estricklin
Well-Known Member
I've been involved in gardening in one way or another since I was very young. I walked behind my dad in the garden when I was 3 or 4 years old helping to pick and plant. My grandpa recently passed away and he knew so many things about gardening that I wish I had listened to. I realize a lot of people are into this "growing your own" thing as of recent. So I want to help, if I can, in any way. I'm going to show start to finish my plants and my garden, and maybe some good ole southern BS (for entertainment) along the way.
I started my tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants back in late January. My birthday falls on the 25th of January so I usually just use that to remind myself "it's time". I live in zone 7. I not only start my nightshades that need to be started indoors, but I go ahead and plant my onions outside too. I'm sorry to say I didn't plant any onions this year as I usually do, but I have photos from years past, I think, if anyone wants.
My little girl helped me start the seeds. You can see her with her step grandpa in the photo. I use a few brooder lamps with 1600 lumen bulbs for grow lights. No need to get fancy. If you have a window that faces east or west that would be ideal, I don't. An outdoor greenhouse is fine too. One of the smaller ones that are available from tractor supply or your local co op.
After they sprouted, I took some more photos. Usually takes 5-7 days, some stubborn ones take a few days longer. Damping off is the worst problem with seedlings, especially before they get their true leaves. A chemical I am fond of for treating this is Captan, I mix a tiny bit in a spray bottle full of water. You can use a fan for circulation when the plants are indoors to help prevent mold.
I will post more as I go.
I started my tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants back in late January. My birthday falls on the 25th of January so I usually just use that to remind myself "it's time". I live in zone 7. I not only start my nightshades that need to be started indoors, but I go ahead and plant my onions outside too. I'm sorry to say I didn't plant any onions this year as I usually do, but I have photos from years past, I think, if anyone wants.
My little girl helped me start the seeds. You can see her with her step grandpa in the photo. I use a few brooder lamps with 1600 lumen bulbs for grow lights. No need to get fancy. If you have a window that faces east or west that would be ideal, I don't. An outdoor greenhouse is fine too. One of the smaller ones that are available from tractor supply or your local co op.
After they sprouted, I took some more photos. Usually takes 5-7 days, some stubborn ones take a few days longer. Damping off is the worst problem with seedlings, especially before they get their true leaves. A chemical I am fond of for treating this is Captan, I mix a tiny bit in a spray bottle full of water. You can use a fan for circulation when the plants are indoors to help prevent mold.
I will post more as I go.