[Market-farming] Seed starting greenhouse

Marcy mlynn at pcisys.net
Wed Jan 9 00:39:02 EST 2008


This is a very timely discussion!  I'm just trying to decide what to do this 
year. I thought I'd arrived when I got a greenhouse up, but the past three 
years I haven't even been able to grow my own transplants - after 20 some 
years of doing the 4x8 sheet of plywood in a basement with flourescents and 
starting everything myself.  Finally move to the farm and last year I had to 
BUY tomato transplants!  I had thought I'd do some experiments over the 
summer, but that didn't happen, so maybe some of you can tell me what my 
problem is --before I resort to a sheet of plywood upstairs in our tiny farm 
house.
I even got one of those great heat mats to use and a thermostat. Filled the 
flats with the same mix I always used, planted the seeds, and I typically 
water from the bottom till they're sprouted and stocky. Then cover with 
clear plastic wrap and put on the bench.

I'm thinking maybe:
-Sun hitting the flats in the daytime heats the soil too much through the 
plastic wrap?
-Heating mat can't keep up with the cold at night? Unheated greenhouse and 
up on benches - would it be better to do on ground level?
-Mice at the seeds

Any other thoughts, or suggestions???
Thanks!!
Marcy
SE Colo - zone 5




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