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| Seedling flats filled with soil |
I reuse the plastic 4- and 6- pack containers in which I purchase annuals and other plants for the garden. They fit nicely in the rectangular trays the nursery provides, and also fit perfectly under my grow lights. When I plant tomatoes and peppers, I sterilize the soil with a solution of bleach to kill soil-borne diseases. I do not sterilize the soil for other plants because they are not as susceptible to disease. I also use new seed starting mixture or potting soil to avoid disease.
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| Some of my seed packets |
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| Ready for the grow lights! |
I took these pictures earlier in the winter when I started my plants for the spring garden. These plants are outside now (the ones that lived, anyway) and I now have a crop of tomatoes under the grow lights.
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| Resting under the grow lights, waiting to sprout |
On nice days, I put the growing plants outside for a little morning sun. Artificial light is not as good as sunlight, and the plants become straighter and sturdier when exposed to the sun. At this time of the year, I watch the weather carefully and bring them inside if the temperatures get into the high forties. Temperatures below forty will damage tomatoes. Of course, I leave my cool-weather-loving plants outside as long as the temperature remains above freezing.