[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
More information about the Market-farming
mailing list