toronjadeoro
Well-Known Member
If the soil is very dry out of the bag, sprinkle an inch's worth into the cup and mist it a time or two with water. Then throw in another inch, with another mist. Continue until you reach the top of the cup. The soil must be only moist--not wet. I've read several times you should not water a small seedling so much that water drains out of the cup below. The root system is so tiny in its development cycle, they simply do not require so much--it could easily do damage. Once your roots are good and developed and you've transplanted your hearty plant, then you can water the bigger pot until you have about 10% run-off through the bottom.
Since your lights tend to dry things out pretty fast, you'll only have to endure soil misting for less than a month before you transplant.
I'm thinking the coffee filter idea might not be sound. I understand the idea of not wanting the soil to fall out, but a coffee filter can retain a good amount of water for awhile before it slowly drips out. This could mean too much moisture retention for a seedling especially. I use solo cups and drill seven 1/4 inch holes in the bottom only. I've had no problems with soil shaking/leaking out.
Another possible problem (if it's water-related) may be your germination method. I know countless people swear by the paper towel method, but there are really good arguments against it. The couple who own mandala seeds (see their website) are very purist about their germination recommendations, claiming among many things that the paper towel method might seem effective, but could cause problems shortly down the road. They say the same of soaking your seeds in water before planting.
I take an in-between approach and line a matchbox with 100g sand paper, shake them for 30 seconds, drop them in water for 6-8 hours and then plant them in the soil. Matchbox idea I learned from Jorge Cervantes' book.
Hope this helps.
Since your lights tend to dry things out pretty fast, you'll only have to endure soil misting for less than a month before you transplant.
I'm thinking the coffee filter idea might not be sound. I understand the idea of not wanting the soil to fall out, but a coffee filter can retain a good amount of water for awhile before it slowly drips out. This could mean too much moisture retention for a seedling especially. I use solo cups and drill seven 1/4 inch holes in the bottom only. I've had no problems with soil shaking/leaking out.
Another possible problem (if it's water-related) may be your germination method. I know countless people swear by the paper towel method, but there are really good arguments against it. The couple who own mandala seeds (see their website) are very purist about their germination recommendations, claiming among many things that the paper towel method might seem effective, but could cause problems shortly down the road. They say the same of soaking your seeds in water before planting.
I take an in-between approach and line a matchbox with 100g sand paper, shake them for 30 seconds, drop them in water for 6-8 hours and then plant them in the soil. Matchbox idea I learned from Jorge Cervantes' book.
Hope this helps.
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