This weekend I went to my local plant shop, and got one of those little 'greenhouses' that are basically meant for indoors. I got three warming mats, and three 24" flourescent lights to hang, then planted about 8 different kinds of seeds. I was so excited to be playing in the dirt :)
Today, during a few non-busy moments at work, I did some more research and realized that I needed to change the way I installed the lights so that I could adjust the distance from the seedlings to the lights so they do not get leggy.
However when I got home and checked on my greenhouse, I discovered that about half the zinnia seeds have already sprouted! This one looks a little leggy to me already!!
Should I be worried about these little guys? The packet said they would germinate in 7 - 14 days, so I figured I had some time to fix my lights.
That one seed does look a little leggy, you could plant it deeper when it comes time to transplant it, I've done this successfully. But since it's just one seedling and if you've planted enough seeds, I'd bit the bullet and yank the seedling. It's taken me a long time to learn to be heartless, but I just look the other way and pull the seedling out and put it in the compost! Until you have time to adjust the lights you could prop the tray up on pots, blocks of woods, etc. Sometimes I do this when some trays have plants that are taller than others.
Ah, I didn't think of propping the tray up! Thanks :) There are about 12 or so zinnias growing already. The one in the picture is the tallest, but they are all getting tall. I only got 20 seeds with the packet, so I'd hate to pull one.
I took another look at everything else I planted on Saturday, and my pink ageratums are also poking up.
What exciting fun!!
Congratulations. You're a mom!
How are they doing now?
Oh, now I have ageratums, zinnias, coleus, gaillardia, veronica, and hollyhocks coming up!
I figured out that if I moved some things around, I could fit another greenhouse next to the one I have! I went out today and got one more. I have three types of ornamental pepper seeds to plant, and some cuttings of my Plectranthus 'Cerveza n Lime' to start.
I am having so much fun!!
How did your zinnias turn out??? Did you harden off and plant yet? I started, harden off and planted zinnias also, with much the same setup as you did. I started Benary Mixed zinnias, Swirls zinnias, Cactus zinnias, plus tomatoes (Caspian Pinks - way better tasting than Brandywine in my humble opinion, Rowdy Reds - something new for me) and my tried and true marigolds.
I love marigolds, but hate slugs - they are everywhere!
Someone suggested the other day to take eggshells and crumble them up around your slug-food plants; probably not as effective as diatomaceous eartch, but the rain won't wash it away, either...
Oh, I ended up with 10 healthy zinnias, out in the gardens now. They are looking pretty good, other than the fact that they are laying down on the ground!
