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Soil - A seed starting medium should be used. Grow mix 250 is an excellent choice. Water - Should not contain chlorine or salt. Never use softened water. If city water is used, let it sit in open jugs over night to let the chlorine evaporate. Bottom water the plants and seeds, the grow mix will soak up the water. However, young students take ownership of their plants if also allowed to mist them with a sprayer Light - Some seeds require darkness to germinate and should be covered with soil, such as corn. Other seeds require light to germinate and should be left on top of the soil, such as alyssum and petunias. Some seeds don't have a preference, such as beans. Once the seedlings have emerged they should be kept 3-4 inches away from the fluorescent bulbs for 14 to 16 hours a day. One cool white and one warm white light should be used. Temperature - Most seeds will germinate between 65 and 72 degrees. Most seedlings do best at 60-65 at night and 70-75 during the day. Fertilization - After the true leaves appear start using water soluble 20-20-20 at rate of ¼ tsp. per gallon. Once plants are larger use ½ tsp. per gallon. (15-30-15 can also be used). Seeding - Moisten grow mix before using in a bucket. Fill container almost full and tap down soil unit firm but not hard. Place seed on top of soil and cover. A good rule of thumb is to cover seeds twice their thickness. Mist with water. Place pots in flat and cover with plastic, never allow plastic to touch soil. Pour water in flat. Top of soil should be kept moist until seeds germinate. Growing on - After seedlings are established, they will need a drier medium. Let surface of grow mix become dry to the touch between watering, lower layers should never dry out. ( If hardy plants such as marigolds are being grown, students can still mist them.) Pinching - If plants are getting too tall before planting time, pinch them back. Most plants will respond by branching. Pinch off above a leaf or branch. Harding off - Transplants must get used to the sun, wind, and rain. Move trays outdoors to a shady sheltered area. Keep them well watered. Bring them back indoors each evening. After 3 days move to a half sun location for 3 more days. Allow them to stay out overnight for 2 days before planting. Indoor Growlab Table of Contents |