I fill the bottom side of each bubble with half potting soil, then a top layer of seed starter. I find the seed starter doesn't absorb water very well--it seems to float. The potting soil absorbs well. The seeds are placed in the seed starter and I spray water on top to hydrate it. That seems to work. From then on, I just bottom water. The real trick is to get your seeds to sprout by keeping the soil moist--but not so much as to cause mold or rot. Once the seeds have sprouted into plants with a second set of leaves, I will transplant them into individual containters.
The plant stand is timed to provide light 16 hours per day. I guess I could do 24, but I just think that's unnatural.
I had some leftover Dahlias from last year, so thought I'd see if they would come to life this year. Two -- in the large pots -- are starting to sprout. The pots have a drainage device in the bottom. Draining the water is very important. Seeds can rot--plants can drown.
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI was reading of your problems with pests and stink bugs, etc. I have a fenced in yard now which makes a big difference for the four-legged variety. But in terms of insects, if there is an issue, there are several 'sprays' you can make that make the veggies unappealing to the bugs and then I like to use the thin fabric frost cover on things like cabbages, lettuce, etc. It can make a big difference in terms of the number of bugs that make their way to your plants. It makes things much more manageable.
Also, companion planting works in containers as well as in the raised bed garden. There are flowers and herbs that you can interplant with your veggies that will keep your pests at a minimum. Let me know if you would like more info!
Good Luck!
Hi Noelle--
ReplyDeleteIn the suburban house we lived in before this one, I had a back yard filled with raised beds and bordered by many types of fruit trees and berry bushes. I had to fence in the raised beds with mesh to keep rabbits out.
We have a much larger property now--about 1.2 acres and the back yard is totally fenced. It won't keep out rabbits and the ground is sloped, so I haven't done raised beds.
I do many containers (about 50) with both flowers and vegetables. If you know of a plant that would ward off stink bugs, I would love to know what it is. I could use fabric, but I want the containers to add to the decor of the decks and patio they are on--and that would probably detract. Well, I might have to do it if I want to harvest anything. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks for the comment!