Never OVERWATER Your Seedlings Again!

[@katie7748]

I was just talking to my husband about this last night and how I wish I had a chart to tell me what plants like what as far as water, soil needs, sun, germination rates (and preferences/needs!), etc. A big poster I can put on the wall, perhaps, instead of finding 500 different vids or flipping through 500 different books for 500 answers. Maybe I'll make one...

[@cathydavis9259]

Plus add the ideal pH for each plant. It could be a companion with Clydes garden chart which I love, and I think you sell. My garden may even 🖖LOL get it?

[@ausfoodgarden]

Well, if you do, I'm a potential customer.😊 Seriously, I plant seeds and water then all the same. I still manage to get lots of seedlings but sometimes they fail and I need to redo them. If I had a chart I could place seeds needing similar conditions together and greatly increase success rates.

[@MK-ti2oo]

I made an excel spreadsheet with all that info plus some when I first started gardening, it was really useful and just the act of reading the info and typing it out made it stick in my brain easier. It also helped me seed things together with comparable germination times as well as succession plant things with comparable maturity times.

[@artstamper316]

🙋🏼‍♀️ I’ll take one of those, please!!

[@springflowerdark2137]

This idea within itself is a fantastic informative product to sell

[@RyanMercer]

I just keep a little bit of water in the tray and I've always had 90%+ germinations and never a single issue and we planted almost 200 plants last year...

[@salpine]

I’m a backyard gardener growing for two and I never use the trays with more than 36 cells. There’s no way. I grow a variety of things and have opted for smaller 4 and 6 cell seed trays, 3 inch pots, maybe even peat pods which are all great for keeping categories of seedlings separated to be given individualized care. Watering in general I check my seedling daily for watering needs. Trying out some soil blocks this year which will be more finicky about watering. Love the idea of using less plastic though.

[@jeas4980]

You're reading my mind again Luke! I just sat down last night and created 16 groups of herbs that require different germination conditions to thrive. I took into account the seeds need for stratification, soil temperatures (cool, warm and in-between), light requirements, time to germination (quick, upto 2 weeks, 3+ weeks, and slow), and special moisture requirements. Uncanny.

[@Grace_HisAmazingGrace]

Your messages are always right on, right time, and easy to understand and incorporate in my garden. Thank you!!

[@opraha1113]

Thank you for explaining the difference between vermiculite and perlite! Most other videos I watch say they are basically the same and that didn’t make sense to me because I’ve used both and they didn’t have the same effect in my soil. Thanks for breaking it down

[@waynesell3681]

Good one! Looks like a mighty big greenhouse. Tried mixing soil last year did ok. Bought seedlings mix this year.

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

Very timely as I have a bunch of pepper seedlings 🌱 up about a quarter inch and am keeping them going underneath the grow lights until next month when they go in bigger pots and into the greenhouse.

[@Toms-garden]

I like to place all my seedling cell trays in a draining 1020 tray, and for watering place the draining tray into a regular tray with water in it.,then I can lift the draining tray when watering is come and place it in a flat tray for draining.

[@EnvironmentalCoffeehouse]

Perfect video at a perfect time for me! Thank you Luke

[@MIgardener]

Sweeeet! Happy gardening!

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

Good info..so true what you said about brassicas. My collards are sooo thirsty...stopped the video to water them. Thanks for the reminder!!

[@katherinegooch8147]

Great video as always! Love your enthusiasm and good energy! Makes me excited to garden. I'm a total newbie - first year gardener and there is A LOT of information out there. One thing that I need though, in order to get that Gardener Intuition, though are visuals. If you could sacrifice some seedlings and show us what you did WRONG that would be so helpful!! Thanks Luke! Love you!!

[@heidigilman1941]

Just in time for my seed starting, thank you Luke!

[@Carlastotts]

I planted flower seeds in Walmart paper seeds starter holders. The flower package said that that flower doesn't like to be transplanted. The paper seed starters dry out daily and so does the soil medium in them. They also tip over very easily. I wont be using them again.

[@sharlenestewart5383]

I have tried to germinate the herbal seeds I got from you 3 times now all different ways & so far, nothing has worked. I have watched all your soil videos. Covered, uncovered, heat mat, no heat mat, direct light, grow light... I am trying one last time with just seed starting mix without any added things like vermiculite, perlite, and trifecta. Hopefully, with fingers crossed, the seeds will germinate. 🤞

[@georgelandry7942]

I love your content

[@MIgardener]

Thank you!

[@sarathompson6628]

On “gardener’s intuition” - you could not be more right. I’m in zone 9 in Florida, which means we have a certain sandy soil makeup that we can rely on. But, this time of year we have wildly fluctuating temperatures, rain, humidity, wind, so that each day almost seems like it brings its very own season. It’s why I like to stick close to home when I have seedlings, so I can make on-the-fly decisions about how much water they’ll need depending on sun, wind, and temperatures.

[@brucegarrison4999]

Thank you for all you do!

[@leslieflanigan7735]

All of my seed starting is indoors. I've started adding about a 1/4" of water to the bottom of the tray (holeless) checking after about 15 minutes and if all of the water is gone, I add some more. I do this until I have a little standing water and then dump the standing water (I've also been known to use a turkey baster when I'm too lazy to pull all of the trays out 🤣). It seems to work well for me, my seeds are sprouting faster and seedlings look a lot healthier. Haven't tried this with plants that like droughthy soil.

[@firequeen2194]

That’s genius! I’ll try it. 🙏

[@KatrinaM1234]

VIDEO REQUEST: This may get lost in the comments, but could you do a video on perennial care after a really dry winter? My raised beds are super dry but we still get freezing temperatures at night. Did I kill my garlic and strawberries by letting it get that dry and now that I did water it? I live in MN.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

I always over water. Good video.

[@JaneDoe-ft8sz]

For me what is helpful is lifting the container. Guage it's weight. When they start to get real light I know they probably need some water. Thank you for the info on brassicas.

[@lidip8700]

Luke, PLEASE write a book with this information & more! I planted my broccoli seedlings a few days ago, and now have leggy broccoli 😔😟. I didn't know they needed more water then the rest of the seedlings in the long tray. 》Tray company you're affiliated with needs to create small sets of trays (4, 6 & 8 cells) with the germination domes. That way when a particular type of seeds have germinated, its dome can be removed, yet it stays within the tray. A LOT of my seedlings have died because it germinated waaay early. For an example, I bought 6 different tomatoes from you, seeded them all in 1 tray. For whatever reason, the Amish germinated in 2 days!! Of course the other tomatoes took up to 10 days to germinate, except for the San tomatoes, they still haven't germinated). So I think my Amish are toast. Yesterday I attempted to gently separate (thin) the leggy seedlings & replant the best back into the seedling tray, but as deep as possible. But this morning they look pale and weak. They have full lights 2 inches above them with a fan. But I doubt the make it. So, I'm searching around the house to try to create a dome for a 6 cell .... the very item I'm suggesting to your tray company. We empty nesters don't need a huge tray with 1 dome, we need individual small quantities because we don't have the garden space. Thanks again Luke! I always learn something new from you!

[@NanBraun]

Bootstrap farmer does make a 1010, rather than a 1020. They have a dome for it as well. They are amazing.

[@lauriefenstermacher8511]

I used plastic wrap as a dome. It works too

[@hg8247]

Question. I just started my seeds. I know I need to remove dome once I see them germinate, but my question is, before they germinate, should the vent be opened or closed? They are in the house but not on a heat pad. Thanks

[@helenmcclellan452]

I really needed this video, thank you!

[@cinbob00]

Thank you ! ❤😊

[@GardenandGrub]

how about wicking mats? are those good for seedlings

[@Cherryparfait41]

Hi, Luke Great timing on this, as always. I had to laugh at myself feeling lost at trying out some 128 cell packs now that I’m so used to soil blocking. Fingers crossed. It’s possible that I’m also used to speedy germination with the mini blocks. -Here’s my off topic question…I had trouble with aphids on my pepper seedlings last year. I spent a lot of time squishing and roughing up their leaves. Sprayed soapy water on them a few times. All of my peppers ended up doing wonderful btw…but, I’m now seeing them again this year on their first itty bitty baby leaves 😭 I’m confident I can pull them through now, but I’d LOVE some advice and some relief. I made sure to add extra perlite for my pepper mix. Thanks!!

[@firequeen2194]

Did you sterilize the soil before planting? A lot of people say you need to do that to kill off larve that may be in the soil but I defer to experts. Good luck!

[@pascalxus]

i don't know Luc, it's still hard to figure out exactly how much. could you talk about whether it's better to do a little every day or a lot every more couple days. pros/cons does it matter?

[@bobharms8787]

I am paying attention thanks

[@michellewelch6013]

I want to know if your cinderblock are cemented together or just stacked? I have pallets to use!

[@nadinelataille7462]

Luke, do you have or can you do a video or a shorts on heat mats? I hear mixed opinions on “shut them off when seeds break ground or leave them on until ready to move plants outside.” Hank you

[@laurieolmstead7998]

When bottom watering, how long do I leave the tray in the water before dumping water out?

[@elizaC3024]

Great video Luke. 😊

[@jeffpolter5884]

What are your thoughts on kitchen composters? Is the dried ground food it creates really helpful to the garden?

[@trevor5290]

Thank you! I was going crazy trying to figure out what my starter was doing. This year I splurged for Jiffy Pot starter mix for convenience and the water seems to just pours right thru it & I don't know how deep those seeds went after one of the waterings. I've put lots of water in the trays so it theoretically should pull it up as needed (???) I've also covered the trays that need dark at the start with soaked j-cloth type cloths as an extra moist barrier.

[@bulldogvapor350]

If your mix is super dry it helps to add a little moisture before you plant your seeds. Lots of seed starter mixes(especially coco coir based) are hydrophobic when dry and need moisture added a little slow to kick start them

[@bubbles6124]

I use a container and add water until moist all the way through, but not soaked. Squeeze a handful and barely any water comes out. Then add to the starting tray. Hope this helps

[@plantqueentonie7130]

Needed this thanks. Living in jamaica big up yo self

[@JavaMomma1220]

Thank You~

[@MIgardener]

You're welcome 😊

[@vickycollins6656]

How do cabbage seedlings act if I'm watering too much?

[@ronraines5690]

Great video as always

[@moduqueRN]

Very informative! Thank you! 🤙🏻

[@hoosierpioneer]

Luke, where is the video where you tell us how you got that old pack of tomato seeds to start? I need some help with some very old saved seeds. Thx

[@theoneandonly1158]

Question: Can you do a video about "heating in greenhouse"? Different methods and safe obviously.

[@peggydierks6988]

Yes

[@minivandreamin1789]

Hey Luke, what about the peat pods? I bought a bunch on sale last year. I don’t plan on using them again after I use up these that I have, but they seem tricky to gage when to water.

[@juneramirez8580]

I hate the peat pots. I couldn't keep them watered properly. And they fell apart way before the seedling was ready to transplant into the ground or other bigger pots.

[@cyn124]

Best channel

[@earthisflat]

You have any advice for stopping rodents from eating your cucumber plants? I planted a simple earth bed with a gate around it, noticed my plants were getting eaten so i zip tied hardware cloth to the top (originally thinking it was squirrels) my bed was fine for a few days but now its started to get eaten again and i could zip tie hardware cloth around the gate however then i wouldn't be able to have access to my bed, so im at a complete loss on what i should do any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated

[@aclaus596]

I was watching someone’s video and they put a lot of vermiculite on top of their seeds in the grow room. She said to stop mold. But that holds on to water. So wouldn’t that increase chances of getting mold?

[@josephgiangrande9892]

Hello from Joe The Grower Farm Market Bakery in NY. I need a hand trying to rebuild greenhouses & high tunnels. I lost all infrastructure.

[@theoneandonly1158]

The only thing I was looking at is your countless, massive , gorgeous, promix bundles. 😮 I want to be soil rich. 😂 So then I can be Dino Kale rich. 🌿

[@debbiewestervelt371]

Great information luke

[@Grace_HisAmazingGrace]

Not a watering question but when can I put my cold weather crops outside? We live in zone 5. Our last frost is estimated at June 5

[@aimeepeltier4489]

If the ground is soft enough, probably right now. Just make a cold frame with a window on it. If it gets too cold, I think you could add some insulation. I'm in zone 5, but I don't have a cold frame. My unheated green house is doing OK. My cabbage and lettuce have been taking off with these warmer days.

[@firequeen2194]

@@aimeepeltier4489I was just thinking I needed to set up my little greenhouse. I have a south facing wall so I think it’s a good time to start the cool weather seeds. Fingers crossed 🤞.

[@Grace_HisAmazingGrace]

I started some cold weather plants inside and they could go out anytime. We’ve had a nice warm streak in the day but still around 25-27 at night. I don’t have a cold frame so I may wait a week and then aclimate them.

[@Grace_HisAmazingGrace]

@@aimeepeltier4489 thanks! I put a reply down below. Challenging weather sometimes! 😁🪴🌱

[@zakiyahk]

I started coneflower seeds and marigold seeds 4 days ago. The marigold started sprouting yesterday but nothing so far with the coneflower. Should I be worried?

[@peggydierks6988]

No

[@firequeen2194]

Coneflowers take a long time. I did mine about 2 weeks ago and I’m just now barely seeing activity, tiny green shoot and I mean tiny. Fingers crossed.

[@zakiyahk]

Thank you so very much! I see tiny shoots now!

[@davek2690]

One thing I've always had a problem with is watering. I tend to over water

[@LynnRabideau-r7g]

The imformation provided was excellent. But the camera zooming in and out was distracting from the content. I much preferred a more tripod shooting.

[@CMDRSloma]

Why not use capillary matting?

[@mariyaatanasova1556]

Rosemary is not arid crop at all. It grows in our temperate rainforest climate in clay waterlogged soil and it is absolutely unphased by both daily torrential rain for weeks and waterlogged soil. The only thing that killed mine was that fungus. Lavender is another story. It really does not like both daily rain and waterlogged soils. Rosemary can survive both arid conditions and temperate rainforest conditions as long as that fungus does not get it if it rains daily for month. Same for thyme. My thyme is thriving in our super rainy and humid climate. It is the thoughest plant in my garden along with the Greek oregano. They both do not mind lots of rain or constantly waterlogged soil.

[@polaniecj]

Great information 👍 I'm not a fan though of the new editing and quick cuts of dead air space. It's jarring and weird to see your body move so fast from each cut unnaturally.

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

How much do u water squashes, and cucumbers if you directly put I seeds to the ground

[@MIgardener]

It really depends on your soil. Generally around once per week but no more than twice a week.

[@jtharp9265]

​@MIgardener Thank you , I just planted our cucumbers 🥒 outside Here in Montgomery County, Texas. I was watering daily . So I should back off ? God bless you Mrs josette Texas 🙏

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

@@MIgardener thanks 🙏 and keep up the good work I love your gardening videos your awesome I learned so much on gardening from watching your videos they really help thanks again 👍

[@mercurybard9794]

I cannot stop stressing about watering my seedlings. Last year, I think I underwatered my seedlings out of fear of overwatering.

[@newwavepressure6478]

Happens to the best of us 😪

[@flyfishdr]

When seedlings get big they can take a lot of water 💦

[@maryannodell7856]

My seedlings have fur on them.:(

[@angelinechristmas8275]

Hey Pro, thanks cuz you just reminded me to get a 2 gal. tin watering can 😂.... you're the best

[@daynamiller69]

I’m hoping that someone can help me figure out where to find the prom mix soil I live in Michigan but around me I’m not able to find anywhere that has it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[@hoosierpioneer]

See if their website has a store locator. It's a start.

[@daynamiller69]

Pro mix

[@theoneandonly1158]

Amazon, local nursery

[@AhmadAsrafHashim]

Vermiculite is a form of mica, not expanded volcanic rock 😬

[@danhandke5012]

👍👍👍👍

[@marygraceking932]

I have yet to start brassicas from seed successfully, they just don't do well at all! 😭. Other than needing more water is there anything else I could be doing wrong? I think Ive got the watering routine pretty good so not sure what's going on..

[@Ragt0p]

Could they be too hot? As cold crops, I have put mine in a cool room instead of in a warmer room with the rest of the seedlings

[@marygraceking932]

@@Ragt0p it could be, I just have them under the grow light with the other seedlings , average of about 68°

[@Ragt0p]

@@marygraceking932 do you have a place with ok light and about 55-60 degrees? I’d try putting them there for a while. Mine do well on a window cill now that we’re nearing spring equinox

[@marygraceking932]

@@Ragt0p I'll have to try that, thanks for the tip!

[@NateFord]

Weird how all gardening advice takes between 10 and 13 minutes with 100% consistency

[@NateFord]

Just poking a bit of fun. Everybody has to play the game the algorithm gives them. FWIW, you're in my pantheon of favorite garden creators along with Mike McGrath and Tuck.. I mean James Prigioni