The pimiento de padrón seeds have already started sprouting. I have to say that I´m really quite impressed and pleased with the seedling heat mat that I´ve placed under tray 2. These pepper seeds were supposed to take 10-20 days, and at day 6 two of them are already showing signs of sprouting.
I also think that the heat mat is the primary difference between the germination progress and overall growth rate of the tomato seeds between the two trays. At this point, it definitely seems like it was a good investment. Now I just have to decide if I should remove the extra heat once all the seeds have germinated.
Showing posts with label heat mat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heat mat. Show all posts
3.12.09
heat mat installed
So I made it to the local hydroponics store this evening and purchased a 20W Super Sprouter Seedling Heating Mat for $30. It's the same size as the seed flat (about 10" x 20") and claims to "warm the temperature of the rooting area 10-20F above the ambient air temperature." Since I think it's currently around 60F on that shelf, it seems it should work out well for the tomato plants germinating there.
I also would like to amend a previous post in which I stated that "the worst that could happen [in planting the tomato plants so early] is that they flower before it's warm enough for them to be taken outside and pollinated." I found out tonight at the hydroponics store that I seemingly know very little about pollination and which types of vegetables require pollination assistance (as in from various bees). Apparently, most types of tomato plants do not require cross-pollination and can pollinate themselves with the help of some shaking. For the more difficult species, pollination can be accomplished through vibrating the flowers in any of a number of ways (electric toothbrush, for example). I'm looking forward to reading more about pollination in general, and how it pertains to the plants I'll be growing in particular.
I also would like to amend a previous post in which I stated that "the worst that could happen [in planting the tomato plants so early] is that they flower before it's warm enough for them to be taken outside and pollinated." I found out tonight at the hydroponics store that I seemingly know very little about pollination and which types of vegetables require pollination assistance (as in from various bees). Apparently, most types of tomato plants do not require cross-pollination and can pollinate themselves with the help of some shaking. For the more difficult species, pollination can be accomplished through vibrating the flowers in any of a number of ways (electric toothbrush, for example). I'm looking forward to reading more about pollination in general, and how it pertains to the plants I'll be growing in particular.
2.12.09
supplies update, slideshow soon
The purple basil has really taken off, and the sweet basil is finally starting to sprout. I've been photographing them twice a day, and now I'm working on a slideshow of their respective pictures.
In the meantime, I'm waiting for the new seeds to arrive, and I finally ordered the fluorescent bulbs. The best price on a 2' single T5 fixture with bulb was $45 from ACF Greenhouse. This includes not only the bulb, but also a metallic reflector to help direct the light onto a smaller area. They have a really nice site that provides a lot of background on different lighting options and how to compare them to figure out exactly what your lighting needs are. Just as with the seeds, the bulbs are supposed to arrive in 4-10 business days. I hope they get here soon, now that the basil has sprouted, the greenhouse really needs more uniform and efficient lighting.
Also, I've found a local supplier for the heat mats for seed germination. They should provide a much more efficient source of heat for the seeds than the grow bulb. The product is made by HydroFarm Inc, but they only sell to retailers. I'm planning on purchasing two, and then my greenhouse supplies should be complete!
In the meantime, I'm waiting for the new seeds to arrive, and I finally ordered the fluorescent bulbs. The best price on a 2' single T5 fixture with bulb was $45 from ACF Greenhouse. This includes not only the bulb, but also a metallic reflector to help direct the light onto a smaller area. They have a really nice site that provides a lot of background on different lighting options and how to compare them to figure out exactly what your lighting needs are. Just as with the seeds, the bulbs are supposed to arrive in 4-10 business days. I hope they get here soon, now that the basil has sprouted, the greenhouse really needs more uniform and efficient lighting.
Also, I've found a local supplier for the heat mats for seed germination. They should provide a much more efficient source of heat for the seeds than the grow bulb. The product is made by HydroFarm Inc, but they only sell to retailers. I'm planning on purchasing two, and then my greenhouse supplies should be complete!
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