Jiffy starter greenhouse vs wet plate

 

I'm running an experiment to see how my wet plate method works vs a
commercial solution, specifically the Jiffy starter greenhouse which
consists of a 72 cell plastic tray with peat moss starter pellets and a
plastic top. I had extra Cosmonaut Volkov,  Sun Gold Cherry and Black
Prince tomato seeds so I started a dozen pellets of each in the Jiffy. I
had already started these varieties a week ago with my wet plate method
and they've all been moved to peat pots with potting soil several days
ago. I'll report the progress of both in another week.

 



I love an experiment! Please let us know how it turns out and please
give us as much growing details as possible :)

My details - I never use the plastic tops when growing indoors. I add a
small amount of peat moss to my seedlings also (Rumored to help keep
mold and wilt down, I lost my sources to this rumor). I am using a
miracle grow seed starting mixture (I know I shouldn't). I do not use
any heat pads. I have nine south side oversized windows, each with a
heat register under the windows. Ceiling fans in every room for air
circulation. I have a cheap T-5 grow light on each of the 9 TV tray
tables. Two 72 cell trays on each table. 2 x 9 x 72 = 1296 plants!!!!

My experiment this year is be more wasteful and place a capillary mat
under half of them. To see if I can scrimp on watering at the expense of
mold.

Many, 3/4 of these plants are slow growing flowers and will go directly
from the 72 cell into the ground. The vegetables will get transplanted
and go into a heated frame. I do wish I had the funds for a green house!

I do admit I feel guilty tossing most of those plastic inserts to the
trash. Some day I will use a less wasteful method of growing plants.

Tomatoes - 30 Romas, 30 Bonny Best, 10 Brandywines and 2 Cherry 100's.
I never cared for the taste of sun golds over the Cherry 100's.
Canning Time for the fall. All tomatoes for me and no one else :)

Enjoy Life... Dan

--
Enjoy Life... Dan

Garden in Zone 5 South East Michigan.

 

Dan L. wrote:


I'm really happy with my home made "greenhouse". There's lots of plans
for hoop type. I'm using 1" thin wall pvc (painted) and a mixed frame of
ripped 2*4's. It's covered with poly and/or vinyl shower curtain liners.

   The seed starters are doing well in it.

   Jeff

 

 

The plastic cover was the reason I'm giving the Jiffy a try. One of my
cats ate a few of the sprouts that I have in peat pots, I have lots of
spares on the wet plates so I replaced them and covered them with glad
wrap to discourage the cats (tomatoes are poisonous to cats so it's not
good for the cats as well as for the seedlings).

 



Year before last, I had mice. Last year I sealed the tray cover on with
book binder clamps. This year I have appreciably larger plants, but the
pride seems to have done their work, no problems.

The cover also holds in the humidity, and heat, which helps with the
germination. If not using prepackaged peat pots, be sure to sterilize
soil at 200°F for 30 min. to avoid mold (damping off), and having to
start all over again 2 - 3 weeks later.
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