Seed Starting Essentials- Plastic Seed Trays, Seed Starting Kits, Seedling
Propagation Mats
As winter progresses and turns into spring, home gardeners stock up on seeds
and seed starting supplies. We chomp at the bit, in eager anticipation of
the new growing season. All winter long, we stockpile seed trays, seed starting
kits, seedling propagation mats, and propagation trays. We also acquire abundant
amounts of seed starting soil, peat pellets, peat pots, and peat strips.
Why Peat? Peat is a naturally occurring organic material. Roots can
easily penetrate peat pots and pellets, as they grow.
About Peat Moss
Here are some descriptions to help you determine what seed starting materials
and supplies to stock up on:
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Plastic Seed Trays with plastic pots (or inserts) are less expensive
than peat pots and pellets. Seed starter trays can often be used over
again.
Plastic pots are great when you have a lot of seedlings to start. They are
more commonly used with flowers and herbs. Be careful when transplanting,
to minimize disturbance of the roots. Seedlings can get root bound, if left
in plastic pots for an prolonged period.
Buy seed tray kits now |
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Plastic Seed Tray Kits with peat strips -Strips of peat pots
in a starter tray, is the way to go for many gardeners. Square pots, in strips
of 5 to 8 pots, fit in plastic flats. Refills for trays are available.
Buy seed starter tray kits with peat strips |
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Seed Trays with peat pellets The seedling tray is neatly filled
with peat pellets. Some trays have a plastic insert, to keep the pellets
perfectly spaced. Trays are reusable. Replacement pellets are available.
Buy Starter trays with peat pellets |
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Dome Covers for Seed Tray Kits- Seed trays come with or without
a dome cover. Kits with dome covers serve two purposes: They help to retain
moisture, and keep the soil from drying out. Secondly, they raise the temperature
of the soil, speeding germination of the seeds.
Dome covers are great for starting seeds. However, the extra heat and moisture
encourages damping off disease, an often fatal seedling disease. When using
the seed tray covers, watch for excess moisture. Remove the cover frequently,
to allow excess moisture to escape. After the seedlings have sprouted, we
recommend you discontinue using the cover.
Buy now |
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Jiffy Peat Pots- Round or square pots, in various sizes. Round
pots are by far more popular. Fill Jiffy peat pots with your favorite
seed starting mix. Peat pots minimize transplant shock, as the roots are
undisturbed. At planting time, transplant seedling in the pots, right into
the garden. Roots easily grow through the pots. Peat is a completely organic
material.
Buy Peat Pots |
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Jiffy Peat Pellets- The pellets are small and compact...until
you add water. Then, they expand into a convenient seed starter. A mesh material
holds this "ball of peat" together. Gardeners like the ease of use of Jiffy
peat pellets, which helps to minimize transplant shock.
Buy Peat Pellets |
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Seed Starting Soil (or mix)- The primary ingredients of
any good quality seed starter soil, are sphagnum peat moss and perlite. Starter
soil mix is properly pH balanced. Rich, lightweight starting soil, allows
your seedlings to easily emerge from the soil.
Manufacturers often fortify the mix with fertilizers and micro-nutrients
needed for early season growth.
Buy now |
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Heated Germination Mats ( Propagation Mats)- Home gardeners who
have germination mats, rightfully swear by them. Germination mats are a gardening
essential for some hard to start seeds.
Propagation mats provide bottom heat, speeding seedling germination, and
better germination rates. Promotes healthy, vigorous seedling growth. Germination
mats pay for themselves over and over again.
After seeds have emerged, remove the germination mat. As the roots spread
downward, the higher heat can actually hurt tender, young roots.
Buy Heated Germination Mat |
Tips for Transplanting Seedlings:
Time the transplanting of your seedlings, to after the last frost date for
your area.
Don't leave your seedlings in trays and pots too long. As soon as roots emerge
from the peat pots or pellets, it is time to transplant them (weather
permitting).
Transplanting on cloudy days, helps to minimize transplant shock.
As planting time nears, "harden off" seedlings by placing them outdoors
for progressively longer periods of time.
How to Transplant Seedlings
More on Hardening Off plants
Also see: Coldframes
Related Topics:
About Spaghnum Peat Moss
Peatlands
Frost Jackets can be used weeks before the last spring frost.
Buy Frost Jackets
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Ferry Morse
seeds, with their famous "guarantee to grow". Better quality, better prices.
Quality
Bulbs and Perennials - Great deals on your favorite bulbs and perennials.
The Compact ComposTumbler converts kitchen and yard waste into rich,
organic compost.
Buy a Composter now
More
on Composters |
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