What to start seeds in?

[Yak54]

I have used Magik Moss for 9 or 10 yrs. with excellent results for my tomato & pepper seeds. https://pvpind.com/seed-starter-perlite-potting-soil/

[Gardadore]

Does anyone else start their seeds in moist paper towels? I start all my tomato, eggplant and 4 o’clock seeds in damp paper towels in plastic bags. I don’t grow peppers but it should work for them as well. As soon as any germinate they get transferred to small 7oz yogurt cups filled with Promix BX plus added perlite and a tsp of worm castings. Usually I put up to 7 in a cup. Toothpicks hold empty spaces for adding as they germinate since they are all under the soil when first transferred. Once they are large enough I transfer one plant to 16 or 18 oz. Solo type drinking cups
with the Promix, extra Perlite, Worm Castings and a tsp. of organic fertilizer like Espoma Garden or Plant Tone.
This year I transferred the ones I am keeping for myself into saved large 32 oz yogurt containers. The roots really spread out and the plants are looking super healthy. Since I share with a growing buddy and friends the smaller Solo cups work out fine.
This method saves me waiting for seeds to germinate and wasting cup space. Many of my seeds are older so I find out which are still viable sooner rather than later. It can take up to two weeks for older seeds to germinate and towels must be checked daily for moisture and germinated seeds.

[GoDawgs]

I had been using MetroMix for a long time and now find that they've changed their mix. It now has pieces of bark in it and they've upped the peat portion so that it doesn't wet as well. Well, the heck with that. Back to plain old Miracle Grow potting soil which is what I used before MetroMix. It works just fine for me and produces great plants. I can't remember ever having any problems with damping off no matter what mix I've used.

As @brownrexx said, I don't think it really matters what you use to start your plants, within reason. Use viable seed, plant at the right depth and don't over water.

[zeuspaul]

I germinate my tomato seeds in a small bowl of water. As soon as I see a little sprout I plant the seed in a starting pot.

I tried this method with zucchini seed I saved from last year. To my surprised nothing sprouted. Also to my surprise the ones I planted directly in a container all sprouted.

Does anyone else start their seeds in moist paper towels?

[Labradors]

GoDawgs I start all my seeds on moist paper towel in a baggie. As you say, it saves space and I can tell fairly quickly if seeds are moldy or are not going to sprout. I'm a stingy waterer, so damping off hasn't been a problem - yet.

Linda

[Gardadore]

I have also used this method for squash and cucumber seeds. I can't plant peas, string beans and soybeans (edamame) directly outdoors because something always eats the seeds or they rot. Usually I start them in potting mix either in or outdoors depending on the weather and then transfer to the garden but many seeds from older packs do not come up. I think I will experiment with the paper towels and bags with some of these as well and see what happens. It goes very fast with them so you really have to be on top of things and check with them daily. Starting them in a dish of water may be too much water for the squash. The dampness in the towels seems to work just fine.

[Setec Astronomy]

I have also used this method for squash and cucumber seeds. I can't plant peas, string beans and soybeans (edamame) directly outdoors because something always eats the seeds or they rot. Usually I start them in potting mix either in or outdoors depending on the weather and then transfer to the garden but many seeds from older packs do not come up. I think I will experiment with the paper towels and bags with some of these as well and see what happens. It goes very fast with them so you really have to be on top of things and check with them daily. Starting them in a dish of water may be too much water for the squash. The dampness in the towels seems to work just fine.

I have a lot of trouble with peas, also. Last year I started a bunch inside and did pretty well that way, but this year I had very low germination rates, even with some fresh seed. What is your plan with the peas and the paper towels? On? In? You fold the towel over the seeds, or just lay them on top of the towel?

[Gardadore]

Use just half a towel. Write the variety name on it. Then dampen. Place seeds on towel and fold towel over them in a square. Place in plastic bag and check daily after a couple of days. Redampen towel when necessary. Then transfer any that have sprouted to a deep pot or 6 pack. I also save Panera soup bowls or similar which are fairly deep since peas and beans get long roots.
If I skip the towel and plant directly in my pots I will get a lot of duds. Worth a try!

[Setec Astronomy]

If I skip the towel and plant directly in my pots I will get a lot of duds. Worth a try!

I'm going to give that a try for my fall crop. Thanks!

[zeuspaul]

I wonder about using cotton cloth instead of a paper towel? I tried a paper towel and it fell apart.

[Setec Astronomy]

I wonder about using cotton cloth instead of a paper towel? I tried a paper towel and it fell apart.

Sounds like you need Bounty

[Gardadore]

Absolutely! Bounty is all I use!

[mama_lor]

Any good quality peat based mix will do. I usually use the flower mix or stuff like that from a good company and generally avoid the starter mixes, which tend to be very low in fertilizer (too low). If I get a particularly good bag, I go buy some more right away for next year, quality varies even from good companies.