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Growing Your Seedlings
Alright folks, it’s time to get down and dirty with your seedlings. So, what’s the next step, you ask? Well, let’s talk about what to grow them in. Now, I ain’t no expert on hydroponics, so don’t expect me to give you any advice on that topic. We’re gonna stick to good old-fashioned planting techniques here.
When it comes to the medium to plant your seeds in, I highly recommend using a top-notch potting mix or seed raising mix. These products are specially designed to give your seedlings the best possible start. They have large particles that prevent the soil from becoming compacted, which can hinder root growth and drainage. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients that promote strong root expansion and foliage growth.
Now, some folks might try to tell you that your seedlings need to start off in the same soil they’re gonna grow in. Well, let me tell you, that’s a load of hogwash. If that were true, the plant nursery industry wouldn’t exist, now would it? And let me tell ya, that industry rakes in billions of dollars each year. So, don’t believe the naysayers.
As for containers, there’s a whole range of options out there. It really depends on how many plants you plan on growing and, of course, your personal preference. You’ve got everything from Jiffy pots and plastic six-cell packs to large clay or plastic pots. Each has its pros and cons, so let’s break it down.
Jiffy pots and blocks are made from compressed sphagnum peat moss and wood pulp. When you soak ’em in water, they expand and become a perfect medium for your seeds. One great thing about these is that when your seedlings are ready to be planted outside, you can simply stick the whole pot into the garden soil. No need to transplant and stress out the poor little plants. The downside is that they can get pricey if you’re planting a lot of seeds, and they’re not reusable.
Now, the plastic six-cell packs are another option. You just fill ’em up with your potting mix, add some water, and plant your seeds in each cell. Easy peasy. The advantage of these is that they’re cheap and reusable, so they won’t break the bank. The only downside is that the seedlings might outgrow the cells and need to be transplanted into larger pots before they’re ready for the great outdoors.
When it comes to pots, there’s a wide variety available. I won’t get into the cost because that’s really up to you and what you’re willing to spend. If you’re planning on using cheap plastic pots and then transferring the plants to the garden when they’re big enough, that’s perfectly fine. Just be aware that if you live in a colder region, you might not have enough space on a heating mat for all your pots. But if you can find another way to keep ’em warm, like in a heated greenhouse or inside your house, then you’re all set.
Another option is to plant the seeds directly in the pot they’ll be growing in. This saves you the hassle of transplanting and reduces stress on the seedlings. Just remember the potential downsides mentioned earlier.
Now, let’s take a quick peek at what the commercial nurseries do. They have a more involved process where they germinate the seeds in flat trays with just water. After a few days, they transfer the delicate seedlings into the six-cell packs we’re familiar with. This ensures that every cell is filled with a healthy seedling, so they don’t end up with empty packs that won’t sell. Smart move, huh?
Alright, now that you’ve got your seeds, potting mix, and containers sorted, let’s talk about where to grow those babies. I’ll share my approach, and then I’ll give you some other options to choose from.
When I do grow from seeds, which ain’t too often these days, I start off with a simple mini-greenhouse. I use a high-quality potting mix and keep it moist. During the day, I keep the greenhouse outside to soak up the sun, but I bring it in at night to avoid any temperature drops that could harm the seedlings. As the little guys start poking their heads above the clear plastic lid, about 5cm high, I transplant them to larger pots and place them against a north-facing galvanized iron shed. This way, they get plenty of sunlight and warmth, with a little reflection off the shed to boot. Sometimes, if there’s a cold night or two, I’ll bring them indoors or find a sheltered spot to keep the temperature from plummeting. Once I’m confident that the plants are acclimatized and ready to face the world, I move them to the raised garden beds in my yard. The timing for this can vary depending on the likelihood of cold spells and the readiness of the plants. Usually, it takes about 3-6 weeks.
I should mention that I avoid planting seeds too early, before October, since the Autumn season in Perth is nice and warm. That gives me an extended harvest season that goes well into April or even May. If you live north of Latitude 35 S, chances are you can grow your chillies all year round, especially near the coast. If you’re between Latitude 30 S and Latitude 35 S, you can try my technique or start a bit earlier and use the advice below for colder regions. Now, if you live south of Latitude 30 S, pay attention to the information below. You’ll want to start germinating your seeds in July/August to ensure a long enough harvest season to make it worth your while.
Alrighty, let’s talk options for where to grow your seedlings. You’ve got a few choices, so listen up.
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