I am very very new at this.
I have just started my seeds in Fafard Planting Mix.
My question is: Should I have mixed some of my own yard dirt in with it?
Should I leave them on a sunny window sill or keep them in the dark?
Should I use my car as a hothouse?
I planted: Marigolds, Basil, Habanero, Bell Pepper, and Eggplant.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-
shamrock770
- Newly Registered
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:35 pm
- Location: Bardstown
-
rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b
No, Yes (first), No... 
No yard dirt in your potting soil... It's too heavy/dense for seeds and you'd probably be bringing in bugs or other stuff you didn't want. Just the potting soil is fine until they are ready to transplant.
Very fine seeds usually want some light for germination (eg impatiens). Other seeds don't need any, but since they are planted under ground, covered, they are in the dark, so it doesn't matter whether there's light or not. I usually start all of mine under lights, because the lights are on anyway for all the things that have sprouted already. They definitely want light as soon as they sprout. A window sill unless you have a great full sun all day window, is usually not enough light to grow seedlings. You probably want to add some artificial light.
No do not use your car as a hothouse. No insulation and too much heat. You will either freeze your little plants to death if it gets cold or bake them if it gets hot. When little, they are sensitive and want an even heat.
No yard dirt in your potting soil... It's too heavy/dense for seeds and you'd probably be bringing in bugs or other stuff you didn't want. Just the potting soil is fine until they are ready to transplant.
Very fine seeds usually want some light for germination (eg impatiens). Other seeds don't need any, but since they are planted under ground, covered, they are in the dark, so it doesn't matter whether there's light or not. I usually start all of mine under lights, because the lights are on anyway for all the things that have sprouted already. They definitely want light as soon as they sprout. A window sill unless you have a great full sun all day window, is usually not enough light to grow seedlings. You probably want to add some artificial light.
No do not use your car as a hothouse. No insulation and too much heat. You will either freeze your little plants to death if it gets cold or bake them if it gets hot. When little, they are sensitive and want an even heat.
-
shamrock770
- Newly Registered
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:35 pm
- Location: Bardstown