Comments on: How to Have Seed Starting Success

By: pam

pam — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:58:51 +0000

I just realized I have never thanked you properly for this wonderful tutorial. This is the second year i have followed your excellent advice and the results – successful baby tomato plants ready for the garden!

Prior to that – one failure after another.

The tips regarding light and proper seed starting soil are making all the difference.

And the advice to start feeding when the first set of true leaves begin to appear – also great tip!

So – here I am to tell you I appreciate you help very, very much.

By: Seed Starting – Very Simple Last Frost Date | The Soil Toil

Seed Starting – Very Simple Last Frost Date | The Soil Toil — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:03:24 +0000

[...] Thank you, Life on the Balcony!!! [...]

By: Fern

Fern — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:29:08 +0000

Rachel–I use tubes because they’re long, and a shop light uses two of them. They provide even light over a large area.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:48:19 +0000

You said that flourescent (sp?) tube lighting to give your plants the light that they need. Could I just use a compact flourescent light instead?

By: 3 Great Ways to Increase the Amount of Vegetables You Can Grow on a Balcony

3 Great Ways to Increase the Amount of Vegetables You Can Grow on a Balcony — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:44:29 +0000

[...] people start seeds indoors at the beginning of the growing season to get a head start while the weather is still too cold [...]

By: michelle deshon

michelle deshon — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:28:45 +0000

LOVE the Google Calendar Idea. Thanks for that. And for the greenhouse dome….. what about making a tent out of plastic wrap? I didn’t “fill” my small pots to the top, thus leaving air space and just lightly placed plastic wrap over the top to help keep warmth and moisture in. I am hoping that I didn’t do a bad thing?

By: Fern

Fern — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:37:47 +0000

Abigail–You don’t need an expensive lighting setup. You could get the bulb and socket for less than $20. That being said if your outdoor temps are between 65-75 during the day and you can protect your seedlings from pests and wind while still providing them with full sun, then you shouldn’t have a problem. Most people start seeds indoors to get a jump start on their season by starting their seeds before their outdoor temps are warm enough for seed germination.

By: Fern

Fern — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:32:46 +0000

Evangeline–If you’re just starting seeds and you dont want them to flower or fruit inside, you can use ordinary fluorescent bulbs. I use a 60 watt bulb (I think. I need to double check). I’ve even heard of people using a CFL if they’re just staring a few seedlings that can be closely huddled around the bulb.

By: Evangeline

Evangeline — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:21:26 +0000

Hi Fern,
I was trying to avoid florescent lights because I thought, hey, we live in sunny California. Who needs artificial light? But I’ve come to realize that my little seedlings just aren’t getting enough light. Do you have a suggestion on where to by lights? What kind do you use? Thanks for the informative post!

By: Abigail

Abigail — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:35 +0000

I am so glad you posted this article!!
Do you know if I could start the seedlings in their covered tray outside instead of inside? I don’t have any space in my apartment for them (it’s quite cramped, believe me!!) Plus, I don’t have the money to get a fluorescent light bulb rig. It’s pretty warm outside during the days, and I could bring them in at night and put them on the kitchen table…
Would this work, or would it be a waste of efforts? Otherwise, I’m just going to have to plant everything directly outside after the frost date.
Thanks!