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I started the 14th and things have just started to germinate

I have them folded into the paper towel not lying on top and have been keeping them in a ziplock in a shoebox in my closet that has decent ventilation

I have two varieties of tomatoes and basil that have started. Jalepenos have done nothing yet

Today I have noticed red mold. HELP

Tomatoes


[img]https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7690/1334779354picsay1334779.jpg[/img]

I personally never liked that method.. never worked for me and always either nothing happened or always had mold.

I either start them in a tray with a heat mat and digital thermometer OR simply in a mini dixie cup clear or can be non-clear with soil and water once and just wait until they sprout.

after sprouting (either method), I transfer them into 24 oz tumblers (plastic cups) that I drill 3 holes into the bottom and go from there.


my advice.. skip the paper towel method...

For the heat mat can I use just one that you'd find around the home for aches and such?

Also how deep in the dixie cup is the seed planted also in the little Dixie cup should I poke a lil hole at the bottom?

[img]https://img684.imageshack.us/img684/7786/1334781386picsay1334781.jpg[/img]

basil looking good

the mold has not formed around any of the seeds just in random spots on the paper towel

I also have some in unbleached coffee filters and there is no sign of mold whatsoever

m00s3 wrote:For the heat mat can I use just one that you'd find around the home for aches and such?

Also how deep in the dixie cup is the seed planted also in the little Dixie cup should I poke a lil hole at the bottom?

I'm not sure if those are good for seed starting - I have heard of a couple of people using them but not many, but there is a heat mat made for seed starting... if you do get a heat mat make sure you get the digital thermometer.

as for the dixie cup, fill with soil and plant seed about a pencil eraser deep.. and no, don't poke any holes into the cup.. the seed won't be in there too long.. just a few days until it sprouts..

The only time I use the paper towel method is when I am germinating old seeds (older than 8 years). And then I put in a damp paper towel overnight only. After soaking the seeds they get the regular planted in the mix treatment.

I have used heating pads for years with very good results. The best bet is to get one either with a thermostat or one with two or three heat levels and use the low setting. I also have a nice heat mat with a good thermostat I use mostly for peppers and older tomato seeds. Just be sure to keep heating pads away from water; they are not meant to get wet and you may be in for a shock.

the specified heat mats are water proof... but that doesn't mean go ahead and submerge them in water either..

[img]https://hydro-earth.com/3347-4082-thickbox/seedling-heat-mat-9q-x-195q--17w.jpg[/img]

[img]https://hydro-earth.com/3372-4085-thickbox/digital-temperature-controller-for-heat-mat.jpg[/img]

wet soil BEFORE putting the thermostat sensor into the soil (pick a center cell)

I applaud you helpful gardeners, thank you for your insight

Since I have already begun germinating a few this way, how exactly do I plant the seedling in prepared soil? Do I have the end of the seedling exposed or completely covered?



[img]https://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1250/1334786184picsay1334786.jpg[/img]

exposed.. it needs light to grow

Ruffsta wrote:exposed.. it needs light to grow

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I've got some seeds starting via the paper towel method as well. If I transfer the seeds to soil the day they start showing the tiniest bit of sprout, should I still put them in the light, or should I plant them just under the soil just like if I were planting directly in soil?

Yes, it's best to plant the seeds as soon as they push the tip of the root through the seed casing. Sometimes, this means only a tiny bit of white, but that is enough. There is less chance of damaging the main seed root and delicate root hairs haven't started growing yet.

You then plant the seeds at the best depth in soil for the seed. Some seeds needing light need only be pushed into the soil's surface, and I usually sprinkle these with white sand like I'm covering with salt. Most other seeds when sown indoors are buried 2X the seed's thickness when lying down (don't stand it on its edge). When sown outside, it's best to cover with a little extra soil because it's easy for them to dry out in the sun.

If the germinated seeds become overgrown and the root hairs are entangled in the paper towel, tear or cut around the seedling and bury the bit of paper towel with the seed. Any exposed paper towel will wick the moisture from the root.

m00s3 wrote:


[img]https://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1250/1334786184picsay1334786.jpg[/img]

@applestar, is this what you are referring to when you say stand on its edge?

Sorry no. I'm talking a bout the seed itself. Flat seeds like tomato seeds should be placed more or less flat at the bottom of the dimple you pre in the soil with your finger or pencil eraser, beans should lay flat not on either ends or "eye" or the hump, etc.

Is this photo the same seedling as the one in the paper towel you pictured above? If it is, I don,t believe it was planted correctly. The little yellowish cotyledon/seed leaves should be sticking out of the soil and the root with root hairs entangled in the paper towel should be buried with the bit of paper towel you tore/cut out. Being so pale yellow, it should be given strong light but not direct sunlight to green it up.