Richard's Indoor Propagation

Richard · 02-15-2014, 09:54 PM

Here's my indoor setup for propagation this year (quite scaled down from previous years!) This is in the sun room of my house, facing ENE.

In the photo can be found:

A cheapo 2' x 4' folding table with a piece of particle board on top for uniformity and insulation
On the particle board there are two 4' x 1' heating mats
On the heating mats are 4 rectangular 72-hole plug trays with hoods and drip trays
Overhead is a "Sun Blaster 48" - a commodity 4' by 8-bulb T5HO 6500K fixture
The lamp fixture is suspended by a commodity "Sun Stand 2" stand.

The heating pads are controlled by a timer set to come on from 5pm to 9am.
The light fixture is also on a timer from 7am to 4pm.
Next week I'll be filling up the plug trays and the whole growing process begins!

Nathan1023 · 02-16-2014, 02:09 PM

How do you like the Sun Stand 2? I had Hydrofarm's version, and one of the plastic connectors broke the first time I tried to use it.

Richard · 02-16-2014, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan1023

How do you like the Sun Stand 2? I had Hydrofarm's version, and one of the plastic connectors broke the first time I tried to use it.

It's 100% metal. Assembly is tedious by yourself. Having a small woodworking clamp is useful. It is a little light weight but otherwise perfect for the task. If they included a pair of 1.5" S hooks with the product I would give it 5 stars.

harveyc · 02-16-2014, 05:29 PM

Richard, I have one light identical to yours and 3 more nearly identical. Gone sort of crazy. I moved to a 2-story affair, 2 carts I made on wheels so I can get around them and push them out of the way when not in use.

Richard · 02-19-2014, 09:17 PM

I've been testing my set-up before actually sowing seeds. So far the lights, heat pads, and timers are working great. The soil temperature is staying in the high 70's 24/7. I think I'm about ready to plant!

Richard · 02-21-2014, 09:03 PM

Today I planted my first round of seeds: 22 varieties of chili peppers, sweet peppers, determinate tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and some Rubus probus seeds I obtained from Australia.

Richard · 02-26-2014, 11:11 AM

As of this morning all the tomatoes have sprouted, plus one bell pepper and one chili pepper.

harveyc · 02-26-2014, 11:40 AM

Richard, are you growing any inderminate tomatoes as well?

Richard · 02-26-2014, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harveyc

Richard, are you growing any inderminate tomatoes as well?

I will start some in the next round of seeds. Presently I'm focused on varieties I could grow in pots. When I start work on my raised beds I'll feel more confident about starting seeds to plant in the ground.

Richard · 02-27-2014, 02:10 PM

Sprouting today:
Sweet peppers - Corno Verde & Yellow, Better Bell II, Socrates.
Chili peppers - Purple Serrano, Guajillo, Hungarian Wax, Sahuaro.

Snookie · 03-03-2014, 09:44 AM

Groovy...I like dat me:}

Richard · 03-03-2014, 12:57 PM

All the vegies have sprouted, now begins the long wait for the Rubus probus seeds to sprout.

Richard · 03-11-2014, 08:22 PM

My seedlings are coming right along! I expect to pot them in 4-inch pots in a week or two. I'll save one of each variety for planting in the garden and give the rest away.

Kat2 · 03-11-2014, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

My seedlings are coming right along! I expect to pot them in 4-inch pots in a week or two. I'll save one of each variety for planting in the garden and give the rest away.

Oh to live close enough for a "give out" and to have the space to grow them all--every last donation. Giveaways? I believe in the British "gardening" theory--an heir and a spare which means I'd hold onto at least 2--just in case.

Richard · 03-11-2014, 09:39 PM

Leeds UK is at latitude 53.8, I'm at latitude 33.2.

Richard · 03-23-2014, 01:26 PM

Here's a picture of my tomato and pepper plants one month after sowing seeds. Looks like I'd better get busy building the planter beds outside.

cincinnana · 03-23-2014, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Here's a picture of my tomato and pepper plants one month after sowing seeds. Looks like I'd better get busy building the planter beds outside.

Cool setup....

Richard · 04-03-2014, 08:16 PM

For the last week and half, I've had half of my indoor-propagated plants outdoors braving the variable winds in daytime temperatures in the 70's and night time temperatures in the mid 50's. I also brought them in a few times to avoid getting pounded by rainstorms.

Well, the tomato plants were getting to big for their 4" pots so I transplanted them today into 12" plastic pots. The pepper plants are still doing ok, only about 6" high.

Richard · 04-07-2014, 05:34 PM

I transplanted the rest of my peppers today. That's the end of seed propagation for this year!

Kat2 · 04-07-2014, 05:46 PM

I finally begged a 72 cell starter tray and planted my old tomato seeds--some of each type. Today I transplanted tomatoes that sprouted on 3/25 to larger homes. I'm still terribly frustrated with germination in FL both here and Jacksonville. I have never had 25 to 50% ever before. Perhaps that's why a single tomato plant in a Styrofoam coffee cup sells for $2 to $3; yours are bigger than what's available. Unless you want to spring for a gallon or 2 gallon pot. I'm sorry but I just can't bring myself to pay $15 for a weed.

02-15-2014, 09:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Richard's Indoor Propagation Here's my indoor setup for propagation this year (quite scaled down from previous years!) This is in the sun room of my house, facing ENE. In the photo can be found: A cheapo 2' x 4' folding table with a piece of particle board on top for uniformity and insulation On the particle board there are two 4' x 1' heating mats On the heating mats are 4 rectangular 72-hole plug trays with hoods and drip trays Overhead is a "Sun Blaster 48" - a commodity 4' by 8-bulb T5HO 6500K fixture The lamp fixture is suspended by a commodity "Sun Stand 2" stand. The heating pads are controlled by a timer set to come on from 5pm to 9am. The light fixture is also on a timer from 7am to 4pm. Next week I'll be filling up the plug trays and the whole growing process begins! __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

02-16-2014, 02:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nathan1023 Location: Richmond, VA Zone: 7 Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 43 BananaBucks : 15,916 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 16 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 13 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation How do you like the Sun Stand 2? I had Hydrofarm's version, and one of the plastic connectors broke the first time I tried to use it.

02-16-2014, 05:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,128 BananaBucks : 445,337 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,045 Times Was Thanked 4,482 Times in 1,904 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Richard, I have one light identical to yours and 3 more nearly identical. Gone sort of crazy. I moved to a 2-story affair, 2 carts I made on wheels so I can get around them and push them out of the way when not in use. __________________

02-19-2014, 09:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation I've been testing my set-up before actually sowing seeds. So far the lights, heat pads, and timers are working great. The soil temperature is staying in the high 70's 24/7. I think I'm about ready to plant! __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

02-21-2014, 09:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Today I planted my first round of seeds: 22 varieties of chili peppers, sweet peppers, determinate tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and some Rubus probus seeds I obtained from Australia. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

Members currently in the chatroom: 0
	The most chatters online in one day was 17, 09-06-2009. No one is currently using the chat.

02-26-2014, 11:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation As of this morning all the tomatoes have sprouted, plus one bell pepper and one chili pepper. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

02-26-2014, 11:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
harveyc Been nuts, gone bananas harveyc's Photo Gallery Location: Isleton, Calif Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Harvey Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,128 BananaBucks : 445,337 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,045 Times Was Thanked 4,482 Times in 1,904 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,785 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Richard, are you growing any inderminate tomatoes as well? __________________

02-27-2014, 02:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Sprouting today: Sweet peppers - Corno Verde & Yellow, Better Bell II, Socrates. Chili peppers - Purple Serrano, Guajillo, Hungarian Wax, Sahuaro. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

03-03-2014, 09:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
Snookie Part Time Monkey Trainer Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Name: Snookie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,391 BananaBucks : 412,369 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 29 Times Was Thanked 1,925 Times in 769 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 41 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Groovy...I like dat me:} __________________ Mayor of Lizard Creek

03-03-2014, 12:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation All the vegies have sprouted, now begins the long wait for the Rubus probus seeds to sprout. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

03-11-2014, 08:22 PM	#13 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation My seedlings are coming right along! I expect to pot them in 4-inch pots in a week or two. I'll save one of each variety for planting in the garden and give the rest away. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

03-11-2014, 09:39 PM	#15 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Leeds UK is at latitude 53.8, I'm at latitude 33.2. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

03-23-2014, 01:26 PM	#16 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation Here's a picture of my tomato and pepper plants one month after sowing seeds. Looks like I'd better get busy building the planter beds outside. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

04-03-2014, 08:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation For the last week and half, I've had half of my indoor-propagated plants outdoors braving the variable winds in daytime temperatures in the 70's and night time temperatures in the mid 50's. I also brought them in a few times to avoid getting pounded by rainstorms. Well, the tomato plants were getting to big for their 4" pots so I transplanted them today into 12" plastic pots. The pepper plants are still doing ok, only about 6" high. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

04-07-2014, 05:34 PM	#19 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 934,830 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation I transplanted the rest of my peppers today. That's the end of seed propagation for this year! __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

04-07-2014, 05:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
Kat2 Location: Now nesting in Titusville, FL Zone: 10A or 9B ish. Like it matters? Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,153 BananaBucks : 299,254 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2,921 Times Was Thanked 2,669 Times in 1,322 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 595 Times	Re: Richard's Indoor Propagation I finally begged a 72 cell starter tray and planted my old tomato seeds--some of each type. Today I transplanted tomatoes that sprouted on 3/25 to larger homes. I'm still terribly frustrated with germination in FL both here and Jacksonville. I have never had 25 to 50% ever before. Perhaps that's why a single tomato plant in a Styrofoam coffee cup sells for $2 to $3; yours are bigger than what's available. Unless you want to spring for a gallon or 2 gallon pot. I'm sorry but I just can't bring myself to pay $15 for a weed. __________________

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Compost Bin Propagation	sunfish	Tissue Culturing & Other Propagation Techniques of Banana Plants	29	05-30-2014 10:21 AM
propagation	schrammgm	Member Introductions	3	05-17-2013 09:13 PM
My propagation area	Nicolas Naranja	Main Banana Discussion	5	04-16-2012 02:03 PM
Propagation	sunfish	Main Banana Discussion	3	11-04-2011 12:26 AM
a.k.a. Richard's Realm	Chironex	Banana Plant Soil, Additives, and Fertilizer	10	01-19-2009 09:18 PM