Well it is a beautiful spring day and I want to get outside ASAP, but wanted to share a few things I have learnt on starting seeds
1) Labelling
Far too often I have lost labels and had no idea what type of pepper or tomato plant I have in a pot. I started by cutting up old aluminum blinds. Then realized for as many labels as I needed, why not just buy them. I just wish I could find more biodegradable options. For trays, I use these now. They fit well in smaller cells and can be firmly inserted. The marker (sharpie) comes off after some time.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Garden-Plant-Pot-Markers-Plastic-Stake-Tags-Yard-Court-Nursery-Seed-Label-/223211796367?var=&hash=item33f875b78f
Far better for pots etc are the paper and string ties, as they do not come off. They last the season at least although again the marker does come off. They are also more biodegradable. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/100Pcs-White-Paper-Jewelry-Clothes-Label-Price-Tags-With-Elastic-String-5-3F1BB/192899915102?hash=item2ce9bb1d5e:g:mMYAAOSwxipbNaFQ
2) Ties
I first tried string, then dollar store green plastic plant ties. It became somewhat messy though. I then came across some cheap grafting tape on eBay that is also biodegradable. Its stretchy does not harm the plants and yes, biodegradable
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/1-Eco-friendly-PE-Biodegradable-Grafting-Tape-Graft-Membrane-Gardening-Bind-Belt-/192595809924?var=&hash=item2cd79ad684
This is now my standard in the garden for tying op plants to stakes for support etc.
3) Trays
I buy the 10x20 trays now at a hydroponic store. They considerably thicker and last far longer than the big box stores. I always seem short of these. an old hacksaw blade works well in taking plants out of these cells
4) Pots
Tray inserts, I buy also from a hydroponics store. I like the 6x24 size per tray and start most of my seeds in them. For potting up tomatoes, peppers etc I use dollar store square plastic pots. The larger size usually. These I melt a small hole in the corner and tie the string labels onto them. They generally only last a season, maybe two and I use over a hundred of these each season. I like to add a bit of bone meal to my potting soil when I up-pot. It seems to keep the plants happy, without needing to then add fertilizers when watering.
Peat pots are used for squash and some other plants that I prefer not to re-pot. These I just plant pot an all into the soil.
5) Soil
I made the mistake this year of trying a new soil. I thought the finer nicer looking organic soil, would work better, but compacted far too much and I had very bad results with my pepper seeds not sprouting. My standard soil and rely and trust is Pro-Mix BX https://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-bx-mycorrhizae/
Its can be a bit coarse looking, but seems to stay looser and lighter. It crusts a bit if you not careful though. Its also not really organic etc. Mostly, it does not seem to get as water logged.
6) Planting
My favourite tool for garden work is a Hori Hori knife, hands down. it digs, plants, cuts, weeds and generally does most bent kneeling work. http://www.leevalley.com/en/Garden/page.aspx?p=10504&cat=2,44663,71827&ap=1
I am sure every gardener pics up some habits and has their own preferences. I am also sure I will try a dozen new things in the next year or two and maybe keep one or two. That is why gardening is not something you get right in a season. Do you have some favourites you would like to share?
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