Started Seeds

[rattfink]

Yep, I couldn't wait any longer. I know, according to the Farmer's Almanac chart for my area I did it 2 days early but I just couldn't wait any more. Also, I tried mmpaints' idea of starting them in peet pellets inside ziploc bags. We'll see how it goes, hopefully the 2 days early will not ruin it.

[insidethebunker]

Pear Pellets? What did you start?... and type real slow... I'm really bad at this gardening stuff and I don't want to miss a step

[rattfink]

Peet pellets...in the gardening section at Walmart. They're made by Jiffy. I bought a kit that consists of: plastic tray with clear lid(what they call a mini greenhouse), and 72 peet pellets. It's compressed peet pellets that when you add water expand. after expansion you place your plant seeds on top of the peet pellets, slightly push seeds inside the pellets then cover with the lid.
I started 2 types of tomatoes, green peppers, squash, eggplant, zucchini, green beans(bush), peas and I will startleaf lettuce in a month or so.
I didn't use the greenhouse in the kit. I , as mmpaints suggested,after putting the seeds in the peet placed 4(she does 3) of the expanded peet pellets in ziploc bags to act as mini greenhouses. As the plants grow, leave the bag open so they can grow out of the top. That way when it's time to plant, I grab a bag, remove plants with peet pellet still attached to roots and put the plants in soil. Much easier than carrying the greenhouse from the kit loaded down with 72 plants.

[mjmontey1]

I can't wait to try this!

[Good Life]

I remember back in 5th or 6th grade science class we started seeds in baggies. I think they were lima beans or something like that, and we used paper towels instead of dirt. Fold a towel into 1/4 and lay inside the baggie. about 2" from bottom, staple a row of staples all across the bag. Add 3-4 seeds on top of the staples. (Staples need to be close enough together so the seeds won't fall through) We taped them to a wall or door or something so that they were upright. Then pour in enough water to saturate the towel and have a little in the bottom of the bag (below the staples.) I remember that they grew pretty big (6-8") and never had any dirt. I admit this may look a little weird in your home vs. a science class, but it is an option if you don't have peet pellets.

[insidethebunker]

Rattfink you are my inspiration! I bought the peat things you said to get. Got my plastic lunch bags and started about 20 different varieties, 3 peats to a bag. Also got a "tray" from Walmart and started herbs, I think it's got about 45 "pots". Ok, does this mean I can take the rest of the spring off?

[Good Life]

Geez, Bunker, 20 varieties? Where are you gonna put them all when they grow?

I had 2 of the 72 ct. peat pellets in the little plastic greenhouse, so I got one of them going so far. Only 4 different kinds of plants in it. Haven't found the variety of tomato seeds I want yet and still need to get a few other kinds like hot peppers and watermelons, plus some that go right into the ground. Think we're going to build a few raised beds in the back yard and also do some containers. Have a great garden spot for the big stuff, but the problem is that it's about 20 miles away. I thought the family would be less than enthusiastic about tearing up the back yard to put in raised beds, but I guess I didn't consider that it would be less grass to mow and therefore it would be a good thing. Those 20 gallon open containers at LexCon look like they'd make nice little herb garden containers too!

[insidethebunker]

Geez, Bunker, 20 varieties? Where are you gonna put them all when they grow?

Rule 1, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess, besides, what makes you think I can make them grow? Remember I harvested less then 50 green beans, 25 radish and 2 bowls of lettuce last year.

[mjmontey1]

Rule 1, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess

Oh I'm stealing that line!

I bought the $2 pack of 32 peat pellet refills instead of the 72 count tray. I figured if I could get 30+ started I'll be making a good show of it. I didn't want to overwhelm myself! I only have a few packs of seeds, so I'm going to go ahead and get those started RIGHT NOW.....


(after I start the dough for Barts Bread)

Jean

[mjmontey1]

Seeds are started..with the help of the Old Man, my Dad and a 2 year old!
I only started tomatoes tonight. My Dad is going to bring out some more seeds soon so we can start them.

Anyone have an opinion on what type of tomato is the best for canning tomato sauce? I have no idea, so any suggestions would be welcome. This will be my first year canning..I have a water bath canner and a pressure cooker (that my Grandmother-in-Law is handing down). I'm hoping that between the two of those I'll be in good shape.

That same Grandmother-in-Law (who is 93 and been "prepping" for a long time!) is also handing down jars. Any suggestions on lids? Someone (KY PATRIOT??) had mentioned plastic lids, but I didn't get all the info on that.

Jean

[matthiasj]

Seeds are started..with the help of the Old Man, my Dad and a 2 year old!
I only started tomatoes tonight. My Dad is going to bring out some more seeds soon so we can start them.

Anyone have an opinion on what type of tomato is the best for canning tomato sauce? I have no idea, so any suggestions would be welcome. This will be my first year canning..I have a water bath canner and a pressure cooker (that my Grandmother-in-Law is handing down). I'm hoping that between the two of those I'll be in good shape.

That same Grandmother-in-Law (who is 93 and been "prepping" for a long time!) is also handing down jars. Any suggestions on lids? Someone (KY PATRIOT??) had mentioned plastic lids, but I didn't get all the info on that.

Jean

Good luck!

[insidethebunker]

I'm in trouble now! They started sprouting in just 4 days. Poor things don't know what they are in for or how bad I am about raising anything.

[rattfink]

I have a bunch of sprouts. Out of everything I started, the bell peppers are the only ones that haven't sprouted yet. Hopefully they will soon. My squash and zucchini sprouts are almost 10" tall in just 8 days. At this rate...I am going to be in trouble and ready to harvest before the last frost and I have a chance to move them outside!

[insidethebunker]

I have a bunch of sprouts. Out of everything I started, the bell peppers are the only ones that haven't sprouted yet. Hopefully they will soon. My squash and zucchini sprouts are almost 10" tall in just 8 days. At this rate...I am going to be in trouble and ready to harvest before the last frost and I have a chance to move them outside!

It's all your fault! You jumped the gun and then I jumped the gun! Everyone is just laughing at us... I can hear them now...

[Good Life]

Anyone have an opinion on what type of tomato is the best for canning tomato sauce? I have no idea, so any suggestions would be welcome. This will be my first year canning..I have a water bath canner and a pressure cooker (that my Grandmother-in-Law is handing down). I'm hoping that between the two of those I'll be in good shape.

That same Grandmother-in-Law (who is 93 and been "prepping" for a long time!) is also handing down jars. Any suggestions on lids? Someone (KY PATRIOT??) had mentioned plastic lids, but I didn't get all the info on that.

Jean

First, let me say I'm definitely not an expert, but here's my .02 Last year we grew regular slicing tomatoes. I think the variety was called "Supersonic" They were nice, big & juicy. Juicy was the problem for sauce. They just didn't cook down enough to make a good sauce. I canned some whole, some crushed, some were de-seeded and made into salsa & spicy tomato juice. This year, I'm going to do fewer of those and also grow Roma style tomatoes. They are smaller, fewer seeds, and more meat/less juice.

Inherited jars are great! Last year was the first year I canned for myself and had to buy all the jars. I got most of them at Big Lots for $6-$7/case of 12. That and the canner were big expenses, but it's not something you have to buy over and over. Just be sure that the jars all have PERFECTLY smooth tops and no cracks or chips anywhere on them. Even some brand new jars have imperfections in them. Lids are pretty standard. Kerr or Ball are the most popular. I usually grab a box or 2 each time I'm at Meijer just to have a nice supply put back. The rings don't need to stay on the jars after they've sealed and cooled. You'll need to at least take them off and wash the jars before storing. Some people recommend storing without the rings because they can rust. Personally, I put them back on after washing the jars and thoroughly drying the lids just because I feel like they protect the lid from accidentally getting bumped or something. I'm not really familiar with plastic lids other than for things like freezer jams or maybe storing dehydrated food with O2 absorbers.

Hope this helps.