Starting seeds for the second year running, and they germinate well, but then wither. I'm using farmers almanac dates for my zone. I germinate in paper towels with great success. Then on transferring, the sprouts wither and die. Last year I used milk jugs and loose soil in the base. This year, I used soil blocks and had better luck but still lots of failures. I am sure to keep the soil nice and moist but not wet, and keep them in a sunny window. I don't have grow lights or mats yet – our electric bills are NUTS and I don't want to add to the problem. Also slightly unclear on how a greenhouse or domes might help – can we keep them outside for more sun if they're covered?
by owlanalogies
5 Comments
I seem to find that a lot of the soil blocks don’t absorb water properly- like they look watered on a surface level but if you stick your finger in there it’s dry af and super compacted, even with bottom watering. I’d just get regular loose vegetable potting soil, make sure it’s fluffy and aerated and pack it into some cells
What are you trying to germinate?
anyways, have you thought about just planting the seeds in dirt instead of germinating in a paper towel and transferring… People have been putting seeds in dirt for thousands of years with good results. 🤷♂️
They’re leggy and falling over due to insufficient light. Also, those soil blocks look absolutely soaked. Veggies don’t like to grow in a swamp. Now raspberries on the other hand I’ve seen grow in a bucket of mud and water but most veggies need a slight dryness before watering again. Essentially, if you can squeeze the water out of a handful of soil it’s too wet.
You seedlings look very leggy and probably aren’t dead, but falling over because too tall stretching for the light. Unfortunately most windows don’t provide enough light to grow seedlings strong enough to transplant. I would suggest getting an LED grow light (bulb or strip) and put it on a timer. The cost is maybe $7-10 more on your bill, if that.
They are leggy they are reaching for light. So get them into the sun or much closer to a strong indoor light. A fan also really helps.