets disappeared. I don't recommend this to anyone because I may have just been lucky, but I don't worry any more about perfectly measuring my peroxide/water ratio.

Good to know, oladyhoo! I've had some surprising experiences using peroxide myself. I'm totally sold on using it!

Denise

oladyhoo,
this is something i would do. LOL now where is it that i left my brain? LOL thanks i just love to hear about mistakes that work out.
debi z

I atarted using jiffy 7 pellets this year . I had mold , fuzz , and gnats . 3 different tray , one covered , one not , and one with top and bottom heat .

I'm having to regularly mist my pellets with a water/peroxide solution to keep the mold in check. The plants don't seem to mind it :~)

Denise

I use the pellets for my veggies. They have always worked great. When it is time for transplanting to the garden bed outside, I just cut the mesh slightly and carefully as not to damage any roots (it takes about an extra 15 seconds to do this) and then put the whole thing in the ground and make sure I cover the entire thing. I have had fantastic results.
I have just started trying the pellets out with vine seeds and tree seeds. My first time, but I think with proper care it will work. I have spoken to locals in the area who have shown me some of their plants started in the pellets and they look great full and partially grown.
I am also currently trying cuttings. So far there is no molding and the cuttings are all thriving, new leaves growing, yet, I have not seen one root. I will give it more time. I believe jiffy is runing with a good idea. less Handling of the root system means less iritation for the little ones which means a happier plant when placed into it's new home.
If you decide to try the pellets good luck and Happy growing.

I've been using Jiffy pellets for about 20 years, but this year I am trying their largest size. One thing I don't like about the pellets (or small cellpacks) is potting up. Jiffy has a super size pellet that is large enough not to pot up at all, just to go directly in the ground. I was afraid it might tend to dry out faster, but so far that's not a problem. I water with a heavy hand, though.

I'm also trying cellpacks this year because the cellpacks are a lot cheaper and I had a gazillion plants to start. Can old cellpacks be recycled?

I have about 20 of the pink ones I was going to take to round up but wife was sick - Oh well theres another onenext month .
We put in a lot of pantys , daisys , lobela ect for instant color [ snail food ]

I'm reusing the greenhouses by buying bags of pellets on the web. The trick is getting the right size, since it's not usually specified between the smaller sizes (at least not on the sites I've checked). Is that what you mean by "cell pack?" I wasn't sure :~)

The peat pellets I bought from burpee only have mesh around the sides... seems they might be easier to just score the sides rather than the whole thing to let the roots get out

the four o'clock seeds I started in the pellets the roots grew right through the mesh.. so I guess if the roots are strong enough they will grow through

the peat pots i am not so impressed with.... they dry out super fast...

so I think next year I am starting with pellets and moving them to the plastic pots when they are large enough

Being my first year gardening, I way underestimated how long it would take for seedlings to mature. I should have started much earlier in the year (like January) for some. I did end up buying some plants, so I do have the containers they came in to use in the future. I'll probably keep my seed starting to plants hard to find, fast growers, and veggies. I'm not an extremely patient person, so slow growing plants will be bought instead of started from seed. But I do enjoy seeing those first sprouts breaking through the soil :~)

Denise

funny Denise we are in the same boat... this is my first year with seeds also... and actually only my second year gardening... I have really enjoyed learning... hopefully someday I will figure out alot more... some seeds I started didn't do anything... and some are going great

as long as I don't kill them all when I transplant... I will be happy with the ones that did start

:)

Allison

Allison,

LOL I know what you mean about transplanting! I was just outside (I've moved most of my seedlings to our semi-enclosed/screened back porch) and was checking out my moonflower vines (some are in peat pots, others are in clear plastic cups). The ones I planted in clear plastic cups, you can see the roots. And I know morning glories don't like their roots disturbed. I'm not sure if moonflower vine is as sensitive. I guess will soon find out :~) When I potted up some daturas I had winter sowed, I thought I had killed them. Their leaves dropped and were limp. But a day later they perked back up. Boy, was I happy LOL! Definitely alot of trial and error for me this year. I read all kinds of books last fall and winter on gardening, but there's nothing like getting in there and getting your hands dirty! Learning from experience has always worked best for me...with that comes the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat LOL! Not really defeat though...just have to figure out a new approach.

Earlier I replied about cutting the little mesh bag (about 15 sec. time frame to do this) and later reading some posts after mine, I would like to change the wording to scoring. I place the whole pellet and plant into the ground, pot, what ever I use for the plants new home. once I see roots protrudiing from the pellet, I transplant the entire thing. I feel if I let the roots grow too much out of the pellet they run the risk of drying out. Even though the actual root ball system is already established in the pellet and new root shoots will grow, I do not want to lose 1 single root if possible. Although, I have to admit this year I started too many cucumbers and I have 4 plants just sitting in the tray untransplanted. I have to lol about it because they are doing great and producing flowers (maybe a harvest .... we have to wait and see). I have them outside in the full sun and water them every other day along with the rest of the garden. They are living.

I dare to say that it is a testimony to jiffy. If the plants produce cucumbers with only being in the pellets, then I am for ever sold on using them.

Ps..... I was having trouble affording the pellets by ordering from catalogs and the local nurseries. i have found that around Feb. and March time frame Wally World (Wal-mart) sells them for almost 1/2 the cost (2for1 deal.. :)). I think I paid 4$ ffor 12 from catalog and Wally I paid 2.5$ for 25. Even ended up with 26 in one bag.

Just wanted to add a comment for the gnats that pop up from the pellets. I had fun this year with experimenting and decided to intrigue the kiddo's. So, I bought some venus flytraps plants and it is working. They are easier to care for than I would have thought. I placed them in the windowsill next to my pellets (east facing window). They are not eating all the gnats but definately ar taming them and they add a bit of conversation whle at the table. You know, I have always wandered why people seem to always congregate in the kitchen ? Well, because of that I am going to place a lt more plants in the kitchen breakfast area, hopefully that will taketheir attention away from the dirty stuff (dishes, ect.)

Happy cultivating everyone