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Minnesota

Question: I lightly filed, soaked for 5 hours, put directly into seed starting soil. My question, they have been in there for a day and a half with no water, just seed starting soil and the moisture from soaking, do I need to water the seed, a little or not. Thanks

5/6/2008 2:54:45 PM

Spritz the soil a few times with a spray bottle of water....just don't over do it.

5/6/2008 3:20:56 PM

Wi

Richard. I don't do ANY pre-soak. I put the filed seeds directly in the media. 4-6 days until they pop the surface. I MIGHT lightly mist the surface of the soil once or twice, but not necessary IMO.

1/3 perlite, 1/3 vermiculite, 1/3 shagnum peat moss (no ferts). Mix it up and water. If you get it wet enough to squeeze water out it's tooooo wet. Most use this mix.

Get yourself a big pumpkin so you don't have to come to Stillwater stag this year :)

5/6/2008 3:28:16 PM

Somers, CT

If they get too wet they rot. Unfortunately I learned the hard way but that is how I start mine.

5/6/2008 3:39:17 PM

No Place Special

http://bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=249667

Read this Richard, you might find some good info there.

GOOD LUCK!

5/6/2008 3:52:07 PM

Minnesota

Thanks

5/6/2008 4:49:59 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If you have a complete seed starter soil, use ONE PART WATER to every THREE PARTS SOIL. Mix together with your hands (messy but that' the best way)> Squeeze a handful tightly & watch for drips.

No drips = too dry.
1-3 drips = just right
4+ drips = too wet

It sounds like your soil is too dry. Place the container into a shallow dish of water & let the water wick it's way up.

5/6/2008 11:54:03 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I would try some bottom heat. I use a old heating pad, buy a cheap thermometer, like one used for cooking meat. Make sure the thermometer starts at 0 degrees, and adjust the temperture by using a towel or something to get the heat just right. Just a thought. Croley

5/7/2008 7:47:53 AM

Minnesota

Well. after reading all of this I have decided to soak the plants for a few minutes in water, watered them, more so around the edges. now I'll wait and hope they don't have to much moisture.

5/7/2008 11:03:37 AM

Joliet, IL

after the initial water added to the mix, i never water until seeds sprout. i have done this in the past and it just prolongs the germination which cause more chances of failure or rot. i use a propagtion mat with a thermostatical attachment that i place directly at seed level in one of my pots and keep the temps at a steady 85 degrees. i also place plastic baggies over each pot and place all the pots in black plastic garden trays with an 8" clear plastic dome on top. the combo of the plastic baggies over the entire pot and the humidity dome helps retain the initial moisture. as soon as i see the dirt pushing up, the bags come off and the pots get taken out of the humidity domes and directly under flourescent lights about one inch from the bulbs. i also start plants on a friday night or saturday morning so i can monitor the critical 1st 2 days of temperature. even with a thermostat, the mat will sometimes produce heat higher or lower than i care for and adjust how far above the mat to keep at a steady 85. sounds like a lot of work, but that is what this hobby is all about anyway. it is the best system i have used and usually got damn near close to 100 percent for the past 4 years using this method. i got some pics in past years diaries. i believe 2004 or 2005.

5/8/2008 10:58:01 PM