I started stratifying seeds on Jan. 17. This year I put the seeds on paper towels, moistened the paper towels, and put the seeds into the fridge. When I planted I just laid the paper towel on top of the soil because some of the seeds were so tiny. Found out this doesn’t work, as the paper towel dries out very quickly. Part of my problem may be that I don’t have my plastic domes this year. I thought I had put them into my truck and apparently I didn’t. I’m attempting to use saran wrap and it does keep moisture in, but it needs to come off as soon as the seedlings emerge. Next year I’m going to plant all my seeds and put the trays into the fridge. I’m thinking I’ll be able to make enough room. Next year I’m also going to make sure the plastic domes make it into my truck.
I started planting on Feb. 18. Almost all the seeds in the fridge got planted and the onions I’ve also started. Feb. 28 I planted the super hot peppers. Next up is March 15 and I’ll start the rest of the peppers and the later date tomatoes (days 70 plus).
Another issue I’m having is damping off, happens every year. I’ve read and done everything to prevent it and it still happens. My solution is to plant multiple containers of varieties that are prone to damping off such as oregano and thyme. Hopefully one container will make it past the seedling stage. This year my problem is either the trays are too wet or too dry I can’t find the happy medium.
Coming up nicely is hyssop and milkweed. I’ll be potting them up on Tuesday. A lot of other stuff is coming up, but struggling. I didn’t realize how much the plastic domes effect seedlings and their survival. Good thing I’m stubborn and keep trying, one year things will finally click and things will grow in my condo. I use to grow everything at my dad’s farm, once the farm sold end of 2017 I started growing things in my condo and it’s been a struggle. The one things that grows well is tomatoes and peppers. In May and June I always have tons of tomatoes and pepper plants for sale.
Pumpkinist Lora 