My MUST HAVE Seed Starting Supply List |VLOG| Whispering Willow Farm

[@judeaaron]

I use old mini blinds for my plant labels, you can get hundreds of labels for one . Just cut the strings off and cut them to the length you need. everyone has a least one old mini blind that needs replaced.

[@autry9562]

Hi there! A tiny spritz of hairspray on the sharpie will wipe it right off the plastic tag! Good as new 😁 love your videos!

[@thejoyofdirt1610]

😊Thanks

[@pattybays7372]

Very helpful! 😊 Thanks

[@sarahmunoz14]

Have you tried coco core cubes before? I get them for about $3 (HD, Walmart, nursery...) and store them stacked until I need to start seeds. They expand easily with water in a 5 gallon bucket and I mix in a smaller amount (25%) seed start soil (actually I use the Miracle gore organic potting cause I don’t like seed mix) with the coco. Saves on seed starting mix. I’m trying to decide if I should spend a bit more and upgrade to better quality trays. I don’t want to spend but I also don’t like cheap “single use type” plastic that goes to the dump within a year. Decisions 🤔.

[@terryekinch6592]

I use white plastic spoons and knives to mark my trays. Put them through the dishwasher at the end of the season and they're good to go for next year. I mark them with a black sharpie.

[@cindylong8056]

Hello from White Ga. Burrr, it's a little chilly here to. I got slete and rain and woke up to a froze over work truck. I tried Dixie Cups for my Peat Pots. Worked pretty for me and just gave away the whole combo🌱 I think I could have picked that up from Jess.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

So glad to hear you had success with the Dixie cups. I’ve used those in the past myself. Happy gardening this spring and stay warm

[@jackies6351]

Thanks for sharing this info. My sister and I did a shared order for Greenhouse Megastore for trays, inserts, and pots. Our seed starting is bigger than last year and the plants are growing great!

[@bryanwyland8010]

I'm on a tight budget to, don't have many recycled containers to use, so we opted for the same 1020 trays, but use a soil block maker. No plastic pots to use, at first at least. If weather doesn't cooperate then can up pot to solo cups, or whatever you have. Or for your plant sales, then transplant to your cheap pots. Especially since they're square. We also have been using the $20ish led 5k shop lights from Walmart for our grow lights. Works perfectly for us.

[@windyacreshomesteadmo]

If you buy milk in plastic jugs can cut the plastic down and put the plant info on it!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thanks for the tip ❤

[@kirataffy]

I appreciate this information so much. Thank you!!

[@stevenstober1314]

You are absolutely gorgeous!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you 😊

[@abrahamchampagne3083]

Thanks for sharing

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Hope it was helpful

[@mgottschalk66]

Best tip I saw for plant tags...recycle old or thrifted VINYL BLINDS (or buy new if you have to...). Easy to cut with standard scissors and can cut to any length you want. Durable and virtually free. Just cut a section and trim a point on one end! I usually round the edges of the other end but it is not necessary. May not be feasible if you need thousands but great for the smaller garden!

[@tami6688]

Love all the resources and options! Thanks for sharing! a note about peat moss that I learned in the last couple of years: Peat moss grows very slowly, and bogs are harvested at a faster rate than they are replenished. For that reason, coir is a more sustainable option that functions in almost the exact same way. The UK has gone through a peat-free movement, just waiting for it to catch on in the US since it's in almost every soil mix. More on peat moss from the Washington Post: Peatlands store a third of the world's soil carbon, and their harvesting and use releases carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas driving climate change. The biggest environmental risk from peatlands is if they catch fire, which happened spectacularly in 2015 in Indonesia on land cleared for plantations. Yikes!

[@jessicashive3836]

Wow I had no idea that happened in Indonesia 😳

[@rachelbosley6633]

the sphagnum bogs of canada's boreal forest are also being mined for peat moss at an alarming rate, and the amount of greenwashing in peat products is terrifying because people have the best of intentions in choosing an organic option. For those like using the peat pots Jill mentions, look up "cow pots" for a more sustainable alternative that's good for your garden and for the globe.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Wow Tami I didn't realize all of that. Thank you so much for sharing ❤ Know I have to find another component to my seed starting blend

[@tami6688]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm I love coir. It's easy to store since it usually sold in dried blocks, and easy to rehydrate. It also doesn't have nearly as many environmental issues ... at least that we're aware of yet.

[@alisonwhitlock5987]

Thank you for sharing that! I have been concerned about shaghnum moss farming (and collecting) for years and am glad coir has come along to be a less environmentally damaging alternative

[@haleysmith3658]

Whoop! South Arkansas girl here looking forward to starting her garden in my first home!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Yay I'm excited for you as well. Happy gardening ❤

[@gailpetchenik3048]

Jill, I want to thx u for this video. I built a 7x8 green house last month just to grow my own starter plants. I figured out that I spent $200 on starter plants last yr. the green house I built cost $200. So it will pay itself off the first yr. anyway... the info on this video was just what I needed to know where to go to get the equip I will need to start my plants. Thx’s again 👍

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

So glad you found this helpful💚. I believe your greenhouse was a great investment

[@salenakeyes300]

Planter tag hack!!! Cut 1/2 inch strips around a butter bowl or yogurt bowl easy poke in tags!

[@Gardeninggurl]

That's a great idea, thanks

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

That was a great idea! Thanks for sharing

[@kimberlierauton9094]

Old blinds work too. 1 blind goes a long way....

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Thats what I do! Also sour cream bowls, ranch dip bowls, etc.!

[@MsTexan1]

Love this idea and the mini blinds. It'll definitely be helpful!

[@MEFROMCHI]

Very helpful. Do Megastore cell trays fit in Bootstrap 1020s and vice versa?

[@lylamoore2708]

Thank you so much for this video. During the pandemic I started a small backyard nursery with my spare time. I have had many bumps in the road including transportation fails. I will for sure be ordering some trays to keep them put during transport now. Also I use Promix Organik MP for seed starting. It comes in huge bags just like the peat moss in your video.I find the nutrients in them to be wonderful and substantial till up potting. I believe greenhouse megastore also carries it. Best wishes!! Lynn.

[@tkaart2242]

Thanks Jill!

[@laurielangley2306]

FYI- Ive been a master gardener for over 25 years and I've started most of my seeds inside for longer than that. I use plain shop lights with regular flourescent bulbs in them. I keep them quite low as the seeds begin and raise them as the plants grow. I've grown all the plants from A-Z and have luck with all of them. Peppers and eggplant require a little more warmth to germinate sometimes. Just a hint in case your budget doesn't allow the nicer/fancier grow lights. I start thousands each Jan-Mar.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Oh I need to be picking your brain on all kinds of things. That is really good to know about the shop lights. Feel free to slide any tip or trick my way. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@lovealwaysjasmine]

@laurie Langley would love to ask for tips. I’m a new gardener 😊

[@cecilleflowerfarm]

And you don’t need special equipment either clear food storage is suffice too!gardening is not a rocket science!✌️

[@joliewilkinson3]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Can I pick your brain where you source your labels? Please oh please! Thank you!

[@Daughter_of_the_MostHigh]

I’ve seen those tools a lot in succulent planting idk why I never thought about using it for seed planting 😂 glad you shared this tip.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

You are so welcome!

[@pattym2402]

FYI- If you have any old thin plastic blinds, you can cut them down to make labels. You may be able to find them in a thrift store or garage sale. Thank you for the video and lots of great tips.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

[@sallyboothe911]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Patty M.1 Wow I totally forgot that one. I changed out the blind in the room I’m using for storage, and threw the old one away! 😣

[@michelewilliams6241]

I used vertical blinds. They are still going strong after 3 years

[@bryanwyland8010]

Yes mini blinds and a PENCIL, not a marker!

[@cathyp5956]

Also you can cut up yogurt containers and use them.

[@bluemountainmomma2601]

I am in East TN... the weather has turned cold and nasty over night. I use a teaspoon to get my seedlings out lol. 2021 will be my 3rd year putting out a garden...I have learned so much these past couple years. I am ordering my seeds and supplies early also! Thank you for the video. I’m glad I’m not the only one itching for warm weather lol.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

You aren't far from me so we are dealing with the same problems 😂 I hope you have the best spring/summer garden ever next year

[@terrieberly8109]

I put in a small "covid" garden this summer because I've been off on leave since March and I am retiring Nov. 2021 and needed to learn more than --go to big box buy tomato and pepper plants and try to get them to survive. LOL Blue Mountain Momma where do you order your seeds and supplies from? I'm in South Central PA and am interested in trying to start seeds AGAIN. Mine usually get very leggy tip over and die. Any help from anyone is greatly appreciated.

[@bluemountainmomma2601]

@@terrieberly8109 I get my seeds several places. MiGardener, Johnny's and a local garden shop. I got my trays from Johnny's last year. I started my seeds in Jiffy seed starter from walmart last year and used the espoma mix to up plant then. This year I am going to try the espoma seed starter. I got my markers from amazon (same ones from the video) budget pending I am hoping to use grow lights this year to start my seeds, fingers crossed.

[@terrieberly8109]

@@bluemountainmomma2601 What am I doing wrong with starting seeds and them getting so leggy and flopping over and shriveling?

[@bluemountainmomma2601]

@@terrieberly8109 leggy seedlings are reaching for light. That's why grow lights are important. It keeps the light closer to the plants so they are focusing on bulking up instead of stretching towards the light. The shriveling could be drying out. Try bottom watering.

[@carmendoyle9786]

Can I use paper cuts for first time trying see if seeding is for me will that work ?amd what is easy to grow ! I pretty good at taking care of things ! I want this for me a happy place sound silly I know ;))🇨🇦I do have to do this in house cause we have over two feet of snow so I have craft room I can put a shelf unit up not worrie

[@carol67460]

Hi Jill thanks for information I wont have money to buy till February so I hope they have some

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I bet you will be able to find. If not, find a local feed/farm store and get them to order it for you

[@TheHollabbeyHomestead]

Great video! We are going to try seed blocks this year for our seedlings. Happy gardening!

[@karlashappyheart]

I find tv trays and such at thrift stores and i use them to bottom water my plants.

[@beanblossombaby]

I buy the cheap bulk wooden tongue depressors ($8-10 on Amazon) and use them for plant markers. They compost too.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I have used those in the past but didn't use a good sharpie and they faded. I'm a sucker for pretty things 😘

[@beanblossombaby]

Whispering Willow Farm I’m sort of a cheapskate! 🤣

[@gingernightmare9152]

Cool, I've made my garden plan and have ordered all my seeds... it is Covid time. Waiting for my heat pad and half my seeds to come.

[@britneystrand2860]

This is my first year doing starts and I have to say I appreciate all the info I get from your videos! Thank you dearly,

[@tammynevil2422]

I watched one video that used a broken blind blade. I used it this year with sharpie and it did great

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I have my eye out for some used ones. Thanks for the tip ❤

[@zabm3502]

Is bulk delivery from a landscaping company an option for you? Truckload of seed starter mix, top soil or compost.

[@sandyk8594]

I use gal. Milk and water jugs for plant markers. You can cut many markers with just a gallon jug.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great idea, thanks for sharing ❤

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I absolutely LOVE Jiffy's! I've used other popular and more expensive ones like Miracle Gro, and theres a lot of big pcs. in there. One tip I'll give you for something similar (that I also use for a worm bin bedding) is taking peat moss and putting it through a sieve of some kind (the smaller the holes the better), & then taking perlite and vermiculite and mixing it in. I usually just eyeball it until it looks like Jiffys, with a little more perlite but I'd say I probabably use 80% peat, 10% perlite, 10% vermiculite. Sometimes I mix in or substitute for coco coir when I can find it on sale at a pet store or big box store. (peat is usually cheaper but not as sustainable) Coco coir is also sometimes worth the extra price when I don't have time to sieve out the peat....

[@buktababe]

Just received my order from Greenhouse Megastore, on your recommendation. Thank you!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Yay! Happy gardening this spring

[@countingthecosttofollowChrist]

Your videos are getting better and better. Keep shinning bright with your own style and approach. You are doing great! I am marking this one to rewatch and share.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you for the kind words Renee ❤

[@tamiebarnes2957]

I have used solo cups (with holes in the bottom) & disposal aluminum roasting pans for trays. I have used them year after year. I know my local nursery owner & he has graciously given me 6” pots too. It’s not actually what container you start your seeds in that matter but the seed starter soil! Use what you have around the house. It’s been a tough year. Just have to start somewhere. Thanks for your channel!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thanks for sharing Tamie. Those are all great ideas

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

So helpful Jill! As you suggested I’m slowly buying a bag or two of potting mix when I’m in town. It was refreshing and surprising that for the amount you grow you can still get buy with a pretty economical set up.

[@TerrieAllred2023]

I am planning on selling seed starts and other things at the farmers market in 2021 and you gave me some great tips and ideas! Thank you Jill!

[@sowmanyseedlings]

Hey Jill! Do you re use the tiny cell seeding flat from bootstrap farmer? I bought one from a hydroponic store which was shaped a little differently, a bit larger cells, and it was pretttttttyy flimsy. Some cells broke when it came time to remove the seedlings. It would be great to find something to use year after year. I like growing with metal halide but they can be hot and youre not meant to look at them or work around them without sunglasses. Also fyi on that mars hydro, it is also suuuuper bright and you could be doing yourself damage if youre working around them with no sunglasses. It looks like it may be hung below your eye level but just thought I'd mention it if the kids are in there working with you. Good to be aware. 💚🙂

[@MrBigedtc]

Thanks for the tips, I am all about getting the most for $.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

You're welcome and so are we

[@mistysedillo1696]

So helpful, thank you so much!

[@dacebruz2626]

I was already going to order from bootstrap so I used your link. :)

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Aww thank you ❤

[@stacibryant3353]

Super helpful thanks!! Big bulk seed starting mix would be heaven! 😍

[@katrenabuell1697]

Rubbing Alcohol removes marker. I do it on my dry good canning lids all the time. Give that a try before you throw them away.

[@WearWigswithMe]

Exactly the information I needed all in one place! Thank you!!

[@faithfamilyhomestead]

I really loved this video! It helped so much

[@budgetingbydeenaus]

Thank you for reminding me about some items that I still need and some new ideas also.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Hey glad I could help. We all need to help one another these days❤

[@walkbyfaithfamily9177]

Just ordered from bootstrap with your affiliate link. I have been using peat pellets in the past but I think these supplies will last me a long time and be cheaper in the long run! Thanks for the info. ♥️

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

So glad I could help! I wish you the best of luck this coming spring

[@debbieperry2120]

I really enjoyed this video. I have only been gardening the past few years, and long ago before children came into the picture. Your enthusiasm and energy were also appreciated. I will be sourcing perlite and peat moss since coir is not around here. Thanks for giving me hope for starting my own seeds. I get so disappointed when potted starts don't make it because they cost so much!

[@denisek5208]

such great advice! I will be inventorying all of my garden supplies and seeds this weekend. Thanks for sharing

[@laurielangley2306]

Super helpful video with lots of hints, tips and tricks! Thank you!

[@malialindsey4166]

Can I start seeds in egg cartons, yogurt, jello or fruit cups?

[@amandagomez3175]

Thank you so much for this vlog, it was very informative.

[@sarahshuman996]

Would you be able to do a plant sale video? Like how you set up your business, price points, how you got involved etc. I’m super interested in doing this 😊

[@desemberterry2392]

very informative! Thank you!

[@MsTexan1]

Very helpful! Those bags of perlite or vermiculite here are always out of stock. They can be ordered online and shipped to the store for free shipping online. I haven't seen any on the shelves in 3 different towns since July.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

We typically get our local farm/feed store to order them for us

[@MsTexan1]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm I'll have to ask them the next time we pickup our dog food and chicken feed. I've seen plant starts and seeds, but I haven't seen soil. I never thought to ask them about it. We've been using the dollar tree slotted baskets for seeds trays to color coordinate the garden, berry, and tree seed starts. I'll have to checkout the 2 vendors you recommended because that might make a difference in pricing.

[@dreyno64]

Really, really enjoyed this video! I had planned to have a plant yard sale this spring and covid crashed that...but a friend of mine has a feed store and she let me sell my plants there. And she wants me to do it again this year! Plus she has a customer that orders 200 ghost pepper plants each year - so I’m getting a bit of a toehold on this plant thing. And I’ve discovered a shivery joy in raising seedlings. So teach me cheap wisdom, Yoda!

[@phylliswemhaner5906]

Thank you for the information. Very helpful.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you Mrs. Phyllis

[@alamo2211]

Great video! Thanks for all of the good information. This is the third year I have been trying to grow food, and the first year I will be trying to start my own seeds. I’ve begun gathering the seeds (both my own and purchased) and some of the supplies, but I have more to get. We’ll see how this works for me!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

You can do it. Don't give up please. I learn so many new things each year. I have faith in you and so should you ❤

[@LazyKFarmstead]

Thank you for this information! I was concerned I was the only one buying so early.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I think you will be glad you did😉

[@karinvertue103]

Thank you that was really helpful. I’m signed up to the course and can’t wait to start

[@thecatwhosawstars]

I need a room like that lol. I’ll be using the window lol. I need some new trays. I’ve got all my seeds now. I’d love to get some grow lights too!

[@robertlafollette2236]

Thanks for sharing this, very interesting. Here in Michigan it is going to be a long time before I can start my seeds, but you got me thinking about it. Thanks and God Bless.

[@judyfinnegan374]

This was a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you for the feedback ❤

[@jessicaschuler2503]

Hey Jill, found you via Roots & Refuge so I watch your channel now along side of theirs!! This was a fantastic video & great content!! Thanks! 2021 will be the first year I am selling seedlings and this was definitely a good help.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Awe thanks for following our journey and thank you for the kind words! I’m so happy to hear you are selling seedlings this year and i hope you sell everyone of them💚

[@susanauten3383]

Thank you, Jill, for inspiring me to do the best with the resources that I have!

[@winterbells1]

So helpful! I'm going to start my first garden next Spring so the more inspiration the better lol

[@crystalrivers2102]

Thank you! All this info. I plan on having my first plant sale in the spring.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Oh yay! I hope it goes really well for you

[@daraguptill8743]

Are these lights with these bulbs sufficient or do you replace them with something else?

[@gointothedogs2]

Happy frog is sold at the feed store in greenbrier.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I will check it out. I have never seen it there before

[@gointothedogs2]

I havent been up their for a few weeks but all summer they had some outside in front. Most likely its gone or very few left as they dont have much outside any more.

[@stephanieweisinger2461]

What grow lights do you recommend and where did you get them?

[@wandakelly2173]

My guest bedroom will be my seed starting area this year😊 I want to choose what I grow and not have the big box decide for me 😊

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Yay Wanda so proud of you! Let me know how it turns out

[@amberlennox4647]

LOVE the topic!!

[@ONealsRealDeal]

I just need that little seedling pokey tool in my life 🙏🏻

[@aimeewhere_she_blooms5214]

Thank you for all of this information and your tips! I got started earlier but now I know I missed a few things. 💛 PS Seed swap seeds have been mailed. Can not wait! 🎉

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Oh yay! I hope you get lots of great seeds

[@aimeewhere_she_blooms5214]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm it was just fun. Now I wish I had sent some carrot seeds though.

[@sammieweible1980]

Yay just got my Johnny's seed catalog day before Thanksgiving 🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Yaas! Happy shopping 😍

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Here's an idea for the peat pots. Put them in plastic pots so they don't dry out. When you sell them, sell with just the peat pot and keep the plastic one.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great idea, thanks for sharing ❤

[@Lilhomeintheredwoods101]

Call your local nurseries and see if you can buy in on their bulk order.

[@onamaris4350]

We are in your area and I would love to know what plant sale you sell seedlings at. We would love to support you and say hi!

[@redemptionfarm2980]

Thank you for this info! Love love it! I get my seed starting soil from our local greenhouse. I dont know if you have one local I am getting ready to purchase more grow lights.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you for watching ! More grow lights means more plant starts😍

[@laniehildebrandt5018]

great info!

[@meganmontalvo4491]

Oops...this reminded me I was supposed to start seeds today. I can't believe it's already December!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Oh yay😍. Happy gardening this next year

[@DebbieBlanke]

SO SO SO appreciative of this. What I'd love some guidance on is the price point you mentioned. I'm selling primarily vegetables, and pride myself in tomato selections. All advice welcome. Thanks again, enjoy!!

[@jenniferlsanta]

I know I'm watching this months later but this year I started seeds inside (in my kitchen) for the first time. By week 7 my starts were covered in gnats! I had to put everything outside then lost 300+ plants to a freeze. I'm hoping to get a greenhouse this winter but if I don't, how do you combat pest issues with indoor seedlings?

[@Looseey1973]

You could use your colored tags for your garden and then save them year to year and use the white ones for the plants you sell

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Good idea, I'll probably end up doing that

[@marniechamberlin361]

Silver colored Sharpe would work. Rubbing alcohol will clean ink off.

[@sandielefant8258]

Thanks for all the tips! I'm wondering what the temperature is when you move the plants outside or you sell them?

[@marylouorth5220]

Where can I find your seed dropper?

[@robynmize4713]

Jill: was your seedling sales this year impacted by Covid 19... like the venue/event was canceled? If so... will they made different arrangement for sellers this year? Our Farmers Market prohibited all produce sellers except certified organic. Alot of other food merchants and textiles/art were not allowed. Fingers crossed that Spring 2021... will be back to the way things were.

[@teresafreeman3021]

Loved the video! Bacto is also a soil-less product that can often be found in the big box stores for seed starting.

[@juliekraft4102]

For plant markers,I cut strips out of my empty sour cream,yogurt, and cottage cheese containers and use a marker on those. I don't have 1000 starts to mark though.🤣

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@dmbfan19711]

I tried that this year for the first time. I used sharpies, but they all completely faded. I will use paint markers this spring.

[@tammynevil2422]

I got one of those tiny seed starters because someone was throwing it away

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Yay, lucky for you!

[@rachelbosley6633]

Great topic, and I appreciate you pointing out some of the flaws of peat pots because they’re highly overrated. The extraction of peat moss products is also very destructive, and I wish they weren’t so common in organic gardening

[@teresaminnick2252]

I am in southwest Florida and no one is selling in six packs which is crazy because a tiny pot of a lettuce start is $3.58.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Wow that is wild

[@walshfamilyhomestead3586]

What do you sanitize them with? Thanks

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

We use a no rinse alcohol base sanitizer

[@buktababe]

My plants also dried out using the peat pots. I never use them anymore.

[@reformvideos4303]

Gee thanks for spending all my money 🤣 I've been putting off buying these things until your video