10 Common Seed Starting Mistakes and How to Prevent Them: Light, Water, Soil, & Fertilizer Tips

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks! Here is how you can support me, more videos, and The Rusted Garden... The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSG Visit my blog, The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com Thanks... Companies I am Affiliated With... Bentey Seed Company bentleyseeds.com GreenStalk Garden Vertical Towers:greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden Vegega Metal Raised Beds:www.vegega.com/?ref=le64f3gm3 AgroThrive Water-Soluble Fertilizer: bit.ly/3qx7rot The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Seed Collection www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: Follow me on Instagram instagram.com/therustedgarden/ Join The Rusted Garden Homestead FB Group facebook.com/groups/Therustedgardenhomestead Follow me on TikTok www.tiktok.com/@therustedgarden My Books The Modern Homestead Garden: amzn.to/43iXbyx Growing and Edible Landscape: amzn.to/3NgMUxj Visit My Amazon Store Front I earn from any eligible purchases you make. www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Become an affiliate of The Rusted Garden and Earn 15% on sales. Sign up here: the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account

[@lilycardoso4679]

So true! Last year, I planted way too many seeds. Too much work. I gave away lots of plants. Sorry friends, this year I'm seeding less.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck. Thats always my goal. I get a little better each year with it. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@bexter8]

Thank you for being so detailed! I'm soaking up all of this information.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Very appreciated let me know if you have questions.

[@fuzzytale]

Actually, my family of 4 does well with 20+ tomato plants in our community garden plots, but I freeze them by the gallon for sauces and soups in the winter, as well as using tons of beefsteaks and slicers for salads and sandwiches and sharing with friends in the summer time. 🙂

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You have a good plan for using them. I sauce a lot too. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@Finchersfarmstead]

This is my plan❤

[@mollypitcher9380]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!! - Bulletin points of necessary knowledge - When to plant pansy seeds please? (NJ/7 1/9/24)

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Pansy are slow, I would start them now. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@dorothyhughes1061]

Could you please share your favorite vegetable plant varieties especially for tomatoes from your 2023 garden? I live nearby in Maryland, and it would be helpful for those of us who are in the mid-Atlantic. Thank you for your channel; you are so good at what you do!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Homestead, Matts Wild Cherry, Arkansas Travler. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@dorothyhughes1061]

Thank you, sir!@@THERUSTEDGARDEN

[@GraceFilledHomestead]

Hi my first video here and i loved it ❤ thanks for sharing

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks for finding me. Let me know if you have questions. I do like 100 videos a year in real time as I tend my gardens. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@tbone9194]

Why are your perozide bottles under the grow lights?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I just actually sat them there. No reason. They will get moved. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@rachellelee8031]

These are such great tips! I am going to try the sterilizing thing, every year I deal with those stupid gnats. And being in the frozen Canadian north I always get the itch to start planting way too early, and then I regret it weeks later when I ends up being a pain.

[@anitamurphy2454]

The boiling water works. I do it every year. Hate the gnats. Dont put overwintered outside plants near your seedlings, might bring some inside. I use a tote with lid to mix the seed mix with boiling water, mix well to get it all damp and put lid on. Leave overnight or at least 30 minutes to kill gnat eggs.

[@rachellelee8031]

Thanks! The tote is a great idea.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Boiling water really helps. Fungus gnats are a pain. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@johnnorton7861]

What do you use the hydrogen peroxide for?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Killing fungus when needed. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

I always look at not only what we eat fresh, but also, growing for canning, too. That's why I have so many peppers, tomato, squash, cukes, etc

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula all grow indoors, all winter, as well as into ground in early spring

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Canning and such is wonderful www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@dvssayer5621]

Can u can cukes? I dont know what to do with cucumbers we really don't eat alot. Also had about 20 plus big beautiful cabbages but we didn't even eat them. They were beautiful!

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

I use my cukes to make pickles. Bread and Butter sweet, and Dill pickles.@@dvssayer5621

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

Fairly new gardener here. I really enjoy this as this is my first year starting seeds indoors. Great info. Thanks. Havagudun Gary.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Welcome and let me know if you have questions. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@reneenelsen7416]

Thank you very much for sharing your content. Much appreciated 👍. Sending virtual Granny hug's and prayers to everyone ☺️💕

[@Gardeningchristine]

Thanks for the hug 😊

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks so much! www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@jeannewang7993]

Glad I listened to this, I will start my peppers in March. And gather my stuff and clean my pots now.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah not to early. Good luck Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@dvssayer5621]

Good idea. Me too.

[@sensenisok]

Much appreciated. I'm an over excited - over planter. Need to keep this as reminder. 😊

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep. I try and keep it in check too. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@shaneswing2016]

I used worm castings last season but found out that these tine spider-like bugs must have been in the castings and activated in the water. They were crawling up the stocks of my plqnt starts. Solution was to put the castings in water jug with water and leave it in the water for a few days to drown any bugs that may hatch, then put on my plant starts.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It can happen with bagged products. Good solution though. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@lenoreday3881]

Wow! I made every.single.mistake in this list! Thank you so much!!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck this year. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@veronicamarquez276]

Last year I had my lights too close and they burnt the leaves on my seedlings. But I saved them in time. In the previous years I have killed my seedlings from overwatering.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck this year and sometimes you start too close but a quick adjustment can save them as you saw www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@carolewarner101]

Excellent. You've addressed literally every problem we've ever encountered in starting our own veg seeds in this video! Can't wait to make the necessary changes and see how it goes! 👍🙏

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks. I wanted to get them all in one newer video.

[@DanlowMusic]

I havent been successful yet eith Peppers, super successful last year with tomatoes. Maybe this year will be my year for Peppers. 😂 Your videos do give me the confidence to keep trying though

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Let me know if you have questions. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@DanlowMusic]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN I always seem to get good seed germination and starting growth but it's the development from there. I haven't gotten a single pepper to grow yet. Last year was terrible. Most of them were shaded out by other plants as I used the square foot garden method and it just didn't seem to help them at all. This year they will be grouped together. I had repotted the tomatoes like you showed us and it did awesome. Thank you for your time, we appreciate it!

[@gaylegreen4304]

Great information thank you. Concise and easy to follow. I always enjoy your channel. Now, I need to plant my seeds.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck this year. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@brianseybert192]

I agree on all your points except the use of home made products. In general, aged compost and finished leaf mold will harbor very few unwanted insects (Depending how they are stored). This will be my 3rd year using only homemade ingredients for my seed starter and potting soil. Finished leaf mold is an excellent seed starter, aged compost is full of nutrients and biology and worm castings contain not only microbes but enzymes that promote both plant and root development. I think a lot of people get into trouble using home made products when they are not mature. I age my finished hot compost for at least 8 months before using in a potting mix, this year I will be using compost that is almost 10 months old. What a lot of people consider leaf mold is just mostly broken down leaves. True leaf mold will have no recognizable signs of leaves or stems. On occasion, when I start seeing some flying insects, I will just water with mosquito dunk granules (BTi), problem goes away within a week or so. I started gardening when covid started, a bag of peat moss was close to $30.00 (if you could find it). Could not hardly find canning supplies. I know if something bad happens again, I can still garden, comfortably. You help a ton of people to garden that would not, I applaud your channel. Stay Well!!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Truly aged, I agree. But that is a skill that takes some time to develop to know when it is done. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@earleencadwell8373]

Thank you. This has been my mistake having the light to far when starting my seedlings.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Close is best. IF there is damage, raise them 2 inches. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@caseysanders7547]

I have been following your advice about sterilizing soil before starting seeds. This year I found leftover sterilized soil still in the tub. It was closed, and the soil was still damp! It smells ok, but should I get rid of it, or will a new round of sterilization help. I didn't see any mold or fungus at all.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It is probably fine. But if you can another round is best. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@sammyarmstrong2098]

So I have a green house in zone 8 and do heat when necessary. I’m planning on using heating pads to start tomatoes & peppers this week. The greenhouse will get sun from 7:00-6:00. Am I on the right track??

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah thats pretty good. That should work. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@dvssayer5621]

This is great info! Im still learning 3 yrs in! Insecticidal soap spray works on nats but mabe thats not ok? Maybe I wont use it on vegetables only flowers. I think I also start seeds too early because I watch growers from the south😅

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks for watching. Soapy spray is okay on vegetables. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@metalrabbit09]

Thank you. You answered my question about whether I need to keep the lights on when the plants are germinating and how long to leave them on right after they germinate. I'm still not sure if I should put the lights on after three days for or when I see the first pansy seed germinate. As you know, they say pansies need darkness to germinate.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Before you see germination. Darkeness will happen 14 hours on 10 hours off or similar. Currently on Sale... buy 1 get 1 60% off vertical planters sale 2/14-2/21 at GreenStalk Garden. Use my code and get an extra $10 off. My link to GreenStalk Garden and discount code: Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the $10 discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@tombeilman5579]

Have you tried the seed starting trays with the wicking mat, I am trying one this year. Didn’t know there was such a thing. I have trouble with flats drying out to fast here in Arizona

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I havent, Seems like extra but not sure. If they arent overly expensive, it might be worth a try. Please visit my seed and garden shop at www.therustedgarden.com

[@danlawson3782]

Very thorough and helpful video.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to help. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@leroydennis867]

Do you use the aluminum foil on top of the lights to retain heat? Thanks.

[@Gardeningchristine]

It’s to reflect as much light as possible back on the plants. It’ll drop over the sides too, so the plants get the light. Unless it’s peppers, tomatoes, or eggplant, most plants don’t need supplemental heat to germinate at normal room temperatures. I hope this was helpful!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

its not needed but helps with a bit of heat retention and light reflection www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@budgetgardeningvita]

These are great tips. Thank you for sharing! 🌻

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@cbk1232]

I always get anxious and start too early. I have some used seed starting mix.can I put it in the oven on low to kill off fungus and other things?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Oven heat does work. I never tried it but keep an eye on it.

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

Thank you. I’m wondering what the next step is, if I’ve done the boiling water etc. In the past and still have the fungus gnats? Thank you so much

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Well I have videos on it. H202 or I would try mosquito dunks. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thank you. I will look in your play lists as well

[@scottankers6690]

So the purple leaves that I sometimes see is the result of over-fertilizing correct?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep. Over feeding causes issues. The problem is over feeding can create purple, and under feeding can cause purple. So slow and steady is the goal with indoors fertilizers. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@jairosanchez07]

It also depends on the variety. Some variegated pepper plants such as Purple Flash will naturally produce purple leaves.

[@sandraaupp1328]

so boiling water? you pour in all over the soil, til its like mud? then what wait til it dries out some what?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep. I have videos on it that show the process but not quite mud. Just soak through and I stir it with a wooden spoon. If it gets to wet, let it dry for a day or two. Currently on Sale... buy 1 get 1 60% off vertical planters sale 2/14-2/21 at GreenStalk Garden. Use my code and get an extra $10 off. My link to GreenStalk Garden and discount code: Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the $10 discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@carmenhester1992]

Gary do you need domes and lights to germinate or can you just germinate with lights for 12-16hrs?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont recommend domes and they create a humid environment for fungus. But you do need lights or the plants get leggy. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Planters now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN to save $10 (orders over $75) on GreenStalk 'Vertical Planter Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@carmenhester1992]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN thank you for the response. I have 10 lights on my setup so everything is coming along

[@cowboyblacksmith]

So helpful and timely Gary thank you! I'm guilty of overwatering my seed starts so I'll quit doing that and let the tops dry a little and bottom water. I know a lot about gardening but always learn from you, even if it's a gentle reminder to unwind my bad habits. I live in New Hampshire so Feb 2 is still early for me but I did get my onions going which is fun. Come March (peppers) and April (tomatoes) I can get going and be off and running. I used your potato advice last year and had much better results.👍🏻

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Im still learning. Nice on the potatoes. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@ginobass66]

Do you recommend not covering the seed starts with plastic domes until they sprout? Thank you.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont use the domes, I found they created to much humidity and home for fungus. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@ginobass66]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thank you, I’m subscribed and don’t miss any videos and have purchased from your various links.

[@nicholasdemarest4254]

I would recommend doing a video using a lux meter and a par meter to quantify proper light levels for seedlings. I have found 200 to 300 par more than sufficient. Dimmable lights are recommended. Anymore than that they grow to fast and leggy.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

To be honest, I dont follow that with White LEDs stoplights. Just basic lumens and kelvin and start with the light close. As you get more expensive specialize lights, I think what you are mention is important. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@bprov31]

In N Texas we have to start tomatoes in late January because our growing season is short before it gets over 90 degrees we have to get them as mature as possible before April 1 planting date. They won't bloom again until Aug or Sept depending on the weather. Thank you for sharing your seed starting knowledge with us.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah heat creates different rules. Glad to share and thanks for watching. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@ivyclark70]

Great tips for seasoned growers and beginners alike. I'm guilty of growing too many plants... And I hate wastage. Even with over seeding, I still end up with leftover seeds that go past their expiry date 😢 my neighbour is a small family but they use up a whole packet of tomato seeds for fear of the expiry. 😅

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Just FYI in a ziplock bag, tomatoes and seeds can last easily 3-5 years. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’ve got some great south facing windows and I just planted 2 beit alpha, and 2 space master cucumbers 🥒 to grow inside. I might hang a cloth net as a trellis. I had great luck last year with cherry and beefsteak tomatoes, but this winter I’m trying your method with orange hat dwarf tomatoes under grow lights.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck. A trellis indoors would look cool. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@Synthophonatic]

At what point can I move my peppers & tomatoes to a south facing window instead of under the grow lights?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Once they are like 4 inches they are okay. I like to wait till about 6 inches. Please Subscribe! It really helps me. And Thanks So Much If You Have! And Please Visit The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Neem Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Peppermint Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Rosemary Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C

[@Synthophonatic]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN I've been subscribed. I've bought at your store. I've watched your videos & taken notes. Last year was very productive. We watched about selling plants. This year we started a nursery! Trees, shrubs, perennials & veggie plants. Our 1st sale will be May 4th. Thanks for the inspiration. (Mick Emery Piney Holler Nursery Warfordsburg PA)

[@mikek5631]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your helpful video throughout the years. I've been watching them for many years now. You've helped me learn and grow into a pretty decent home gardener. I mainly grow peppers. I use to be into super hot peppers but have since gotten away from those and now focus mainly on sweets with a cpl of cayenne varieties for powder. I start all of my peppers mid January because i like to top my plants. Starting early allows them an extra 2 months or so to recover from topping so that they are back on track when they go outside. Doing it this way gives me larger and stronger plants that do not require staking. I don't grow pepper plants. I grow pepper trees. lol.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks so much for watching and let me know if you have questions. Pepper trees are cool! Thanks for finding me. Let me know if you have questions. I do like 100 videos a year in real time as I tend my gardens. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@momtodd1503]

Wow Great video! Thank you

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Appreciated. More to come www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@cherylpool6454]

I spied rubbing alcohol on a shelf. Wondering what you use that for? Love your channel. Thank you for all the information you provide.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

if it was in a brown bottle that is hydrogen peroxide. I use it when needed for fungi and fungus gnats. But typically use it outside on tomatoes www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@roguesroost]

I have over 30 chickens. I’m definitely going to use up all the extra veg 😅

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Nice. Please Subscribe! It really helps me. And Thanks So Much If You Have! And Please Visit The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Neem Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Peppermint Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Rosemary Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C

[@roguesroost]

Gary I have been watching you and buying from your shop since you opened it 🥰

[@roguesroost]

OG plot watcher here haha 😂

[@katjoy9921]

I’m glad you said chemical fertilizers aren’t a concern because there is no soil life. I use fans to mimic winds in my garage to make my starts nice and strong.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

We are just trying to get great starts and the fans help. Once transplanted and outside that is when they get all the soil life and such they need. Good luck.

[@augustoysip6838]

Thanks sir Gary! I just sowed seeds today 02.05.24 God God bless you more.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks and cheers to good growth. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@gblyndensrandomreviews]

Good stuff Sir!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks. Glad to share. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@mrslsix]

Thank you for such great tips. I however, plant a lot of plants, so I have plenty to preserve.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Oh year if you can preserve, more is better.

[@raynichol8959]

Hi Gary. Happy new year. Do you have any ideas or suggestions about sterilizing soil and homemade compost in larger amounts in an oven and in smaller amounts in a microwave? If so, what temperature would you suggest for the oven and how long at high setting in the microwave. Sincerely and cheers, Ray. 🥂

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont really as you dont want to start a fire. But I figure 170 in an oven would work. For a microwave, they vary. I would moisten soil and do 30 second pulses with pauses in-between. But I dont have specifics. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@brianseybert192]

2 years ago I discovered jumping worms in my leaf mold bin. I use leaf mold over peat to start my seeds. I ended up cooking about 40 gallons of leaf mold in my pellet grill to kill the cocoons. Hated doing it because I also killed a ton of beneficial microbes. I checked the temp with a thremipen to 150F to make sure I killed any jumping worm cocoons. The jumping worm cocoons will not survive over 105F, made sure I got them all. One could take the same approach to "sterilize" home made or store bought products.

[@joannawright3322]

I listened a few times and must have missed how often to fertilizer. I know it needs to be dilute, but how often?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I didn't cover it specifically as it varies on how big the plants are but start with 1x weekly when small. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@joanl2057]

Use a bug light at night for fungus gnats.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@nicholasdemarest4254]

What is the pot you have on top of your trays?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Sorry I dont know which one you mean.

[@sillieshouse7206]

🙌

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks for watching www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.