Hey everyone! I'm completely new to gardening and just recently decided to try growing some seeds to cope with stress. I planted tomatoes, green onions, cosmos, and some wildflowers in Jiffy-strips organic cells. However, I did some research after planting and I'm worried that these cells might not be beneficial since I've read they can dry out and even mold. I'm also considering that I might need a seed tray with a dome and a heating mat for them to thrive. Should I start fresh, or is there still a chance my plants will make it? I think I might have messed up with the soil too; I used potting soil instead of seed starting mix and removed wood chips from it. Is it worth it to wait and see what happens?
3 Answers
Don't stress too much! You can always replant if needed. Just leave what you've sown and try adding some new seeds to see what happens. A heat mat and grow lights will definitely help improve your chances. But remember, it's completely fine to experiment and learn while gardening!
Jiffy strips can work, especially with a bit of extra care. It's smart to tear them apart when you transplant so the roots can grow freely. Consider getting a cheap heating mat and a clear plastic cover to maintain moisture. They will need plenty of light once they sprout, so make sure you have some LED or fluorescent lights ready, too!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll make sure to keep an eye on the moisture levels and get some lights.
You're good! Just wait and see; some of them will likely germinate just fine. Once they get a bit bigger, you can harden them off and plant them outside. All those extra tools are nice but not absolutely necessary for your first try. Just give it time!
Agreed! Gardening should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. Start where you are!