GROW STRONGER TOMATO PLANTS using the DOUBLE CUP METHOD

Do you struggle with weak tomato seedlings? Are you tired of "potting up" or "repotting" your plants? The double cupping method uses repurposed party cups to grow stronger, more well-watered tomato plants.
#growingtomatoes #indoorgardening #repottingandreplanting
To learn more about shortseasongarden:
www.shortseasongarden.com
Instagram: / shortseasongarden
Facebook: / shortseasongarden
Pinterest: / shortseasongarden
*Here is an Amazon link to my LED Grow Light and some other products we use and enjoy.
Root Farm LED Grow Light
USA amzn.to/3ujWngu
Canada amzn.to/3OqKgVV
Kozy Coats
USA amzn.to/48QRYAK
Canada amzn.to/47XlkfA
Seeding Square
USA amzn.to/3I7Jh9D
Canada amzn.to/49J7L4G
10 Pack Green Seed Sprouter
USA amzn.to/4bJdOYZ
Canada amzn.to/3TaUiNx
Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars
USA amzn.to/48t0NzG
Canada amzn.to/3STRSBw
Sainlogic Wireless Weather Station
USA amzn.to/3w18fEL
Canada amzn.to/3vZNRE5
Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer for FoodSaver
USA amzn.to/3SzFcQp
Canada amzn.to/3UoJIDQ
Bubble Poppers (Canning Supplies)
USA amzn.to/49dfjgb
Canada amzn.to/3Uo4V0y
16 Quart LARGE Stock Pot
USA amzn.to/49ohJYU
Canada amzn.to/49DuQFK
Zoom H1n Portable Recorder
USA amzn.to/48WYdD7
Canada amzn.to/3SoUlne
Furry Outdoor Lavalier Microphone Windscreen Muff
USA amzn.to/3Uig9Uk
Canada amzn.to/3SuKTih
Black Light UV Flashlight
USA amzn.to/4924vBG
Canada amzn.to/49mp245
BOOKS
Growing Under Cover by Niki Jabbour
USA amzn.to/3uHAiJ7
Canada amzn.to/49nFDEo
The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener by Niki Jabbour
USA amzn.to/42U0Aog
Canada amzn.to/42U0Aog
Four-Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman
USA amzn.to/3wr6HEe
Canada amzn.to/3wr6HEe
Straw Bale Gardens by Joel Karsten
USA amzn.to/42NmBFb
Canada amzn.to/42NmBFb
All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
USA amzn.to/4bLHtR9
Canada amzn.to/4bLHtR9
Cold-Climate Gardening by Lewis Hall
USA amzn.to/3wryu7r
Vegetable Gardening in Cold Climates by Douglas Green
USA amzn.to/3T84iHt
Canada amzn.to/3TbUXy8
Basic Seed Saving by Bill McDorman
USA amzn.to/3wvmD8z
Canada amzn.to/3wvmD8z
Bernardin Complete Book of Home Preserving
USA amzn.to/3Uzpd7d
Canada amzn.to/49imtzg
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@allandownton]

Use red round solo cups for the soil. Use the square bottom red solo cups for the bottom cup. When you insert the top cup into the bottom square cup it automatically gives you about a 1/2”space at the bottom instead of using marbles or stones😎

[@shortseasongarden]

Yes, I saw that on a video recently. That's a good idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@marykrohne8927]

What size cup do you use?

[@TheSeedsower107]

Thanks for the tip !

[@shortseasongarden]

I use 16 oz cups

[@allandownton]

The bottom of my red solo round and square cups say 18.5 ounces😎

[@MinnesotaGrower]

I like to use a clear cup for the inner cup. That way I can inspect the roots.

[@JWHealing]

Oooooh! Now there's a good idea!

[@georgialewis7645]

Ohh great idea!!

[@MikeFloutier]

I always like to see how the roots are doing, but, having used this exact method (ie. Double solo) last year, I can assure you that you’ll soon be able to see the roots poking through the holes you made in the inner cup. The skill is in removing the plant from the inner cup, for final planting out, without damaging too many of those roots as you tug them out through the holes. Great video, thank you, whetted my appetite for this year’s sowing; btw we got so many tomatoes last year, over 1200 from 10 plants, that we’re still using the ones we froze 😂🍾❤️

[@smithmuh]

@@MikeFloutier This problem can also be solved. I simply use compostable coffee filters.

[@jarnevanbec2886]

Smart!

[@awrinkleintimeyesterday6067]

I found the double cup method arduous and time consuming for watering. now I use the single inside cup and use a larger container under them that can hold half a dozen cups or more. You can still water from bottom, but easier. Has worked for me the past two growing seasons.

[@georgialewis7645]

Great idea as well!!

[@davidvickers8425]

way easier this way virtually a kratky system.

[@Jrockmattem]

That’s what I do too. Fill a tray with potting cups or containers and just use my plant water jug to put 1/4 inch of water at the bottom of tray

[@incanada83]

I do similar thing using single hole puncher to punch 4 holes at the bottom, pre-damp soil in a bucket with water, then fill up the cups to the top, push in a seed or two, set all cups in a tray, place under grow lights, leave all uncovered (no heating mats or covers needed) for 3 days. When the top soil is dry (it will have lighter color), pour water into tray, leave it for half hour or until the top soil changes color. Pour out excess water from trays. Fertilize only after 2 leaves start growing. I don't repot. Just water more often as plants grow.

[@eastcoast4233]

@@davidvickers8425although I appreciate why you’ve said that it’s not really, as that method involves the roots leaving the seedling container and growing into the reservoir as the water levels fall. Hoocho does good videos on this.

[@jeffbee6090]

I've been using the solo cup method BUT this is the first time I've seen starting them with just a little soil in the bottom then adding soil! love it! thanks!

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad to help

[@PointOWoodsgal]

Excellent tips! I've never seen anyone using the two cup method and I'm looking forward to trying it. I have a tip that's worked great for me over the years. I used to grow hundreds of tomato seedlings for friend's high tunnel. I read about a tip that I've been using for years now - once I've planted my seeds inside to get a jump start on the season, I liberally sprinkle cinnamon onto the top of the soil . The cinnamon is naturally anti-fungal, and I've never had a single seedling experience damping-off since doing this. I've probably grown more than 1000 tomato seedlings this way. I always water from below (with a seedling insert within a 1020 solid base tray) never disturbing the cinnamon-coated surface soil. I buy the big bulk-size cinnamon in the spice aisle.

[@shortseasongarden]

Great tips. Tks

[@nancythane4104]

OOH! I'm going to try that. Thankyou!😊

[@patriciaserdahl5577]

Awesome tip going to do it 👍

[@debrathompson2008]

The cinnamon has natural antifungal properties as well as a natural rooting compound also, it is probably why it works so well, I'll have to give this a go, getting ready to do seed's this week.

[@florawillis1384]

The most simple and easy way to Grow tomatoes, is to put tomatoes of any variety on the ground in the fall and when weather is warm and right to grow the tomatoes will give you lots of plants! Cover in fall with few leaves like God gives for a cover to protect thru winter. You can do this also in early spring.

[@christyb7590]

Its good to see the mistakes and how to do it better. I like the detail in your video. Im learning. Thank you.

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardnfudge]

I use clear plastic wine cups for humidity dome. they fit perfectly on the red cups

[@ebradley2306]

This is a great technique. Going to try it with peppers as well. I like how you didn't sanitize your video. When you needed to fix something you just fixed it for all to see. 🙂

[@TheSeedsower107]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I wonder how this method will work for my peppers. Do you know if the peppers will reroot like tomatoes do if planted deep ? Thx

[@ebradley2306]

Peppers can be planted a little deeper than soil level but not to the extent of tomatoes. I think the cups are shallow enough. @@TheSeedsower107

[@shortseasongarden]

No. Peppers do not like their stems to be buried. You can use the party cups but fill your cup to the brim with soil before planting.

[@TheSeedsower107]

@@shortseasongarden Thank you !

[@nancythane4104]

I found that peppers are perrenial! If you take them into a greenhouse maybe a small hoop, depending on your location in the Fall, you can have much larger fruit the next year. I'm hoping this works for me.

[@FidoHouse]

Your impatience when watering made me smile as I'm the same way. Great video. Good tips.

[@shortseasongarden]

I guess patience is not one of my virtues 🤣

[@nodripsman]

Yup! Ive taken the double cup method one step further...and use a peat cup similar size inside of the sole cup..Cut the bottom off the peat cup and when ready for planting, pop the peat cup right in the ground or upsized container..works for me.

[@lisakunish936]

Love the tip about drilling holes in a bunch of cups at once! Agree with some others, the music is distracting as I have a hard time filtering it out and focusing on the words. Glad it had subtitles ! Otherwise, this is an excellent video and will change how I grow my tomato plants this year. Thanks! PS - Excellent tip about the vermiculite on the top to help prevent damp off!!!

[@justgivemethetruth]

Agree with some others, the music is distracting

[@playnejayne5550]

After 3 years of failure I did this. They were beautiful tomato plants.

[@allyrooh3628]

New to gardening. If I get one tomato to grow I will be excited!

[@shortseasongarden]

You can do it!

[@desireelyles8472]

I purshased my red solo cups right after Christmas the prices drop plus I keep the the old ones easy to reused. I start all my fruits; vegetables & flowers in these cups .❤❤❤❤

[@mammyoffgrid]

I've been using this Solo Cup system for years works beautifully. Northern Ontario zone 4.

[@incanada83]

@mammyoffgrid. Same here just no double cups. It's frigging snowing LOL

[@myCloudWatcher]

I love this system. I add one more hole, in the "bottom" cup, I add an extra hole to "limit" the level of water. So when the rain fills the cups is drains out the extra. When you "Overwater" the extra just drains into the tray.

[@shortseasongarden]

Great idea. Tks

[@TheSeedsower107]

Thanks for the tip !

[@simonpaine2347]

Great idea. For anyone who didn't understand what you meant, it's like an overflow hole maybe just above the level of the stone or whatever you have in the bottom. I'm going to use offcuts of 1" pvc pipe!

[@andycofin6983]

I rarely have had a damp off issue since I began making a weak black tea infusion for watering the tomatoes for the first couple of weeks. My guess would be that the tannins in the tea acts as a natural fungus inhibitor, stopping the fungus from getting a toehold in the soil.

[@amigos4erin]

What kind of tea? I’m not being intentionally obtuse; off the top of my head, I can name black, green, white, chamomile, mint, lemon and more. Not to mention earl gray, chai, English breakfast, etc.

[@wheeltwavel]

I used to use single use coffe cups. I like your planting them at the bottom first idea.

[@ecobluefarms223]

Ooooh I’ve been doing this for years and never thought to just start with a couple inches THANK YOUUU

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad to help. 😃

[@lianashomeandgarden]

Straw bail garden bed, omg, this is so cool. This is something similar i was planning to do with my new raised garden bed this season. Ill fill it up with logs, branches, lots of last years leaves, of course ill add up some soil, but mostly it will contain grass, straw and leaves. Ill add some bacillus, trichoderma and hope that tomatoes and cuces will love their natural warm garden bed filled with beneficial bacteria

[@jospleth2713]

Great idea. Lots of strong roots before you set them out. Going to try it.

[@shortseasongarden]

It does work well😄

[@taylorshomestead3934]

Big game changer for me last year! Worked great!

[@jmuth890]

I enjoyed your video. Very thorough. I’m in no hurry so enjoyed how you showed each step. Thank you. Already have my cups so now I know what to do.

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheSeedsower107]

This is genius ! I will be using this method this year. Thank you !

[@shortseasongarden]

Your welcome. Glad to help😊

[@ronnie-being-ronnie]

The seeking trays are used by businesses because commercial property is expensive to buy and taxes are high. They need to be as efficient with their space as possible. Home gardening allows you do what is best for you. Use all the space you can to make the process easier and more affordable. When I lived in FL, I used to use styrofoam cups for the insulation. (Yes, reused them.) I didn’t do double cups, but instead, put the drain hole an inch up the side reduce the need to water so often. I like your method!

[@shortseasongarden]

Thank you

[@123WorryFreeGardening]

Excellent tomato potting solution. I love this!

[@kbjerke]

I've been using this method for a few years now, with *fabulous* results. I do use premium Veg & Herb Pro-Mix potting soil as my medium, though. Not just for tomatoes, either - I start virtually *everything* that I don't direct sow into the garden this way. Thanks for the video - you've got a new subscriber! 👍

[@shortseasongarden]

Thanks for sharing

[@aureyd2515]

I recycle those rectangular juice bottles into self watering seed starters. Cut so the opening sits just above the bottom, and it actally snaps in place. Strip of an old towel for a wick. I like cutting weed barrier fabric as a "sling" under the dirt to lift it out later. Plant 3-? seeds, just thin out later. No repotting needed until they go out, and once they are underway I just have to remember to check them a couple of times a week.

[@peanut092010]

My first time growing tomatoes- thanks for your very informative video

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joshuamckillop137]

Great work! Glad to see you sharing your expert knowledge with others.

[@shortseasongarden]

Thank you

[@cherriejohnson1551]

Yes YES Canadian Gardening !!!!! I’m also in zone3 but recently move from AB to BC been gardening all my life .

[@barbaramahan364]

Thank you. This will save me a lot of time and space.

[@carolyncollier1589]

If you use a square bottom party cup to plant the seedlings and a round bottom party cup it works great! The square will sit just about right in the round. Cut or drill the square bottom for the drainage holes. Have a happy day!😊

[@shortseasongarden]

Thanks for the tip! Plan to do that this year. Also plan to use clear cup on the bottom instead of red so I can see when it needs water

[@GardeningBuds]

Love this! I've been using the solo cups too with cannabis. Started using a disposable aluminum baking pan to hold solo cups and bottom water all at once. Gonna try the soil add with worm castings added to give them a little boost. Just separated a bunch of seedlings a few days ago.... I'll include this idea in coming videos. Excited to see how quickly the seedlings grow

[@johnroekoek12345]

Holland here. We suddenly can't buy plastic cups, utensils, straws and plates anymore because of the environment... you know. Buy plastic cups soon. They'll suddenly disappear like it did here They made wooden spoons which are given now in for example McDonalds sundae, but that really tastes like wood in your ice cream. Tip: Save some plastic spoons and keep one on you when you are in need of a sundae or something. You can wash the plastic spoon. Even in the dishwasher.

[@Lynette-qh3tw]

Thanks for the notice. I've started to save McDonald pop cups because they are nice and tall, and I don't like to throw them away. I also save cottage cheese and sour cream containers to use as free pots. I'm going to try to paint the outsides.

[@desertflower9557]

I will use 2 cups this year, too. Thanks for the tip on drilling holes through several cups at a time.

[@shortseasongarden]

You are so welcome!

[@middle-agedmacdonald2965]

You can save a ton of time by just bottom watering into the 10/20 tray itself. No need for two cups, and instead of watering each plant individually, everything gets watered at once. I do it every year and it works fine. It takes a little "tuning" to figure out how much to fill the 10/20 tray, but basically to figure it out, you just add a 1/2" of water to the bottom at a time, once that water stops being absorbed into the cups, it'll start accumulating in the 10/20 tray. That's when you stop. I've never had a problem leaving a small amount of standing water in the 10/20 tray, it gets absorbed very quickly, within hours usually. If you add too much, just dump it out.

[@shortseasongarden]

Yes, the double-cup watering can be more time-consuming for sure. Thanks for the input.

[@allandownton]

You can also add the liquid fertilizer in that water every 2 weeks😎

[@allandownton]

The bottom of my red round and square solo cups say 18.5 ounces😎

[@shortseasongarden]

Ok. Mine are 16 oz

[@robertdouglas8895]

I make my own potting soil by letting red worms do it. Old manure, so it doesn't get hot, weeds before they go to seed, hay w/o weed seed, coffee grounds (worm aphrodisiac), forest soil for microbes. Layer it with some red worms out of old piles. Keep moist, not wet. Out of the sun. For winter cover with layers of plastic sheeting and hay between layers so worms won't go deep into the bare soil beneath. I used 3 layers. 30 below zero F.

[@ourv9603]

I think some gardeners just LOVE repotting plants & getting their hands in the soil. I have watched while they repot a new plant 4 or 5 times before it goes into the ground. BUT, everytime we repot, we run the risk of damaging the roots & losing the plant. Im going to start my seeds in double 18oz cups then repot 1 time into a 5gal growbag. One & Done. !

[@shortseasongarden]

I can certainly relate to the “getting the hands in the soil thing “. 😊

[@OleensEmbroidery]

I used a soldering iron to melt the holes in the cups. Worked great. Thanks for the tips.

[@shortseasongarden]

Yes, a soldering iron would work well. Might stick a little though. :)

[@OleensEmbroidery]

@@shortseasongarden Surprisingly it did not. I love this double cup method.

[@markb8954]

Soldering irons zip right through easy in/out.

[@Cobizybone]

I use a soldering iron. The drill method seems quicker.

[@shortseasongarden]

@@Cobizybone Just as an FYI. I did speed up that part of the video. 🤣 The soldering iron sounds like a great idea as well.

[@teem9010]

oh i never can bring myself to thin seedlings and always end up replanting and with tons of extra plants! lol. I wish i were as cold hearted as you!!

[@shortseasongarden]

Sometimes a gardener has to be ruthless😂

[@Ice_queen312]

This method is just brilliant! I can't want to try it this year! Thank you ❤️

[@shortseasongarden]

Have fun!

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Just stumbled upon your channel. It's not often that you find an actual short season grow youtuber. Though not zone 3.. I am 5 - 6a/b depending on which chart you look at. I would have never thought to use plastic wrap for humidity cover. THANKS from Spokane, WA

[@georginaforrest9160]

This is clever. Thank you for sharing your method. Rather than the two-cups, I will likely just use one of my seedling trays to hold the plants, and water from the bottom that way. But that is just one way to do it. Yours seems to work quite well also.

[@drlindakronick]

Thankyou for sharing your experiences and knowledge

[@shortseasongarden]

Your welcome

[@sherryschneider323]

I’m going to do this for my tomatoes this year! Thanks!

[@AmyaLozano]

The double cupping method uses repurposed party cups to grow stronger, more well-watered tomato plants.

[@kathytaylor9798]

This is very similar to what I do. I’m sharing this with my garden friends. Thank you!

[@shortseasongarden]

Wonderful!

[@ontdekmijntuin]

Thanks a lot I will adjust my tomato sowing method with some of your tips!

[@shortseasongarden]

You’re welcome 😀

[@CMSCK]

Glad I found you because I struggle growing indeterminate tomatoes in my short season growing zone in Canada. Determinate tomatoes do great but my favourites are indeterminate and I try every year. Thank you.

[@shortseasongarden]

You can do it!😃

[@patriciagraham4786]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with gardening. I use solo cups for starting my tomatoes, too, and other plants. But, I only use one cup per planting. I will try the two-cup method. Keep bringing us your gardening experiences❤

[@shortseasongarden]

It is faster to just use one cup and to water them all at once for sure. The advantage of the two cup method is that it leaves an air space between the plant and the bottom of the second cup to allow for better drainage.

[@bigake1353]

Going to try this....thanks.

[@C3Voyage]

I'm a breeder. It's easier to use a larger insert with a 1020 as the watering tray. I use a 32-cell insert that fits in the 1020. Each cell has a pot that is 2.5" x 2.5" x 3.5" tall. Common now. Check out Bootstrap Farmer. Much less space and easier to maneuver. Tomatoes are hardy once they get true leaves. You can leave them in a small pot till they are taller than 12"...and more. They won't root-bound in a detrimental way. You could literally cut all roots off and plant them in moist soil and they'll root again. That's extreme, but true only to point out that you can fiddle with the roots some at transplant, especially if buried deeply, and they'll bust out with growth. While in the tray, crammed together, they'll send roots down into the 1020 and suck water too. The critical part is having sanitized soil/mix. I microwave my mix until steaming. I use 1/3 peat, 1/3 coco, and 1/3 perlite. Absorbs and maintains moisture easily. Microwaving it kills disease and bugs. After, they get true leaves, use a very weak liquid fertilizer. My recommendation would be to spend a tad for the 1020 setup I mention and reuse year after year. No need to pot up and it's less space.

[@C3Voyage]

If you incorporate a wick into the system I mention, there's no need for a dome or to constantly water. It'll remain perfect.

[@petronelamirza8274]

Great idea! Thank you! ❤❤

[@shortseasongarden]

Your welcome. Glad you liked it

[@communitygardener17]

I notice he has Promix. I love that starting mix!! I save any leftover to use for covering seeds sown directly in garden beds.

[@shortseasongarden]

Great tip!

[@mjb9176]

I’m a Pro-Mix seed starter too. It’s what our local nurseries use and now they sell the large bags. A little pricy but the seed starting results are worth it. Can’t wait for March seed starting time. Zone 5

[@GardeningwithDave]

Great video! Last year I tried skipping the 2nd cup, and I kept that big tray that you have right now. Just fill the tray and it will automatically water everything. Thank you for sharing and happy gardening brother.

[@GardeningwithDave]

Oh and I find it easier to add your seed starting soil into a large paste tote (5 gallon bucket works fine too) then add water as desired.

[@shortseasongarden]

Another good idea.

[@canoedoctor]

Try replacing the tray and plastic wrap cover with a translucent tote. All of the advantages, none of the disadvantages, and it acts as a mini greenhouse.

[@shortseasongarden]

Brilliant. I’m getting it’s of ideas through these comments

[@S.Clause]

@@canoedoctornumber one comment, excellent advice.

[@danringdahl41]

Such a helpful video, thank you!

[@shortseasongarden]

Thank you.

[@dianelakata1308]

I use solo cups with bottom holes but put a bunch of them in an aluminum tray for quicker watering

[@KKollective]

This is brilliant,going to do this this year

[@shortseasongarden]

Thanks

[@88meemaw88]

Thanks for excellent presentation and information. I am in Zone 10a and we grow tomatoes year round. I love this double cup method. 👍🍅👍🍅👍🍅👍🍅

[@shortseasongarden]

So nice of you

[@ocny4468]

Wonderful idea and great video! Thank you!

[@shortseasongarden]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it

[@Big88Country]

Awesome idea, I'm sold! Thank you and GOD Bless!!!

[@shortseasongarden]

Thank you

[@Dena777]

Thanks for the video

[@GardenFaerieBotanicals]

Great video!! Thank you. Valuable information, I am going to do this!

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MM-jk5wc]

Great help! Thank you!!!

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it helped!

[@chuckhuff7123]

All right, thanks for pointing out the ohveuse.

[@shortseasongarden]

No worries!

[@AhJodie]

This was a great video, partially because you made a few mistakes and fixed them easily, so it made me feel like I could do this too! I like your personality that shines through! Thank you for sharing!

[@shortseasongarden]

Thank you😃

[@jumpin4joync]

Thank you for this video.

[@shortseasongarden]

My pleasure!

[@lidip8700]

New Subscriber... why? Because you made a mistake (like I do), and you showed them. You kept it real!! I'll be seeding soon. Waiting winter months out is such a drag. Lol I do have an indoor hydroponics garden to keep fresh organic food on the table but I love the soil. Thank you for a very nice video.

[@shortseasongarden]

Thanks for the sub!

[@dougadams9419]

Make sure you get the cups with a 5 in the triangle, that means food safe.

[@sseptember6301]

Aren't most drinking cups food safe?🤔

[@mikeway9627]

Thanks for your help.

[@shortseasongarden]

You're welcome!

[@catherinepodiak2683]

Thank you. This is a great tip!

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@linklein7270]

Great idea!

[@graceteshima]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad you liked it!

[@SamRoxxJDM]

glad i found this channel

[@thelioness3305]

Great method.Thank you will try this.

[@shortseasongarden]

Most welcome 😊

[@murdocksmadnesspatriotgard5472]

Love seeing this method used. I got some tips and tricks for ya in the original double Solo cup videos from a year ago. They will help you do even better. Murdock

[@shortseasongarden]

Thanks for the input. I did go back and watch your video and will make some adjustments to my method.🍅🪴😃

[@patriciaserdahl5577]

Thank you for sharing Im going to try the double cup method 👍 🍅

[@shortseasongarden]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kbuckmister65]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ThriveGarden]

Great work!

[@shortseasongarden]

Thanks

[@joanies6778]

I pour boiling water over my starter mix to kill fungus gnats. Sometimes I just microwave moistened starter mix in an oven bag and leave it closed for a few minutes. Nothing worse than an infestation of fungus gnats and I had them last year because I overwintered a rosemary plant in my basement without changing out the soil. Never again!

[@verleejenkins]

I did this last year with great success! We got sick and didn't get our tomatoes and peppers into the ground until about 6 weeks after they should have and they were all fine...we're in zone 7a.

[@devaughnkousins5439]

If your plants are leggy adjust your grow light. They get leggy cuz they are not receiving enough par, so they stretch to the light.

[@carolarehart1234]

Great idea. This is a time saver.

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Thanhlichtravelcuocsongmy]

Tuyệt vời thật, cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ

[@kerryl4031]

Thank you - I like the tip about the boiling water and fungus gnat prevention - last year was awful with the little beasts! Also appreciate the tomato method - I think it is time for me to experiment! Short season - well, last year no season - one long wet and wild session and looking for ways to combat all weathers!

[@shortseasongarden]

Glad you got some tips. Wishing you better luck this year

[@vickigonya9432]

Nice!!! I love the add more soil insyead of repotting❤

[@shortseasongarden]

Me too!

[@bonniecarlstrom6014]

Great idea.. Thanks for sharing.

[@shortseasongarden]

You are so welcome!

[@jennyansell42]

Brilliant thanks!

[@shortseasongarden]

You're welcome!

[@user-oz9fs1xs9u]

I help kill off soil gnats, fungus and weed seed by putting the moist planting mix in 1-gallon zip-lock brand FREEZER bags, leave a corner open . Lay bag flat and Microwave it 2 minutes, flip over, microwave another 2 minutes (should be steamy and warm now), flip and mwave 1-min, flip and mwave another 1minute, seal the zip,ock. As the steam collapses, the bag will appear to be 'vacuum packed', this way you can tell if it is still sanitized or not after storage.

[@Emponix]

Great tips! If I can give one back, use a pump sprayer or watering can when rehydrating hydrophobic old soil or peat. Have all of the soil in one container, preferably twice the volume of the soil and work the water in with your hands. This way you can squeeze test the soil until you reach correct moisure level. Wetting agent of some sorts does wonders for this too.

[@shortseasongarden]

Awesome. Thanks. I’ve learned so much through comments on my videos😊

[@robertsparks7244]

I tried last year with some success plan on it this year as well

[@jdri63]

I like the double-cups, but it is a lot of work keeping them watered. For many cups, I use an aluminum steam tray. If you wrap the steam tray with landscape fabric (double-wrap) and cut x-slots for the cups, then you can fit about 15 cups with holes and keep them all watered. The landscape fabric fights algae. For the double cups, you can also put a straw through a bottom hole (I cut a slot on the straw so it can reduce size to go through the hole) and a 1/4" funnel and squirt water in with a lab-type squeeze bottle. You can also just squirt into the side of the double-cups. A very versatile method! I use the straws and funnels with 6-cell trays, as well.

[@shortseasongarden]

Great ideas. Tks

[@notmyhome]

Thank you, I want to try this method.

[@shortseasongarden]

Go for it!

[@canoedoctor]

I've been using the red cups for many years,. starting them in shallow soil then building it up as the plants grow. I've been using single cups but put them in translucent totes which act both as a mini greenhouse, but also the water reservoir that your double cups provides.

[@firequeen2194]

Great idea!

[@WS-by5cl]

I do the tote method, too. Makes it easy to transport them outside to harden off!

[@user-hi9ot3eh4s]

Agree

[@carolferguson5879]

I use the two cup method, too. But I plant in clear cups (with holes) and use undrilled colored cups under them. This way I can easily check the roots of each plant. I use this method for starting a lot of plants, as well as rooting plants from cuttings.

[@shortseasongarden]

That's a great idea! Tks

[@47J8R2N]

Who worries about leggy tomato seedlings? Plant them in the ground almost laying down, all that buried stem will root like crazy.

[@shortseasongarden]

Yes, you can definitely do that. I still prefer the stronger thicker stems.

[@iloveprivacy8167]

Interesting! I've got my herbs in thicker-walled reusable solo-style cups from the dollar store, then tossed into a larger basin. Just dump water into the basin & they all soak it up from the bottom. Saves the time of dealing with individual cups.