Dilema for me... to start seeds or not start seeds when I know I won't be home 100% of the time during the critical growth of seedlings. I purchased some wicking material for putting under flats that will supposedly have self watering properties.
With that purchase easing my concerns, I started some of my seeds yesterday, about 8 small styrofoam trays(saved from last year). Every seed packet I saved and "planted" gets its own label so I can track the what, when and where I collected the seeds.
Record Keeping: For multiple seed packets of the same variety, for example Molly Raven, I marked seed packets with a code. MORA00, MORA01... MORA07, etc. As I "planted", I labeled the napkins with an extra fine sharpie marker to identify the seeds with the associated code. I am keeping the seed packets, and if I get a seedling I'll label the seedling in that group accordingly such as MORA00-00, MORA00-01 ... MORA00-51.
This year I hope to keep better track of the germination percentage of seed lots. Also, I've lowered my germination temperature from the high 80's to the low 80's.
I have the seeds on the lower rack in my oven with the light on for heat, and a temperature probe what will alarm if the temperature gets above my target. It alarmed me when I was writing this post, and I set the oven door very slightly open.
The wetting solution this year was a weak solution of Miracle grow, about 1/4 teaspoon in 2 cups. The 2 cups of solution had 1/4 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide added the day before, so I suspect it was mostly dissipated when I used it.
