In article ,
General Schvantzkoph wrote:
On Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:13:25 -0700, Billy wrote:
In article ,
Bill who putters wrote:
In article ,
General Schvantzkoph wrote:
In an earlier post I listed the varieties of tomatoes that I'm
starting from seed. I started the first four on April 1, one variety
on April 5, and I plan to start the last two today, April 6. There is
a huge difference in the rate of progress between the varieties so I
thought I'd post that info here. I define the start date as the day I
put them in a glass to soak. My technique is to soak in water
overnight, then put them on a wet paper towel placed between two
plates. I add water to the towels as needed to keep them wet (once or
twice a day).
The group started on April 1 are listed in the order of growth rates,
from fastest to slowest,
Sun Gold Cherry By far the quickest, I have a plate full
of inch
long green sprouts.
Cosmonaut Volkov Doing well, the sprouts are 1/2 long with some
green.
Black Prince Doing almost as well as the Volkovs,
about 1/3 inch
with just a hint of green.
Legend Just short roots, no green yet.
I'm going to put the Sun golds into peat pots today, I'll give the
Volkovs and Black Princes a couple of more days on the wet plates
before I put them in pots. The Legends might need another week.
These were just started yesterday so there is no info yet. April 5
Black Sea Man
I'm going to start soaking these today, I'll put them on plates
tomorrow April 6
Italian Grape
Yellow Pear
Are saying you transplant sprouts? Never heard of that B4. I just
moisten small containers and provide bottom heat and light once up
usually ~4 days where they reside till about 6 inches tall and
hopefully stocky then placed out to permanent spot sometimes a cold
frame in chilly and gray. 3 ~ 4 weeks latter.
That's the way that I've been doing it, but "Creative propagation : a
grower's guide" by Peter Thompson:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...=search-alias%
3Dstripbooks&fie
ld-keywords=Creative+propagation&x=10&y=23 does it the way that the
General is describing. The reasoning is to get the individuals out
before they weave their roots into a tangle. You pick them up by their
dicotyledons.
It should be in your local library. Take a peek at the chapter on
propagating by seed.
I'm looking at the 1992 edition from the library, but the 2005 edition
should arrive in the mail any day now.
I've been doing it this way since I was a child in the 60s. I don't
remember if I came up with this technique by myself or if it was
something I learned in grade school. It's a very fast and reliable way to
start seeds and it works for everything I've tried including a few things
I grew in college, the less said about those the better but I will note
that the statute of limitations ran out 35 years ago.
You are expanding my mind via text a good thing to ones own roots aka
knowledge stirred about. Thompson book on order.
Anyone else doing this technique ?
Thank You General !
--
Bill Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA
"I have always looked upon decay as being just as wonderful
and rich an expression of life as growth" Henry Miller