How to Prepare for Seed Starting

Рет қаралды 12,845

2 жыл бұрын

Preparing to start seeds indoors involves cleaning up from starting seeds the year before. Gardener Scott shows how he cleans his seed grow area, sterilizes potting soil, and disinfects pots and containers. (Video #329)
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Пікірлер: 110

@admirerofcreativity5295 2 жыл бұрын

Me- ready My garden - waiting My weather- laughing

@carladelagnomes 2 жыл бұрын

Mine also! :D

@GreenlandRobot 2 жыл бұрын

I also keep a spray bottle of 10% bleach handy when gardening to sterilize cutting tools, especially when pruning diseased plants.

@savedafter50 2 жыл бұрын

Since my grow room/computer room is in a spare bedroom, my wife would not let me get away with leaving a mess like that until the next Winter...lol.

@frankanselmo5479 2 жыл бұрын

Makes me feel a little better knowing I’m not the only one with a big pile of pots and trays that still need cleaned, lol. Thanks for another informative video.

@t4qjjqdq5y6 2 жыл бұрын

OMG! Thank you for making me feel normal. I have a tiny garden shed. I just went in there to store away my holiday decorations & to see if i had everything i needed to start thinking about starting some seeds. It looked exactly as you described! Quite a mess!But this video also taught me exactly what I was wondering... where to start! I made notes from your video of everything I'll be needing & how to prep the old pots, reuse that old soil, get wormcasting & be ready to start planting! Thank you, thank you... for sharing your knowledge!

@Oktopia Жыл бұрын

SO useful! Thank you for saving me some hassle this spring.

@mowerds33 2 жыл бұрын

Wearing gloves is a good tip, also a lot of the plastic can have sharp edges, I cut myself on a tray cleaning my supplies this earlier year.

@roccoconte2960 2 жыл бұрын

Good reminder Scott, this is the time of year to do it starting seeds before you know it.

@debralauesen4225 2 жыл бұрын

So happy I found your channel. I like your gentle style, and thorough, easy to understand information. Now I feel ready to get ready for seed starting!

@paulamensing1664 2 жыл бұрын

As I lack space, I duump out the unused soil as I go along and stack the trays and pots for later

@budj13 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and a timely reminder that I need to get my seed starting room cleaned up... I'm going to make that my goal for tomorrow. I found it interesting that the seed cells, pots, even the bins and tables are the same that I have been using for a few years. This kind of video is reassuring to those of us who have been doing this for a while and don't have a lot of others locally to share ideas with. Thanks!

@simplifygardening 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips here Scott. Your so right making sure you clean your plant room ready will make this year go so much easier. and a good clean will kill all the bacteria

@eliandkate 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice Scott. Tidy, organised and clean is the way to go. I’m all cleaned and ready and currently making up seed starting mix. It’s how we know the season has started 😀

@mowerds33 2 жыл бұрын

Nothing will wake you up like dumping part of a pot of boiling water on your bare foot, I certainly don't know this from experience... Good tips.

@emptynestgardens9057 2 жыл бұрын

🤪😁 Real life! I'm chuckling so hard right now, glad it's not just me.

@Hatfield_Country 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome tips. I need to order my supplies soon before I procrastinate again this year 🙃

@donwilliams1193 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and very informative . Thank you Gardner Scott. God bless your family

@2ManyTomatoes 2 жыл бұрын

I use a toilet bowl brush to clean my pots. Its just the right size.

@johnjude2685 2 жыл бұрын

I'd clean up at end of last season and did pile up goodies that I must organize change from solo cups to 16 ounce soda containers that has lots of room for roots in case of late spring as last season I believe I can hold longer so I won't be forced to plant in them 40 degrees temperatures again

@CharliePFoogo 2 жыл бұрын

Things are starting to heat up for the new gardening year, I can tell. Will be following along closely in the coming weeks. I even have my castings ready :).

@brianseybert2189 2 жыл бұрын

It is encouraging to see I am not the only one who waits to clean out pots and trays till I need them in the winter. Made some paper pots last year for plants that do not like their roots messed with. I was surprised how well they held up, will experiment again with different potting. Used my grill this fall to sterilize my winter worm bedding (mulched leaves, compost and straw). Had all sorts of wildlife last winter from the worm bins. Lots of good info Scott, Thanks again.

@melissasullivan1658 2 жыл бұрын

I’d love to hear more about your paper pots on the next Live tomorrow! I tried TP rolls before and they got moldy. :(

@brianseybert2189 2 жыл бұрын

@@melissasullivan1658 Sorry!!! I am You Tube illeterate. My favorite video on paper pots is on the "Back to Reality" channel. This year I will be using recycled leaf bags from all the leaves I picked up this fall. I will only be using them with plants that will go directly into the garden, like melons cucumbers, squash and some sensitive flowers. I will also try doing the final potting of my tomatoes and peppers the same way. I hope this helps.

@melissasullivan1658 2 жыл бұрын

@@brianseybert2189 that’s a great idea! I actually have a ton of paper grocery bags that are collecting dust. While I wouldn’t use them with food/veggies, I could use them for flower pots. 🧐

@kmiller6002 2 жыл бұрын

I had never heard of any of this, I just rinsed my pots in the deep sink but never sterilized my dirt or pots. WOW Thank You Gardener Scott 💯💯🙏 Kendra

@heather42404 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, this is great information. Your channel is a gem.

@janecantrell7155 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful information. Thank you!

@Gkrissy 2 жыл бұрын

Gardener Scott I leave the seed starter mix inside my trays as well and I use the boiling water to sterilize as well.

@leeannmillet8215 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@agronomy1014 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, really cutting down on waste. I too use water must give the bleach water a try

@GardenGoddess2 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Scott I did get a catalog from baker creek !! I'm excited to look through it....happy gardening

@lispottable 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. So helpful and thorough. Thanks Scott!

@julielarabie8803 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video 😊

@homesteadinglee2067 2 жыл бұрын

Love your content and info Mr Scott

@phyllissweetpea4926 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tips

@lynnchantler96 2 жыл бұрын

Super informative video, GS! Appreciate seeing your step by step process; very helpful.

@stephaniecole5202 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. It is so helpful!

@nikkitronic80 2 жыл бұрын

Great info! Thanks GS! It never occurred to me to clean my pots more than a spray with the garden hose. I've had problems with damping off and other things, now I understand the importance of a proper pot cleaning/sterilizing. I have a whole lot of pots to clean this year! I better get started!

@Yankeesista203 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Gardener Scott! My grow station is ready, set and go! Started peppers too early last year, they did ok, but not gonna do that this year! My outside winter garden is slow but well. Ready to explode when it becomes warmer! Also dabbed into milk jug containers. Perennial flowers (purple cone flowers, pansies ...) and a few root and brasicass! Will see how that works out! Blessings towards a New Year of gardening! Take care!

@melissasullivan1658 2 жыл бұрын

My ‘gardening shed’ is my entire balcony garden. Lemme tell you, it’s a mess. I have my old pots hiding under agrifabric under my gardening table so I don’t see it - but it still stresses me because I know it’s there! 😂

@mudpiemudpie785 2 жыл бұрын

You're lucky to have a grow room. I've got a kitchen counter.

@leslienichols5268 2 жыл бұрын

Also very interested in the onion from seed info.

@Paula_T 2 жыл бұрын

On no...... You've been spying on me!!!!!! Just sat down after spending the last hour trying to clean up that mess! I think I have another 3 hours ahead of me LOL. Greetings from Reno. Looking forward to following along with you on the journey this season.

@takeitslowhomestead5218 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the shot in the arm! How did you know that is exactly what I need to do? Thanks for the inspiring video.

@heidiclark6612 2 жыл бұрын

Great information as always! I am trying to find a way to do this in my garage but could not figure out how I haul around the boiling water. You gave me the answer! I am going to get one of those plug in pitcher you have. Could you sterilize the new soil and then add worm castings to it? I would hate to add new soil that could have gnat eggs etc. to the sterilized soil.

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Sterilizing the new soil and then adding castings is the way to do it.

@GardenGoddess2 2 жыл бұрын

😄😆 are you talking about me??!!

@helio2k 2 жыл бұрын

a grow room? I wish :D I don't even have floor space :(

@donnettehenderson2447 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Where do you purchase your seed trays? They look much sturdier than what I have. I am also looking for narrow tall ones to start grape vines.

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

I get them at greenhousemegastore.com

@krickette5569 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a comprehensive video. This is my year to start with all new plant cells, do you have a brand that you recommend ? I'd like something that will last longer than the ones I normally buy at the big box stores.

@saminairfan45 2 жыл бұрын

I like bootstrap containers

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

I don't have a specific recommendation but Burpee has a system with tray, cells, and dome that is usually easy to find in stores and I've used them for years.

@Changesonemack 2 жыл бұрын

Probably just as well to wait to clean your seed planting room area until you need it again, because if your like me, you’d end up having to empty all those areas with all the…..., irrelevant stuff, that would find it’s way in there.

@amygriffith3598 2 жыл бұрын

I’m looking forward to your onion series! I’ve had very good success with Ailsa Craig onions in my PNW garden, and usually get mail order starts which are typically pretty good size. I plant early March, harvest in August. I really want to try from seed this year. Couple ?s: 1. The seed packet says to start 4-6 wks before transplanting, but most gardeners of this variety say 8-10 wks. I don’t want to mess this up, lol! Suggestions? 2. The starts I usually get look quite thick and have been trimmed. Is trimming regularly something you suggest to make them more sturdy? Any suggestions on how often? Thanks so much!!!

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

You can plant onions that are bigger and I prefer to start earlier and plant bigger onions than to start later and end up with small ones that struggle. Once the roots are exposed to air the tips dry and die so trimming is like pruning branches; it helps promote new growth.

@amygriffith3598 2 жыл бұрын

@@GardenerScott Thank you! I’ll go ahead and start them sooner rather than later. Excited to see how it goes. 😊

@sandy-rr1by 2 жыл бұрын

yes, an onion video, please! i want salad onions, from seed is ok, but i have had very minimal result so far. this time mid december i direct sowed 2 packets bunching onion seeds into a half barrell, only a few are growing. seeds 2years old. zone 7b.

@lispottable 2 жыл бұрын

What about putting the pots through the dishwasher?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

You can do that but some plastic ones might melt.

@nates2526 2 жыл бұрын

Can you spread the used potting soil out in a thin layer on a tarp for a sunny day to sterilize it?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

It's hard to determine if that's hot enough to sterilize it.

@carolleimbach6407 2 жыл бұрын

I just found mold growing in my seed trays. They are only 5 days old. Gah! 😭

@jasonmann5019 9 ай бұрын

Hello again Scott. I am having some difficulty with pepper plants starting from seeds. It is a temperature problem because l am trying to start them in the same soil that they will be grown in. I am starting them indoor at 24 degrees Celsius room temperature and at night down to 19 degrees. The soil is moist and no fungus nat issues. I am currently getting a 40 percent germination. Maybe l should be planting more seeds? Thank you for reading my comments in advance. Best wishes Jason from Melbourne Australia.

@GardenerScott 9 ай бұрын

Jason, light, loose soil is better for germination and the soil you're using may be too dense. You can try planting more seeds and accept lower germination or try germinating in a soil-less seed starting mix and then transplant. The lower night temperatures can also reduce germination rates. Keeping the soil near 24 both day and night should give better results.

@jasonmann5019 9 ай бұрын

@@GardenerScott Thank you Scott.

@TomParnelle 2 жыл бұрын

Scott, if I wanted to dump the excess potting soil into my compost pile, is there any risk to the compost pile?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

There shouldn't be. I do that all the time.

@littlerapids7454 2 жыл бұрын

Question. Do you recommend sterilizing potting soil when up-potting? Thanks!

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

It depends. New, bagged potting soil is usually already sterile. When re-using potting soil sterilizing can be a good idea, especially if you had any fungal disease problems the year before.

@littlerapids7454 2 жыл бұрын

@@GardenerScott thanks for the help!

@speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783 2 жыл бұрын

💯💥❣️💪😁👍❣️💥

@JustiNation 2 жыл бұрын

A garden bed of mine in Northern Ontario gets overrun with weeds in the summer. How can I amend the soil to prevent this? Got a vid for that?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

Amending won't cut down on weeds but mulch will and I have videos on that.

@JustiNation 2 жыл бұрын

@@GardenerScott I used hay as mulch. The soil has been there for a while and I've never added anything to it. It turned into a garden of weeds. Would adding manure help?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

Manure can help as an amendment.

@JustiNation 2 жыл бұрын

@@GardenerScott Thanks! Keep up the great work!

@kimberly8185 2 жыл бұрын

My "plant room" has been converted to my roommates bedroom this year. I'd like to start some seeds, but now don't have room in the house now. Would it be worthwhile and possible to try it in my unheated garage? I'm in zone 5. It's not insulated and gets pretty cold in there. How cold is too cold? I do have grow lights.

@Negrodomaus 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in the same position. My father-in-law is wintering with us in my "plant room". I'm in zone 6 and it's pretty cold in my garage too. You might be able to get away with starting some cold weather crops like lettuce, brassicas, or onions with heat mats under trays. Place some clear lids or plastic wrap on top to trap more heat and moisture. Best of luck!

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

It is possible but may not be worthwhile. Some seeds like spinach and lettuce can germinate in low temperatures but others like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant need warm conditions. I started seeds for years on a table in a bedroom corner.

@bigoljoe1829 Жыл бұрын

Can I use alcohol for the same effectiveness instead of bleach? I am very sensitive to strong chlorine vapor as it causes me asthma attacks.

@GardenerScott Жыл бұрын

Sure. Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide are good alternatives.

@conniedavidson1807 2 жыл бұрын

What would you use if you are allergic to bleach? I can't use bleach at all.

@MatthewC117 2 жыл бұрын

Hydrogen peroxide or vinegar could be used.

@conniedavidson1807 2 жыл бұрын

@@MatthewC117 Thank you. I didn't think about vinegar. It cleans everything!

@Arcticdi 2 жыл бұрын

Can I use vinegar instead of bleach and get the same results/

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

Vinegar can work but is not as effective as bleach.

@01JH 2 жыл бұрын

Is it ok to use bleach on grow bags too?

@MatthewC117 2 жыл бұрын

Should be fine. Only thing I would worry about is it degrading the fabric, but diluted I wouldn't think it would be an issue. Could always use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.

@sandy-rr1by 2 жыл бұрын

does anyone clean off used plastic plant tags to reuse?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

That's a good idea for thick, sturdy tags. Write with pencil on plastic tags and they can last for years.

@carladelagnomes 2 жыл бұрын

*hand waving*. I do! I reuse everything! I'm too cheap to buy more when I can reuse the things from last year or make them out of stuff I already have.

@lastchancemonicam3948 2 жыл бұрын

My soil is still so bad that any used potting soil mix from this year goes back into the soil.

@colincook2910 2 жыл бұрын

When you say 10% bleach, do you mean a mixture of 9 parts water and 1 part bleach?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, that is the ratio.

@star-b-qpodcast54 Жыл бұрын

Any reason you can’t use isopropyl alcohol instead of bleach or HyPerox?

@GardenerScott Жыл бұрын

It's an option and usually comes down to cost.

@star-b-qpodcast54 Жыл бұрын

@@GardenerScott thank you! Would you dilute alcohol or just rub/spray on and air dry?

@GardenerScott Жыл бұрын

I don't know the ration, but a diluted blend should work.

@star-b-qpodcast54 Жыл бұрын

@@GardenerScott thank you!

@panko97 2 жыл бұрын

Could you microwave the soil?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

Yes you can.

@drewsenthused6079 2 жыл бұрын

10% bleach? Or a mixture of 90% water and 10% 3%bleach?

@GardenerScott 2 жыл бұрын

10% Standard household bleach and 90% water.

@goupigoupi6953 2 жыл бұрын

I don't reuse anything, I start clean every year. I don't believe in disinfecting and sterilizing.

@kjrchannel1480 2 жыл бұрын

Picture all you stuff on one table and that would be part of my stash of growing containers. I find flat places collect dust and everything else you put on them. I think it is time to make some easy to get to, under the table storage in my grow area.