2020 Growing Pains!

[Rajun Gardener]

I finally got busy and cleaned up the greenhouse and dutch buckets to get it going again, it still needs more cleaning but I have a few plants in!!!!!
Here's what ended up on the final grow list so far.

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My season is starting off terrible. I'm at least 6 weeks late and the germination mix I used almost killed all of the seedlings. I used mix I had left over from last year that's been sitting in the greenhouse all year. They were fine then all of a sudden they all started yellowing so I transplanted them and started using a weak mix of hydro solution(Master Blend, Calnit & epsom). It's been a few days and they're starting to green up and grow.

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I see I have RL and PL on the Elgin's Pink to the far right row.

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I bought these starter trays from Amazon to try this year, the plugs are sold separately. I'm surprised they're made a little thicker than normal and should last a few years if i keep them out of the sun all year. These are tomatoes but I have another 7 trays waiting on pepper seeds to pop.

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I cheated and bought plants from the home center to grow in the dutch buckets.

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More plants I bought to get a jump on the season, eggplants, yellow squash, zucchini and a few peppers.

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[AZGardener]

Everything looks good Rajun. What was the bad seed starter you used? I have been using Jiffy with good results. Bought a new bag this year when I needed a bit more for a few cells in the tray. It was very different, looked like something I dug up out of the yard. I'm looking for something else
to start seeds in going forward.

[Rajun Gardener]

I used Lambert's https://www.amleo.com/lambert-all-purpo ... /p/LMAFM3/

It doesn't have enough perlite in it and it packs down too tight. Most of the roots were only in the top half of the cells instead of growing to the bottom. I used the Lambert's General Purpose last year too without any problems.

[AZGardener]

I used Lambert's https://www.amleo.com/lambert-all-purpo ... /p/LMAFM3/

It doesn't have enough perlite in it and it packs down too tight. Most of the roots were only in the top half of the cells instead of growing to the bottom. I used the Lambert's General Purpose last year too without any problems.

Thanks for the response. That sounds similar to what I found with the "new" Jiffy this year. It was like mud compared to the bags from last year. I've used it for several years and it was always consistent.
I'm considering trying the Miracle Gro seed starting mix for my flowers this year to see if it's any better. If that doesn't work, I'll figure out some kind on my own.

[SQWIB]

Looking good, how the heck can you afford to use so much perlite, what do you do if it gets algae growth?

[Rajun Gardener]

Some of the perlite is 3-4 years old, I wash it out with a clorox solution and it cleans up pretty good. I ordered a bunch from AM Leonard when it was marked down to $12 a big bag and they had free shipping at the time so I loaded up.

The algae doesn't bother me, it doesn't matter what I do it always grows.

[Rajun Gardener]

I used Lambert's https://www.amleo.com/lambert-all-purpo ... /p/LMAFM3/

It doesn't have enough perlite in it and it packs down too tight. Most of the roots were only in the top half of the cells instead of growing to the bottom. I used the Lambert's General Purpose last year too without any problems.

Thanks for the response. That sounds similar to what I found with the "new" Jiffy this year. It was like mud compared to the bags from last year. I've used it for several years and it was always consistent.
I'm considering trying the Miracle Gro seed starting mix for my flowers this year to see if it's any better. If that doesn't work, I'll figure out some kind on my own.

[mention]AZGardener[/mention]

I went look at the soil again and I had it mixed up. I used the wrong bag, I should've used the all purpose mix as it's lighter and has more perlite. This is the right mix, they have free shipping sales a few times a year so load up. https://www.amleo.com/lambert-germinati ... /p/LM18GM/

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[bower]

Great to see them coming on, Rajun.
I'm glad to hear your comment about cells that are more durable. I have a big burn on for the stuff that doesn't last. You know I am a big 'save planet' freak, and they tell me "use whatever you have, don't buy new". That has put me in the nasty place especially the cell packs. Washing them out would be a headache even if they didn't fall apart. They just don't last. I have some held together by duct tape and in the end it's worse. It means I can't recycle them. My biggest burn is the 'repurposing' of plastic stuff I bought at dollar store. Doesn't last either. The best pots are the ones designed by the industry for hort trees and shrubs. Those are really tough and even endure freezing. Stuff that doesn't even endure gentle use and washing... oh my. What a waste. The industry needs to revisit their standards for cell packs.

[PlainJane]

Sorry your season got off to a slow start. Sometimes it just happens.
Looks like the plants are catching up though.
You should still be able to get the main tomato harvest in before the weather turns unbearable.

[MissS]

I'm sorry that you are behind on your gardening. It was because you started this wonderful forum for all of us to enjoy. THANK YOU!

[AZGardener]

[mention]Rajun Gardener[/mention] Thanks for letting me know about the potting soil mix-up and Lambert's.
I hope to get the rest of my seedlings potted up today and start some herbs and flowers under the lights.

[wildcat62]

Very nice Rajun. I love seeing those green plants this early in the year.

[Rajun Gardener]

What a difference 5 days makes, the stunted tomatoes are making a comeback and everything else is loving the warm weather and the hydro juice.

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First cluster looking good.

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True leaves started on some late plants.

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I started a full tray of beets, this is the first time trying this method. The is to be able to set them out equally spaced and I'll start another tray when these first go out to stagger the harvest.

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I also started some Choppee Indian okra that are poking through in 5 days total, two days of soaking in water and 3 days planted.

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[AZGardener]

Everything looks great Rajun. Yes, what a difference a few nice days can make.

[Rajun Gardener]

Checked the plants this morning and noticed a growth spurt.

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I grew seeds out for Danish Gardener in 2018 for a dwarf project I think and stumbled on a pack of F2 seeds I kept after sending her the seeds she wanted. I noticed the variegation on only one plant of the three I started. Does anyone know what Accy is?
Accy PL (M) X Faelans First Snow (F2)

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[Whwoz]

Do recall seeing Accy mentioned in a thread on TV, not sure off the top of my head what it is, will attempt to check it out for you.

[Whwoz]

Rajun,

Acey = Dwarf Mr Snow x Variegated, looked on TV and your Picks from the grow out show variegated plants.

[Rajun Gardener]

Thanks!!!!

[GoDawgs]

Your tomatoes are looking nice and healthy! When you you expect to plant them out down there in Cajun Country?

[Rajun Gardener]

In hindsight, I should've planted them out a month ago but they'll go in this week!!