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butterfly1 Joined: 3/17/2006 Location: Aiken SC Posts: 552	Posted: Sep/28/2006 9:27 PM PST Does anybody use grow lights to start their seedlings? I have an extra bedroom that I could use with a heat mat under the plants. I just haven't had much luck with starting seeds. Maybe we could use this thread to share what everyone else does. :broccoli: Quote \| Reply \| Report

mtngal Joined: 9/25/2006 Location: Soda Springs, Idaho Posts: 25	Posted: Sep/28/2006 11:28 PM PST I start my seeds in the basement. I use a cheapy small heated greenhouse until they sprout and then I move them very close under grow lights. As soon as it warms up a bit and they get some size I move them into an unheated outside greenhouse. Quote \| Reply \| Report

MamaBearBSA Joined: 8/14/2002 Location: Altoona, Iowa (near Des Moines) Posts: 4967 Moderator	Posted: Sep/29/2006 1:06 AM PST I use grow lights but mostly for maturing cuttings. The biggest thing is to keep the lights close to the plants and move them up as the plants grow. Never let the light be more than two inches above the plants though. That is when they get spindly. Quote \| Reply \| Report

MamaBearBSA Joined: 8/14/2002 Location: Altoona, Iowa (near Des Moines) Posts: 4967 Moderator	Posted: Sep/29/2006 1:08 AM PST Also use fans aroungd the grow area to keep air moving. I reduces the risk of damping off and the air movement actually strengthens the seedlings stems. But be careful, to direct and they will break. Just a gentle air movement is all that is necessary. Quote \| Reply \| Report

Judomi Joined: 6/23/2002 Location: Bay Shore, L.I., NY zone 7 Posts: 581	Posted: Sep/29/2006 1:27 AM PST I have a room in my basement that I use as a nursery. Starting plants from seeds is my wintertime hobby. I'm always trying something different. I use grow lights which I have on timers to start my seedlings. I use several methods. Sometimes I use bottom heat. I have a heat mat which I use for some of the seedlings. I use jiffy pots, peat pots, individual small containers. I use ziplock bags to form a green house. I try several different seed starting kits. I set up a self watering system for the seedlings by using capillary matting. I usually start perennials in January and February, annuals in March and April. I use a small fan several times a week to circulate the air in the room when the seedlings start growing. Quote \| Reply \| Report

Whitmore1 Joined: 4/02/2002 Location: Manistee County, MI, USA Posts: 496	Posted: Sep/29/2006 1:42 PM PST That MamaBear gal knows what she's talking about!! Quote \| Reply \| Report

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