I really hate starting plants from seed - and probably because of that, I'm terrible at it. I've never invested the time to get it right. This year I tried two new things - one was the seed bomb that I recently posted about. The other was starting seeds indoors.
Even after making seed bombs, I still had plenty of old sees around to use for this little experiment. Plus you know I didn't want to invest in any special trays or pots for my seed starting - so I used leftover plastic from take-out and frozen food containers and similar sources. Reuse, recycle and repurpose! I took items that were exactly the same size and punched holes in one tray, then nested them together. These are pretty shallow - but I think for seeds that isn't an issue.
Then I sifted some potting soil to create a very fine "seed starting" mix. In the bottom of the containers I did put in a small layer of regular potting soil, then topped it with my mix. Next I placed the seeds and then covered with another layer of the mix - per instructions on the packets. I made sure they were all moist and happy, covered them with plastic to retain the moisture, and then set back to watch the magic happen. Every few days I add water in between the two plastic containers to keep them all moist.
5-10 days later and I do have a few seedlings appearing. Here you can see some decorative grass starting. This perennial grass costs over $50 a container at the store. If I can get this going - it will have only cost me a few dollars!
A girlfriend came over last night (a real seed starter!) and shared some tips to improve my success. First off I need to continue to maintain the moisture - so that there is always condensate on the inside of the plastic. Secondly the trays need more light and heat. So I have to work on that.
Nonetheless - I'm calling it a success for now, I have some little plants growing. Whoo Hoo!
Meanwhile - I'm making a list of the plant sales that I want to hit in the next few weeks!
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