On 2/7/2015 3:46 PM, Terry Coombs wrote:
George Shirley wrote:
On 2/7/2015 12:25 PM, Michael Evangelista wrote:
hey all
I'm new to the group, posting from 6000 ft. elevation in southern
Utah. This is our weekend to start seeds, and I want it to work this
time. I've tried a lot of little kits and trays but never a heat
light or mat, whatever I get needs to pay for itself vs. buying
starts at our local nursery (and result in plants as big as theirs,
but sooner!) Do you have a seed heating mat you love or a starting
medium that's superior? How about ways to rig your own, on the
cheap? Any advice appreciated thanks

A decent grow light is fairly affordable and essential. For a heat pad
you can use an regular heat pad that is adjustable but you will need
something inflammable sitting atop it to keep from cooking your
seedlings. The heat pad I have is intended for growing seedlings and
is made of a heavy rubber or plastic cover and has a wire stand. Have
had mine for years so don't remember what I paid for it. Take a look
on the web and you will see many sorts of grow lights and heat pads.

He could also try a light bulb under whatever sheld he's using as a
germination station . Distance and wattage will give control over how hot
things get .
So far I've got serranos and bell peppers to germinate , still trying for
the anaheims and jalapenos . I WILL NOT let them l'il SOB's anaheims
defeat me two years in a row , they will germinate or else !!

Being in Texas it is easy to go to one of the many garden centers here
and buy chile plants from everywhere. One of my favorite poblano types
is "Carmen," ripens bright red, is mild in taste, thick walled, and
delicious. Even the big box stores like Lowe's carry Carmen.

Years ago I used to start all my own seed and traded chili seeds all
over the world. One of my favorites came from a fellow in Bulgaria and I
lost it one odd spring when a frost hit and had kept no seeds that year.
Can't even remember the name now. Another favorite I traded for is Aji
Limon de Peru, a flat, bright yellow, very spicy chili, still have some
seed from that one and it is now available state side. Burned out on the
hot stuff several years ago and now am only eating sissy chiles.