Jiffy Seed starters?

[Skinner]

I am just starting to get things together for the garden this year and I was wondering if anybody has used the jiffy seed starter kits. I purchased and have just began seeding 3 72 plant containers with Hot peppers and 1 36 count container for tomato plants. I will keep you folks updated on the progress. If anybody has any experience with these starters kits I would love to hear about it.

[put'n the dog on]

I used them for years with good success. I liked them for the plastic dome. Way easier than using plastic wrap. I got tired of having so many flats. A couple years ago I switched to speedling flats. They are a tapered flat designed for better root growth with less balling. I love them. I use two flats with 128 cells in each.

 For the best results get yourself some propagation mats to heat your soil until most seeds have sprouted. Just be sure to remove them so you don't overheat the roots. Seeds sprout much faster with bottom heat. They are pricy but worth it. You can also get good bottom heat by putting the fats on top of the fridge.

No matter what you use, light it key after they sprout. I use fluorescent light 18 hrs a day. Watered with a spray bottle twice a day.

Sorry so long winded,best of luck to you,

Greg

[Skinner]

Thank you for the info much appreciated!!

[trapnewbie]

I've used them for several years now, and you can replace the little peat pellets for use in the trays next year.
When the plants start to outgrow their peat pellet, I have transplanted them in 4X4 pots.  Just put some peat and worm castings 3/4" deep in the pot, then take a short piece of 1" black plastic well pipe and stand upright in the pot and fill in around it with enough potting mix or peat or other grow mix to the top of the 4X4.  Kinda tamp it down lightly around the pipe, then twist the pipe out, leaving a nice cavity for the peat pellet.  A full 4X4 pot should be enough to get you to planting time.  It has worked great for me the last few years. 

Put'n the Dog On is spot on with the seed mats, and lights.  If you don't use the lights your plants will be 'leggy'.

Hope this helps.

[put'n the dog on]

trapnewbie, I've never heard of using pipe for transplanting. That is an awesome idea. I'll have to give that a try. Karma to ya

 I jumped the gun this year when I started my seeds. I'm almost at transplant size and I don't usually get to plant outside until that last week in may.

[trapnewbie]

I did the same thing one year and I didn't want to lose stuff so I tried the transplant thing and it worked. 
The only problem with it is that you have so many 4X4 pots...it was kinda hard to find enough window space to keep them going.
Glad to be of help...

[put'n the dog on]

I know what you mean I just ordered two hundred peat pots. Im actually waiting for the weather here in Michigan to break. My project for next weekend is an 8x8 greenhouse. Should really free up some space in the house.

[trapnewbie]

Just down at Tractor Supply today...they had some of their plastic greenhouses for 20% off.  I use two of the flimsy $30.00 ones inside.  I have a sunroom that's kinda small, but I can get all the plants either on the window sill or in the greenhouses.  Not the best system, but for what I need it works well enough....let me know how you make out.

[Skinner]

Thank you for the info I appreciate it. I will be sure to try those methods out I am hoping for a much better garden this year it is only my second year planting so i really have a ton to learn.

[Skinner]

Just a little update on the progress of my seed starters. The 36 count tomato plant starter has 33 cells sprouted. Still awaiting the pepper plants.

[trapnewbie]

Hey ...you're on the way!!  The peppers will take a little longer depending on what kind of peppers they are, but keep the heat to them until they sprout.
I started mine on the 9th of March and they're only about 2-3" or so and just now starting to show the second set of 'true' leaves.  Plant them and they will sprout. lol

[Skinner]

Well about 50 of the pepper plants of sprouted so far and the others are starting to look like they are on the way. Should I cut the first set of leaves off? or is that not the correct process.

[trapnewbie]

I don't cut them off, in fact most of the time they'll come off on their own, or just sort of swizzle up. 
The 'true' leaves will shortly out grow them and you'll hardly notice that they're there.
Sounds like stuff is starting to pop!
 At 3-4 dollars a flat of 6 plants at a greenhouse, you can save some money by doing your own. 
I usually have more than I can use, so I give them out to friends and neighbors, who sometimes have extras of other stuff that I haven't raised.

[Skinner]

Thank you for the info, I have noticed that if you start lettuce seeds in the seed starter they sprout way before the package says that they will. I placed them in on a Saturday and they were breaking threw the soil on Monday which was a complete shock to me. All the tomato plants and jalapeno peppers have come up nicely and the bell peppers are just about up too. This weekend I will be starting the tilling and they will be going in.

[trapnewbie]

Sounds like you've got it going!  Give your plants some time outdoor to 'harden off' before you transplant, otherwise you may lose quite a few.
Also when you do transplant your peppers and they've had a chance to grow some, kinda keep an eye on them to see if they start getting pale and quit growing.  If they do, give them a little taste of Epsom Salts in water, about one tablespoon or so to a gallon.  Not sure why it works, I think maybe a magnesium deficiency, but it does work.  You may not need this 'fix' as your soil may be fine without it, but here all the peppers get a 'taste' at least once early on in the season.  Good Luck!