Seed Starting Tray Recommendations and Succession Sowing Tips & Tricks

Рет қаралды 9,186

2 жыл бұрын

Link to Bootstrap Farmer Trays and more: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=102053...
Link to Modern Grower 6 packs and more (use code FLAVORKIT for 5% off!): shop.epicgardening.com/
Popping back in here to give my full review of some of the trays from Bootstrap Farmer as well as Modern Grower (Epic Gardening) I've been using and loving for the last year plus.
(If you're reading this and thinking that California is actually less than 4 weeks until spring now, you're correct- I'm just dragging my heels on content creation this season and this video took so long to upload over country wifi that I all but forgot about it among the rest of the things that spring planning demands from me.)
(Also, there's literally nothing I can do about the audio sounding hot until I get a new laptop, as I'm having new tech vs old tech compatibility issues RN with new iphone video codecs being incompatible with decade old FCPX software, so I am editing on my phone until I'm able to replace my current setup. Use my links so I can upgrade sooner! :P)
Anyway, lmk if you have any other questions in the comments below! :)
-V

Пікірлер: 137

@pingpong9656 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the silent, no music intros - that is so refreshing from all the garbage out there!!!!

@davidzeto2446 Жыл бұрын

I find it hard to look away from this channel's videos.

@TechGorilla1987 2 жыл бұрын

Well hello, stranger! I really hope that you're secure and doing well. It's nice to see you again.

@tlbstickman 2 жыл бұрын

I just finished watching episode 11 of "Eat Your Yard" and this vid popped up. Nice!

@happygarden_ 2 жыл бұрын

*WOOOOOW!!! You are a great guy my friend VERONICA FLORES, but more importantly a good teacher. You also came across as very genuine and willing to share all that you know. May you grow in wisdom, I wish you abundant crops, happy gardeniiiiiiiiiing!!!*

@Marstepolovsky 2 жыл бұрын

Every time I plant a seed now, it GROWS!!

@tactrix1h 2 жыл бұрын

You're making videos again YAY, I've missed you. 😀😀

@Green.Country.Agroforestry 2 жыл бұрын

No more cracked 1020 trays? I'm sold!

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

None yet! And I step on them constantly 😅🙈

@brandonlantier 2 жыл бұрын

I bought a pair of those 200 cell trays with the humidity domes, a real game changer from seeding in random throw away containers lol.

@frankfurder3742 2 жыл бұрын

I guess I am way out there, I eat these Kroger 6 oz yogurts for a snack. I save the containers and for years I have used them to start my seeds, works GREAT!!! Thanks for an awesome Video

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I love a good recycled container! I just got tired of them shattering in year 2 because they're not very uv/heat stable. Definitely worth using if you're looking for free pots though!

@neverlookback3382 2 жыл бұрын

Dang it's good to see you again. I was wondering where you were.

@Max_SiddiQ 2 жыл бұрын

Happy gardening) everytime I watch your videos I smile) I remember video with rain at the end & your reaction) have a great season Veronica

@bigbob16 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly the type of information I've been looking for about strong trays...thank you for saving me a lot of time searching

@whatsitlikebeingadruid5314 2 жыл бұрын

Good to see you back!

@PegsGarden 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Veronica, I love the fondue fork to pull up seedlings, what an awesome idea, love your videos so much🌱🌱🌱💕💕

@rogerspaulding6569 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks,👍great job!! I am currently using all the same seed starting trays! What a blessing to not be struggling with junk pots and trays.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

It really is! Makes the entire process much more enjoyable ❤️

@oliviahill174 2 жыл бұрын

I really like the trays, l'll definitely take a look at them. Nice to see you miss Veronica. 😃😃😃

@ecocentrichomestead6783 2 жыл бұрын

I like plug trays. I upcycled some styrofoam and plastic tube to plant my onion seeds in.

@bradhance8278 2 жыл бұрын

I love you and I've been watching for 2 years . Aside from Garding, u r beautiful. I got some good tips . expressly pruning peppers it really works but kiddo I. D. K.

@alungmegapura 2 жыл бұрын

Goodjob vero, back to nature. Indonesia

@jamesmcgarity614 2 жыл бұрын

Glad your back and as always good info Thanks

@terancebailey4175 2 жыл бұрын

Did know we could get good stiff trays and I need some Thank you

@brucewachholz 2 жыл бұрын

Forking out seedlings from a plug tray!! You saved me! I used a 96 plug tray for the first time this year to start my onions from seed. I saw the 1/4" hole at the bottom of each cell and figured I could push each seedling out from the bottom ... nope! Fortunately I'd seen this video and had an assortment of what I'd call "appetizer forks" at the ready. They ranged from about half the size of one side of the plug to almost the full size of one side. The one that worked the best was about 3/4 of the size of the plug. It was sort of a Goldilocks thing where the smaller one didn't grab quite enough, the larger one grabbed too much, and the middle size one was just right! ;-)

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Yay! Happy to help 🙂

@BrianthatiscalledBrian 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Veronica. 👍🙂

@shineskiep8262 2 жыл бұрын

Woohoo! I've missed "Veronica Here." Packed with hacks as always. Thank you!

@Chezblarger 2 жыл бұрын

My wife and I just cleaned and sterilized so many trays and cells this past weekend my back is still sore from bending over the tub. The old cheap 6 cells, when I went to clean them they split apart. After four or five I just began tossing the plastics that I could feel were thinner plastic and weren’t worth saving another year. The quality of plastic makes a huge difference. We bought a bunch of plastic from HPS two years ago and are now reusing them. Seem legit, but I’m going to look into your recommendation. Thank you. Your vid is very timely out here in the NC piedmont

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Yes the cleaning part is THE WORST with flimsy trays. Need things I can pressure wash! 😝

@cpnotill9264 2 жыл бұрын

You won't be disappointed with the bootstrapfarmer trays. Why I waited so long to try them is beyond me but now I have them and highly recommend them!

@GreenZebraGardening 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! I love watching your videos as they are amazingly informative! Thank you for all that you do!!!

@ligynnekenespana 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah! Those bootstrap 1020s! I didn't believe the hype but a friend brought me one to try. Next day I bought 10 of them. I also use their 6 cell tray inserts. Rock solid. I use a regular fork to get seedlings out; best tool on the market.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah my greatest "regret" was not buying the big pack right at the beginning lol. I'm excited to see what epic gardening's trays that aren't out yet look like (I like his 6 packs the best) but I have a feeling I'll still do a mix between the two brands just to cover the bases. 🙂

@roupa131 2 жыл бұрын

Always a pleasure tips from farmer Flores. Thank you.

@cpnotill9264 2 жыл бұрын

I have to thank you so much for this video! ❤🌱👍😁 After I watched it I ordered 30 of the heavy duty trays with solid bottoms and mesh also (5 high domes also). I had been wanting to try these trays for past few years and never could quite pull the trigger! My soil blocks are looking fab in them! My plants look so nice and I'm not as frustrated with the cracked, flimsy ones I'd been struggling with. So thank you so much Veronica for the push that you gave me and thanks to bootstrap farmer for great product and for shipping these out so fast. Catherine 🌱😁

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Yay love to hear it! 🥰

@cpnotill9264 2 жыл бұрын

@@VeronicaFlores You gave me that push I needed! Be blessed with abundance!😁🌱💖

@pikayell 2 жыл бұрын

So helpful and nice to have a more recent video. Please do more!

@madpicken 2 жыл бұрын

it's that time of the year to hear some great knowledge from veronica.

@Cobra6Gaming 2 жыл бұрын

Using an enclosed system really does give your seedlings a boost, it also saves on watering since not so much evaporates. Some good tips again in this video!

@mvblitzyo 2 жыл бұрын

Always great information

@dennissdmd 2 жыл бұрын

I’m impressed with the products you showed. I’ll bet they are also easy to sterilize for reuse. I’m glad you’re back with this great video

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Much easier than the flimsy ones, that's for sure!

@coniff3 2 жыл бұрын

I your content and information, and the video's are done really well. Thanks for all your hard work

@hallpaintandbody7717 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Veronica, great ideas because I bought too many seeds.

@Coffee2clutch 2 жыл бұрын

Good to see you back at it, good content too.

@-Datura- 2 жыл бұрын

Organic Excel :) I need those lids for my Oyster Mushrooms....

@livingart2576 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome back!!! 😀

@remmahneb 2 жыл бұрын

I like the numbering system and going to look into those trays!

@thinknow4114 Жыл бұрын

A pleasure, as ever.

@rock5138 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Veronica. I hope you feel better soon

@JP_Ross 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Veronica, nice to see you back! It is some very usefull information, thanks!

@lovetherain9365 2 жыл бұрын

Good video 😊 thank you

@wranther 2 жыл бұрын

Real nice setup that you have there Veronica! Being around all those plants this early in the season is a gift of pleasure indeed. Here I would need plan a bit of floorspace to set up a cot and enjoy some deeply healthy sleep in a greenhouse like that. Happy Gardening! -Bob...

@Emmanuel-rs7eu 2 жыл бұрын

Just started following you...Thank you for all the tray advices! This is my first year with tomato and pepper seedlings so looking forward to more of your videos! Keep up the great work!

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for joining! 🙂

@micpoc4597 2 жыл бұрын

Great to see a new video. I purchased some of the Epic Gardening 6-packs last year; it felt expensive at the time, but they are STILL HERE! Kinda makes it worthwhile.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I remember that feeling... I'm spending how much now??? 😅 And now I can't imagine reaching for anything else ❤️

@johnliberty3647 2 жыл бұрын

I got my seed starting supplies at Dollar Tree. They have so many 1 dollar items that work better then jiffy trays. They even have clean plastic domes even though they are not designed to be that. I find things that line up and then I have cheap affordable trays and domes that last longer than jiffy trays. Love your channel.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! It's such a great budget resource for so many things you can reuse like that - I haven't found much clear plastic from there to be very uv stable, but the drawer organizers are totally worth the price of admission

@TheTogaParty22 Жыл бұрын

hi veronica. i used to watch your videos obsessively when i started gardening a few years ago. i haven't been gardening for a long time, but i'm ready to get back into it so i'm back to binge watching all your videos. can't wait to see new vids

@VeronicaFlores Жыл бұрын

I can't wait to see them either! :P

@Javi_One-fv6ic 2 жыл бұрын

I just love you❤🥰.

@ensurepaintingplusllc 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant and very genuinely captivating you are… Learning tons from 1 or ur pepper plant videos. Started out as a merely an unfledged capsicum cultivator, but because of all the wonderful wisdom you share am now confident enough to embrace and thrive in this new journey so, Thank You a bunch! I like to think and take motive action not as a boss but as a sincere coach to all living & lovely species. I believe doing so fosters a better relationship for everything 🤗 Thanks V for such a great place for insight! Stay Strong and Healthy Everyone! Happy Week, Derek

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@timobreumelhof88 2 жыл бұрын

Those look really nice :-) I use trays made to mixing cement here in France. Cheap and also very sturdy..

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I legit almost went that route!!! Definitely a good call and a good price 🙂

@cruzkb 2 жыл бұрын

The Epic Gardening 6-cells are amazing. I love that I won't be wasting plastic for a very long time. You really could stand on them, and they wouldn't break.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

They're seriously the best! I'm excited to see what else they put out in this line in the future.

@cruzkb 2 жыл бұрын

@@VeronicaFlores same here! I would love some durable 3.5" starter pots with those same side slits and big holes in the base. My seedlings are loving all the air circulation.

@davidniemi6553 2 жыл бұрын

I'm using a mix of Bootstrap Farmer and Greenhouse Megastore products. I'll note Bootstrap Farmer now has a redesigned 6-pack very similar to the one you have. And Greenhouse Megastore has larger windowsill trays designed for the purpose, of 2 sizes, but not quite so inexpensive. For me one of the key transition points in succession planting is moving from pure seed starting mix (with few nutrients) to potting soil (with a good mix of nutrients). For tomatoes and peppers I'm starting in sixers and them moving to 2 1/2" pots and a couple more larger sizes before I am ready to put them in-ground. The 2 1/2" to 5" jump is pretty drastic and I'm still trying to find a good solution for it that fits in a 10x20 well.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

1000% agree - even in plug trays I use a mix of potting soil and compost with Dr Earth food mixed into the tub. Way better results than seed starting mixes - I firmly believe the more beneficial biology you begin with, the less opportunities pathogens have in terms of soil real estate, as it's already occupied. 🙂

@rollandjoeseph 2 жыл бұрын

I started using the compostable pots for seedlings this year in my flimsy trays and kind of regretting it , they warp a bit when wet and not as easy to water from below either..good video ,ill check out the other trays thx

@charles5398 2 жыл бұрын

That's my plug tray! Numbers written across and all.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Great minds!

@richierich3194 Жыл бұрын

I Miss You on KZfaq hope you come back🌱🌼

@VeronicaFlores Жыл бұрын

Coming back this week!

@fff1531 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video with content I will use! I hate flimsy trays. Please keep the videos coming! Maybe one on DIY planting mix that you recommend for your starts.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Tbh my planting mix currently is pretty lazy: 2:1 Kelloggs potting mix with EB Stone Recipe 420 soil blend, a few handfuls of Dr. Earth veg food, maybe a few handfuls of bokashi bran if it's nearby. For larger containers 5g and up, I'm mixing that combo 1:2 with 2:1 screened native soil and goat manure compost and Kelloggs "Garden Soil" (the 3cuft bags that are mostly decomposed wood fines.)

@fff1531 2 жыл бұрын

@@VeronicaFlores Thanks! Some of the Kelloggs is available locally. Do you like the bokashi bran in place of other mycorrhizal products in general or just for starter mix. I suppose it's more complicated then that. Thanks again.

@doughaynes1048 2 жыл бұрын

Great show , great video . Keep them coming . What brand seeds do you use or are they your own ?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I'll for sure do a video on this soon! It's a mix of a lot of smaller regional catalogs who are skilled seed growers and follow practices that are in alignment with my ethics and values, as well as some of my own, and a few here and there from the very few larger catalogs I trust (mainly Johnny's and Fedco.)

@doughaynes1048 2 жыл бұрын

@@VeronicaFlores great looking forward to it , happy gardening .

@2lotsill 6 ай бұрын

Great video. Appreciate review of the trays and cells is use with plants. Do you prefer shallow or deep trays?

@VeronicaFlores 4 ай бұрын

Really depends - overall, I mostly default to deep ones, as they’re more rigid and easier to carry without spilling, plus they maintain a humid root space better. But the bootstrap individual pots tray only fits well in the shallow trays, and the shallow ones are also nice for reusing recycled commercial plug flats if I’m trying to bottom water them. If you’re only getting one depth, I’d go with deep.

@nikkiholton6318 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. What about soil blocks. I would figure you may try that too .

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't had great luck with them in the dry climates I grow in tbh - and I kind of just really love pots. Maybe someday!

@pangaea981 2 жыл бұрын

hello #VeronicaFlores thank you for your wisdom and information

@nazrilhakim6773 2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

@JoseGarcia-ro3ur 2 жыл бұрын

Nice. I have a whole box of the shitty soft trays. Wish I had bought those.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

At least you know what to replace them with as they break! 😅

@customerservice95 2 жыл бұрын

You've been gone too long, KZfaq is just not the same without you here with us

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I KNOWWW!!! I FINALLY got a new laptop to solve my editing woes (codec issues with newer iPhone and decade old MBP not interfacing.) I'm trying to get my act together and reboot next week to let you guys know what's up. Thank you for hanging in there!!!

@jamesmcgarity614 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you're doing Ok

@system2thinker659 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this... the thumbs down will be from China tray companies :) I never realized how easy the plugs come out of the trays, I always imagined the soil falling apart when released from the cup. I use peat pellets for that very imagined problem, not anymore. Thank you for helping me not consume more peat moss.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

The thumbs down are from people who subscribe specifically to thumbs down lol. I don't get it either. 🤣 And yeah! The trick is to make sure they aren't too dry when you go to pop them out, and let the roots develop until they're coming out the bottom a little. Tapping the tray on a solid surface when you're filling it helps as well, to compact just enough that it holds together and wicks water but not so much that the roots can't find their way.

@fluxilla 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very timely video! I'm a central California gardener as well, and have been struggling a lot with my seed trays. Like you, I hate the single-use plastic crap that the big box stores sell, but I wasn't aware of the alternatives. Thanks! If you're in the central valley, what are your plans for dealing with the inevitable draught restrictions for watering?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

We don't have enforcement where I'm at, but most watering restrictions focus on sprinklers > drip. I do a lot of mulching and very targeted drip irrigation - healthy soil also helps support even when it's really hot and dry.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I guess I should mention that we're on well water, so not impacted by things like irrigation canal shut-off or municipal water pencil pushing. That being said, it's still a "fingers crossed we don't pump dry" situation (we have holding tanks that will buy us a little time but not more than a week, if that.)

@fluxilla 2 жыл бұрын

@@VeronicaFlores Nice! I'm stuck on municipal, but am entirely drip-based, and definitely need to improve my mulching and water retention. Best wishes for a safe and productive summer!

@TutorMystic 2 жыл бұрын

It's been so long! Does anybody have a link to the "organizer draw trays?"

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Here you go! There are other sizes as well www.dollartree.com/essentials-large-rectangular-drawer-organizer-13frac12/219336

@scottmatthews8578 2 жыл бұрын

Long time no see lady . Just now got first tomto sprouts after 5 days . Could use a video on how the hell to not stunt the pepper plants . Im thinking they mostly need a warmer environment than the tomtos ?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Yes warmth at night, and they really love real sunlight during the day! Mine are just starting to take off after close to two months - the greenhouse is like 90 during the day RN

@durangodave 2 жыл бұрын

have you ever sown carolina jessamine and do u remember your success rate and germination time?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't sorry!

@YouAreWithVishal 2 жыл бұрын

@Veronica Flores Are You Did Private Aur Deleted Any Video About Your Mushroom Growing In Your Garden ?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

No there should still be one available! It's way back in the archives

@YouAreWithVishal 2 жыл бұрын

@@VeronicaFlores thank You for your precious reply ❤️

@gardingyrl3501 Жыл бұрын

where do you buy your heating mats?

@VeronicaFlores Жыл бұрын

I got mine on Amazon because they weren’t available locally - I’m really loving this one lately, the thermostat is really clutch for consistency: amzn.to/405HDMZ

@Cothfotmeoo 2 жыл бұрын

How much did they pay you for this infomercial!? XD Just playing. Some really sturdy seed starting trays, looks like. Well played!

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Haha I wish! 😝 Not really though - I prefer to share with integrity and don't believe in promoting consumption without good reason. 🙃

@jamesmcgarity614 2 жыл бұрын

I know t=your busy with your own garden but I do need your help. I have raised beds and container pot growing vegetables this year. My potatoes are doing great but my lettuce and tomatoes and not growing. I used raised bed soil from Lowes but something isn't working. You know you have a lot of people that enjoy your KZfaq Chanel and take your advice so don't let a few ruin it for the rest of us.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

This is not enough information about your situation for me to formulate a response. In order for anyone to help assess, they would need to know your location, watering schedule, which raised bed soil you used, and how long the planting has been in place. The fastest way to get a hold of me for urgent matters you can't seem to troubleshoot is via Venmo at VeronicaVFlores - you can leave a detailed question there for $25 and I'll try and help you figure it out.

@jamesmcgarity614 2 жыл бұрын

How do you store leftover seeds?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I'll get into this soon as well - currently I'm using zip top bags from the craft store inside of cookie tins, but I'm in the process of working on something a little more airtight with less plastic (it'll be much more expensive to set up though.)

@pangaea981 2 жыл бұрын

the emphasis on 'partner' when she mentioned the plug tray makes me wonder what she is thinking? this kind of listening? magic trays? of course I want it?

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I don't even know? 😅

@brianramsey3824 2 жыл бұрын

The only thing that shoudnt be an option is cheap flemsy trays...there may be some hacked probably like old cookie sheets under the cheap ones but cheaper alone are not an option.

@richierich3194 2 жыл бұрын

👍✌👅

@richierich3194 2 жыл бұрын

It's been two weeks I'm jonesing where are you

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I'm knee deep in infrastructure building over here and not able to find time or energy to film much - I do stories almost every day on Instagram though!

@gemihouston 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Veronica, may i know what part of the world are you on? i wonder how your climate affects your growing season

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Currently in the high desert of California (very hot summers with 40-50 degree F drops at night) - definitely a very long growing season, but very difficult between May and October for a variety of reasons (heat, drought, wildlife.)

@jamesmcgarity614 2 жыл бұрын

We need your help, please comeback

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

What's going on? 😅

@jamesmcgarity614 2 жыл бұрын

Cut way back this year but can see trouble coming already in my garden. A few tomato plants after planting are getting yellow leaves, my radishes something is eating the leaves and soon I'm sure beetle will be attacking my potatoes plants. And with all this going to happen I haven't seen any post of yours and was worried you retired. Oops not saying your old because you sure don't look old

@richierich3194 2 жыл бұрын

I love your suggestions but you got so many plants I hope you make some money on them

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

Looking at teaming up on a plant sale early May that a gardener at a local winery here is doing! I only have room for like 30 tomatoes and peppers and have like 300 tomato babies and at least 100 peppers lol 🙈

@pingpong9656 Жыл бұрын

Why have you stopped releasing videos... you remind me of the female version of Charles Dowding

@VeronicaFlores Жыл бұрын

I have a new video coming out this week! Just cleaning up some audio issues as best I can 🙂

@thewalkingcrow8946 2 жыл бұрын

I guess you banned me on Instagram. All I get is a page removed thing. Their trays are ok. You'll find some problems as you use them over the years. Their 200 cell trays are much to be desired. They give you a tool that's supposedly supposed to fit them but what it does is tear the cells open from time to time.

@VeronicaFlores 2 жыл бұрын

I definitely stepped on one weird the other day and cracked the side because it was sitting on top of a rock, so I know it's possible to break them. I gorilla taped it though and it's pretty sturdy still. And they still aren't nearly as fragile as everything else on the market. Idk about the tool they offer - it's like a little plastic thing? At a glance it looks too big for the 200 cell. I personally don't need or want hand holding from companies with this sort of stuff, and prefer to use the more precise tools I already have that work well for me and for the products in question. Also if you can't see me on IG, you probably were blocked, and it's definitely because you said something either in comments or DM requests that garnered the reaction of "I don't need this sort of energy in my life right now." Consider being kinder/less disparaging/more solution oriented when interacting with other content creators moving forward.