THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEED STARTING - PART 1

Seed Starting is one of the most valuable skills you have as a backyard gardener. There are so many benefits to being able to grow your own transplants as opposed to buying them at a store. We'll share our top 3 reasons why you should grow your own transplants for your backyard garden.
We'll also get back to the basics on seed starting and talk about which containers or trays you should use depending on your backyard gardening scale and setup. We'll also discuss the best soils for seed starting and tell you about a few of our favorite seed starting mixes.
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[@pamelaremme38]

For anyone on a tough budget: Saran wrap your seed trays for 3 days for germination. No longer than 3 days. I saw that trick on a video.

[@GreenLove1]

I have been starting my entire garden from seeds for several years now, and every year I have been gradually building up my investments in quality seed starting gear. I got the prop-tek trays from Hoss last year, and this year I got 200 2.5 inch cells (with trays) from Bootstrap farmer (got tired of solo cups). Also for those that like to carry their plants around, I recommend investing in some good quality 10x20 trays, and get at least a couple with the 6-inch domes. I just love starting my own plants from seeds...somehow I feel I love them more! Only a gardener will understand plant love 💕 !!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Nothing more rewarding than seeing your own little plant babies grow!

[@mattingly1217]

​@@LazyDogFarm little tater tots!

[@Engwadur]

For me I just enjoy the sheer wonder of seedling emerging from the soil. after 3 years of gardening now, it still fascinates me.

[@LazyDogFarm]

It always fascinates us too. Every. Single. Year.

[@Engwadur]

@@LazyDogFarm

[@teresathomley3703]

Great video. Hello from Tuscaloosa!! Your mighty Georgia Bulldogs whupped my beloved Tide- and we deserved it. Thank you for the continued great advice and a hearty congratulations to y'all on besting the mighty Crimson Tide. Cheers to you.👍

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Teresa! GO DAWGS!

[@KrazyKajun602]

Travis, can you talk about the process to totally clean and disinfect seed trays before next use?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I just wash mine with a high pressure hose nozzle. Some folks will bleach them, but I just wash mine.

[@dorothyrhodes4657]

Been growing my own tomatoes for years. Last year. I started all my seeds for the first time! I thoroughly enjoy it! Thank you Travis!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great to hear you had a successful first year seed starting!

[@delaniewhaley2684]

This is my first year starting seeds indoors instead of direct sowing or buying transplants. I bought grow light shelving, but would love to have a greenhouse one day. Oh and Go Dawgs!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

As you do more and more seed starting, you'll be able to justify the investment of a greenhouse. It's a great investment to make and well worth it in the long run. GO DAWGS!

[@cathywco]

Good video. It’s hard for me to believe you don’t have more subscribers than you do. Your videos are excellent.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I appreciate that Cathy! We just started the channel in April, so we're happy with the growth of it so far.

[@ellendavis9940]

Thank you for simplifying this process. So many others complicate this process.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Our pleasure Ellen!

[@INeedABeatDJ]

I heat my water up before I wet my trays. It soaks right in. Awesome video.

[@themcfarlandteamatremax2341]

Great info! Thanks.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks y'all!

[@richardryan4765]

Excellent!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Richard!

[@amilynnstapay796]

Most excellent!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Amilynn!

[@suepatterson2702]

Seed starting is totally worth it. In my side yard garden I want one plant each of six unique tomatoes, not six Better Boys from the big box store. Germination can sometimes be frustrating. I'm experimenting on the right now. Let's do it.

[@ChasingDestinyBand]

Tomatoes need lots of warmth to germinate, which is difficult this time of year without heat mats

[@LazyDogFarm]

Gotta get that soil temp close to 85 for optimal germination. Whether you're indoors or in a greenhouse, you're probably going to need a heat mat for that.

[@izzyguerrero3909]

Seeds &seed starting is so fun.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Sure is!

[@melaniem5971]

Wow! Very to the point guide. Love your style! First year indoor seed starter …zone 6B ..Crazy winter this year - one day 60 degrees sunny, birds tweeting -next day 30 & snowing!

[@anjelica4728]

This is great! I've been struggling with starting seeds, but I feel better about it each year because of videos like this!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

I enjoyed that! Considering I’m on a much smaller scale than you and starting seeds indoors under lights I completely agree with your methods and recommendations! I think the main reason I like this channel so much is applied intelligence! Klaus

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vickieginn7503]

Thanks for the video. Great info, can’t wait for part 2!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Coming soon!

[@mercedvaldezv7364]

Perfect timing! Starting seeds tomorrow.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@johnbrzenksforearm8295]

I purchase potting mix and sift it through 1/4" hardware cloth to make my own starter mix. I find it to be cheaper and doesn't take a lot of extra time to do. Black Gold is the way to go. I tried soil blocks and found that it was way too much work for not enough extra benefits. The mixture had to be just right or the blocks would crack out and the air pruning thing isn't true because unless you separate the blocks the roots of neighboring plants would grow into the other blocks and you have to damage the roots to separate them. I tried it to be more environmentally friendly but found the trade off not to be worth it. I learned to go ahead and pay for nice trays and get 5 or more years out of them is the way to go.

[@GreenLove1]

Great idea with sifting potting soil.

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

I also sift out potting mix. The left over chunky stuff goes into the compost pile to continue breaking down. (except the rocks of course. Always a few of those it seems. )

[@kevincrane9935]

I been using the black gold. Really like the results.

[@pamelaremme38]

Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Just starting out with seed saving. I'm in the process of getting my supplies.

[@gemmamorson7998]

Totally agree with everything but the peat. The farming of peat kills really important biodiversity and I wish people would go peat free. It’s such a huge movement here in the UK. Such a good video though! Thanks for all the wisdom.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Hopefully the US seed starting mix suppliers find a peat replacement soon.

[@fnancy630]

🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️Me on my way to set everything up to start my seeds🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[@LazyDogFarm]

You got this!

[@debraporter9734]

All right I found you!! Glad to see you have your own channel. 😄

[@LazyDogFarm]

Welcome Debra!

[@nancytharp8213]

Thanks for sharing 🙏 😎 🏖 🏝

[@LazyDogFarm]

No problem 👍

[@JulianJP21]

Great vid Travis 👍👍as always thanks for helping us a lot!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

No problem 👍

[@NotAsTraceable]

I've got my trays, lights, warming pad, etc. I've had a great germination. I could really use some watering tips.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Keep the soil moist but not overwatered. I water mine once a day in the greenhouse and water from the top. I'm not a fan of bottom watering and letting the trays sit in water.

[@NotAsTraceable]

@@LazyDogFarm Thanks for replying. My fig is doing great btw.

[@heavenlyhillshomestead9465]

You’re correct the soil blocks aren’t better but it sure is a lot more work and a pain trying to keep them together!! When I plant seeds I take a styrofoam cup or something like that and start say 10 seeds and after they come up within a few days I start putting them over in their own growing containers then I’m not wasting space for seeds in trays that may not come up.. if they need stepped up I transplant them into biodegradable non woven nursery bags. However I do start my peppers in either grow trays with domes and heat mat or in grow chamber/ incubator to insure a better germination and growth early on.. I like those nursery grow bags because they allow the roots to grow through them so you don’t have to worry about root binding plus I can start giving azos and mykos directly on the roots for a week or two before planting and then at transplant. I also like to start my seeds in a thin layer of seed starter and under the seed starter I use Fox Farm Happy Frog soil with mycorrhiza, humic and fulvic acids. Last year was the first year I done it like this and my plants was the healthiest I’d ever planted or grew. I use azos and mykos at time of planting and orca liquid mycorrhiza throughout the season. Could have been a fluke so we’ll see what happens this year!! All good information you have though and definitely works!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've heard good things about the Fox Farm soil, but have never tried it. I do like their packaging though!

[@heavenlyhillshomestead9465]

@@LazyDogFarm right now I’m testing out some product they sent me and it’s really doing very well for me!! They’re geared more for the marijuana growers but I’ve come to find out that if they are using it then it’s generally really good products lol 😂!! It’s part 3 of their grow system I guess but I know one thing smells so good it kinda makes you want to taste it 😂😂😂 I will say the Happy Frog soil has way to much sticks in it and I wish they’d work on getting them smaller or pull them out but I got plants growing in it right now that look awesome compared to the ones in the organic miracle grow soil. Can’t always find the Happy Frog dirt at the stores either so then you have to buy it online which is way more expensive or buy a different brand! Don’t know if you ever use any azos, mycorrhiza, or other beneficials like lactobaccillus or live yeast but they really do help plants!!

[@nathanbannister6019]

Loved hearing your take on soil blocking. I think.you cured me on thinking thar the grass is greener for soil blocking.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Grass isn't greener with it, but some folks do enjoy the art of it.

[@joshuab738]

I have watered from the bottom for years (as that is the way I was taught before) until I started watching you. I started top watering and I put perlite on top after watching your videos. I have noticed a lot better germination. --- thank you for the tip! Still like making my own mix tough -- much cheaper. I make my mix in a 5-gallon bucket and pour boiling hot water on it because it hydrates it fast and kills off any bug eggs that might be in it since I start mine in my house. Mix it, let it cool, and fill up my trays while it is still warm. I plant my seeds while the soil is still a little warm (80-90ish) --- I notice I get much faster germination on things like peppers or thicker seeds (e.g., squash) than if I just let it cool to cool temp first. I don't normally use heat mats as they are already in a 72-degree room and the initial heat seems to be enough to get them started.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Gotta get some moisture to those seeds for quick germination. I'm a firm believer in that.

[@ldg2655]

Perfect timing! I’m started to get things together for seed-starting season for our first spring in our newly-moved-to zone 6B

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great to hear! Enjoy your seed starting this year!

[@donnalovintexas8760]

I'm so glad I found you. Life got a little crazy and I lost track of a few channels. Next thing I know I was missing your gardening education videos. I'm in 8A and need to catch up on your videos. I like the way you explain things. Hoping life stays calmer this year and I can get a start on some raised bed gardening. I'm 64 so in ground gardening is not in my future. Stay Safe and God Bless.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you found us too Donna! Welcome to the channel!

[@stepht5]

I’m really glad I found your channel - I missed your videos, I stopped watching once you left.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you found us too!

[@michaelmorris1802]

I could not find a single thing to correct you on, looking forward to part 2. I have some cheap heat mats that need to be replaced with something way better... have some really good grow lights, but still interested in seeing what you have to say... them "weed" growers have spent many years developing really good lights. :) Good lights are expensive, but they turn out some really nice transplants.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Michael. Those SunPad Pro mats are nice if you ever decide to get new mats.

[@MeemsKaso]

Thank you for both videos!! Absolutely fantastic!!! I finally feel ready to try this because of you! Invaluable information!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@travisevans7502]

I don't have enough patience for soil blocking either the only good thing about them I can think of is keeping cheap throw away seed starting trays out of the landfill's I have a few nice seed trays but I can't see spending more money on them when I have free access to countless cheap seed trays from a gardener who sells custom plant baskets also most any size transplant pot very helpful for selling my vegetable starts.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yeah I get the sustainable selling point of soil blocking versus the throw-away seed trays. But that doesn't hold up compared to the trays that last a lifetime.

[@jonlewis6630]

I started seeds last year and they did great. Always good to learn a few new tricks and better to confirm my methods. Thanks!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great to hear you were successful on your first try!

[@travisevans7502]

This is very good mix for seed starting and 3.5 inch pots

[@LazyDogFarm]

I concur!

[@susanmiller2070]

Thanks so much for the seeding info. Always something to learn. I appreciate you clearing up the issues with soil blocks, now I don"t feel guilty for not using same. Looking forward to your Part 2.

[@LazyDogFarm]

If you're on the fence about soil blocks, you can always try it compared to using trays. But time is on your side with the trays.

[@clinthutcheson2640]

Great video. I started seed starting 3 years age and gotten better every year. Almost all my knowledge has come from your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great to hear Clint! Thanks for joining us!

[@andrewshenton6541]

My first time doing this in Vermont can’t wait for mid February to start

[@LazyDogFarm]

Hope you have a great seed starting season up there!

[@archstanton9703]

I have had pretty good luck with a seed starting kit containing a tray, floating foam block, grow plugs, and a clear dome. I got almost 100% germination. The only downside is that the roots can get tangled with adjacent seedlings. This year I'm going to get them up-potted sooner to help prevent this from happening. I also use a heat mat and a thermostat timer. Thanks for the informative video!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for watching Arch!

[@archstanton9703]

@@LazyDogFarm Keep up the great work! Thanks!

[@vedaandchristyruiz9872]

Well done Travis! I have been stocking up on my Black Gold mix and perlite. Looking forward to the seed starting fun in February.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Veda!

[@great0789]

I am sitting here... admiring and reading your fig cuttings I see in the background. lol All I was able to make out was a flat of LSU Gold and LSU Tiger

[@LazyDogFarm]

Salem, Conadria, Mary Lane Seedless, Rio Yellow, Ge Neri, Olympian, LSU Gold, LSU Tiger, Black Malta -- those are the ones we have in the greenhouse currently.

[@great0789]

@@LazyDogFarm Nice! Lots and lots of them too! I just acquired quite a few more cuttings from Figbid. Nobody is there bidding during the middle of the week this time of the year. In another month cuttings will be going for much much more. For a fig with great rain resistance… that is possibly the earliest… they recommend Rhonde de Bordeaux. It keeps making figs for a very long time too. Strong berry flavored. Smith is an amazing honey/strawberry fig as well. They are hard to root though.

[@matthewking2209]

To be honest I feel like mostly what's inside you, is what you produce. If life is in you, than life comes out of you. If He that made all things is in you. Then life flows through you and blesses the works of your hands. He causes your hands to prosper and teaches for He too was a carpenter and a gardener. He cursed a fig tree and it died. Shure one can use an arsenal of things to combat the troubles but what's the joy in that?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I like the way you put that. Seeds WANT to grow. Sometimes we get in the way.

[@tomhoff4172]

Thanks, great video. Had my worst, by far seed starting last year; will do better this go around. Digging your topic.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Hope it gets better this year Tom!

[@PixieDust-eq6kc]

Thanks for sharing this. I feel like a beginner gardener even though I always did gardening with my parents. I don't think I remember anything from back then. Of course gardening techniques are different now. Your channel and others are a major help to me.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for joining us!

[@roberttucek8594]

Great video, be first year for me to start some seed. Just got a grow light, heat mat and starting containers in today. Looking for the next video. Thanks.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Sounds like you're ready!

[@jesseellis946]

This is my second year gardening and my first year really trying to do big with starting everything from seed. Great information Travis and love the channel!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Jesse! Hope you have a great garden this year!

[@bpfsu]

Not everyday you see a shirt for Panacea!

[@LazyDogFarm]

It's not too far from us. We like to go camping at the Holiday Campground there.

[@robotgopher7739]

Might be getting some snow here in Augusta GA. Also, you always give great info on topics I got a lot of good info for seed starting from this keep it up.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Y'all stay warm up there. It's raw down here!

[@david.6040]

Following! I’m a newer gardener that used our homemade compost with great success last year, but am going to use seed starting mix this year. Getting ready to start tomatoes and peppers here in 8b soon!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Awesome! Best of luck with your seed starting this year!

[@ericacook135]

Seed starting is just like waiting for a baby to be born, I go look at my plants several times a day and just get so excited when they pop out and grow. lol. Good video Travis, I can't wait for part 2.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I'm the same way. I check on mine 3-4 times a day.

[@timfetner8029]

Great vid on seed starting Travis. I’ve gone back and forth with soil blocking and it worked out well for me. Then again I only grew a fraction of plants from seed that you do, and there is no way I’d do blocking for hundreds of plants. I’ve heard they make a really large step-on blocker that does 100 at a time but it is pricey. I say go with whatever works for you - like you said there are multiple ways to get results. Looking forward to Part 2. It is snowing here for the third time in 4 weeks - I’m ready for Spring!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've seen the big blocker. Looks like it would make things faster if you were doing a bunch, but probably still not faster than trays.

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

I got a 338 Proptek tray for starting onions in Oct of last year and it is working out well. Very sturdy tray that should last for many years.

[@LazyDogFarm]

They'll last a lifetime!

[@pamelamercado6902]

I think you did an excellent job explaining seed starting I've used the seed blocks I agree with you there is no difference they're more work and I believe they waste my time for many years I planted all my seeds in the ground but a few years ago I started using trays they've definitely saved me seeds I can't say a whole lot of time I started my no dig garden area the same time you started yours it's finally coming along I'm not sold on it just yet

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing your experiences Pamela!

[@10HERBERT]

Great video Travis, I've been starting my own seeds for years, It's far better to start your own plants. I have build a hoop type green house this year and using it now.

[@LazyDogFarm]

A greenhouse is one of the best investments you can make. You'll surely enjoy it!

[@HeirloomReviews]

Super great video!! ❤ Absolutely loved it! 😁 Thanks for sharing ✅🌹My Friend!!💯👍

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mathidicusalbrighticus]

Quality

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks!

[@cynthiaedwards5149]

Omg I don't know how you keep outgoing yourself each video. This was amazing info. I know I've watched previous videos you did on this, but you explain everything so greatly. I hope I do better this year with my seed starting. Last year it was alot to keep up with and I didn't have the setup I have now. I finished my seed ordering this morning and have made myself promise not to buy anymore seeds for this year. Or at least until fall comes back around. I kind of need help on where I should place my transplants once it's time to put them in the ground. Potatoes are having their own place. But I've got so much other prospective veggies I need to know best placement, esp for rotation practices. I'm anxious to get this tomato challenge started. Eddie is going to take this one! Lol

[@LazyDogFarm]

We'll soon be talking about how we determine where to put each veggie crop as we plan things for spring. Stay tuned ...

[@lynnes3659]

I like to make my own seed starting mix because I can make it so much cheaper than buying it and I make it as I need it. I have thought about trying the soil blocks but keep talking myself out of it. I use seed trays, or six packs then up-pot if needed (usually because I couldn’t wait and start some of my seeds to early). I have bought good quality heavy trays, and pots but would like to find good quality 3-to-4-inch pots also. I’m winter sowing flower seeds for the first time this year, to early to know how that's going to work. I totally agree with you. seed starting is like everything else the more you do the better you get, and everyone needs to find what works for them. Great info as always!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Lynne!

[@aog35]

Thanks as always for a great vid. By chance can you share what brand the neon tray and neon 2.5 pots are from. Those look fun!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Those are made by SunPack -- the same company that makes the germination mats and thermostat we're using.

[@urbanbackyardcontainergardenin]

Great video! Thank you for doing one on this. Didn’t realize seed starting mix was so important. Most of the things I do, are similar to what you do.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Seed starting mix is one of those things that you don't absolutely have to have, but you'll be much more successful if you do use it.

[@urbanbackyardcontainergardenin]

@@LazyDogFarm That’s good to know. I’ve made my own mix out of coco coir, perlite, and cow compost & started seeds in it. Germination rate wasn’t that good however

[@LazyDogFarm]

@@urbanbackyardcontainergardenin could have been that the cow compost was too “hot” for the seeds. I’d try omitting that and see if germination is better.

[@urbanbackyardcontainergardenin]

@@LazyDogFarm Gotcha! Will give it a try

[@dpentola]

I agree with you about the soil block maker. I bought one years ago and used it for a season or two. After that it just gathered dust. I'm not even sure I have it any longer. It was more trouble than it was worth. Since then I've used individual 2½" pots. I'm considering using some of the Proptek 162 trays this year. I'd have to start mine indoor though, so I will have to get a bottom tray for them. They're a little pricey, but they should last for years.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Those Proptek trays will practically last forever. You shouldn't ever need to replace them. So it's definitely a good investment when you get ready to make it.

[@markware7748]

Golden wisdom from start to finish. The Hoss HD bottom tray is a perfect fit for the PropTek 162 trays (the best) from G/H Megastore. I put a short scrap of 3/4" PVC (2"" +/- long) in each corner to shim up the 162 trays so I can top water indoors and the seedlings don't get wet feet. Just pour out the runoff into a bucket. If the Sunshine #4 or Promix BX is too "hot" for very tender seedlings, pick up some Fox Farm "Light Warrior" for the germination stage. I cover the planted trays with Saran wrap to preserve humidity.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good idea on the bottom tray modification. That standing water in the bottom trays is my worst enemy and probably why I don't care to use them that much.

[@apiecemaker1163]

I get my seed starting mix, pine straw, potting soil, etc in bigger quantities as you suggested and store them in the metal garbage cans with a lid. They’re like 13$, keep everything dry, and keep critters large and small out. Plus to me they look cool stored side by side. Kinda vintage. Just a suggestion for small home growers like me.

[@LazyDogFarm]

We do that with our Nature Safe fertilizers. Good way to store just about anything.

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

I’m ready to grow some maters

[@LazyDogFarm]

Aren't we all?!

[@markb3129]

Great advice, I have one proptek 162 seed tray for spring and fall and one 242 proptek seed tray for fall onions and they are built to last a long time. I got into seed starting about 2 years ago to try different varieties, our local nursey usually has a good variety they raise and sell. They're usually $2.50 to $3.50 a 6 pack, so if mine fail, i have a good backup!!! 😃 ✌

[@LazyDogFarm]

That's pretty good pricing for a 6 pack.

[@markb3129]

@@LazyDogFarm yep, I thought so. They healthy and a local mom and pop nursery. 👍 ✌️

[@WILLITGROW]

i agree soil blocks are not better and create a lot more work..

[@LazyDogFarm]

Way more work than necessary!

[@MikeSchoon]

I started "making mudpies" in the Fall to see how it does, mostly for the appeal of needing one less item (seed starting pots) I'll probably try the plug trays at some point as well. Thanks for all the info. Do you use different sizes of trays for different seedlings?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I can pretty much grow anything we want in the 162 Proptek trays. But I use the smaller cell trays for things like onions and leeks that don't require a ton of room per transplant. I can grow more onions in a given space with the smaller cell trays, but they would do just fine in the 162 cell trays as well.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

I think the transplant shock issue, WRT soil blocks vs trays, is that getting the plant out of the tray often results in root disturbance for most people. The soil blocks need to be handled carefully, resulting in less root disturbance. With sturdy cells that have holes big enough to poke a finger through, one can get the transplant out without root disturbance and less transplant shock. At least, that's my experience. One thing I'd like to add is cell depth. Sometimes, two different plants can be started/grown in cells of the same width, but one needs a deeper soil than the other. Ex. many flowers can be started in a 200 cell flat that is 1.5" deep. I found onion seeds can be started in a 200 cell flat but the flat needs to be, at least, 2" deep. Trees can be started in small cups but will do better if the cup is really deep.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good points on getting the transplants pulled from the trays. Some of the cheaper 1020 trays are made so that you have to squeeze the bottom and end up really disturbing the root ball. Also agree on the depth. We like the deep cell trays for onions.

[@mattingly1217]

Where do you get those multi colored trays... I like those

[@LazyDogFarm]

Bootstrap Farmer has them I believe.

[@asnathbafukila4232]

Hi there, where can I get those seedling trays? It looks sturdy.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Greenhouse Megastore carries them. They're called "Proptek" trays

[@shirleyk623]

I make my own seed starting mix, using equal parts of coco coir, perlite and vermiculite. It's a lot cheaper and makes more for the money than buying the bagged stuff. Plus I don't have to worry about fungus nats, until I add some compost later to the seedlings. Thanks for the help on harvesting my sweet potatoes, I got a total of 8.25 pounds of potatoes. Only one started to grow and a few had insect damage. Pretty good for my 3x5 raised garden bed, I think. That's more than I usually get. Thanks again. Happy seed starting.🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing your recipe Shirley!

[@shirleyk623]

@@LazyDogFarm 👍👍👍👍👍

[@hardstylzz5024]

@@LazyDogFarm you could also use a screen the soil to make a fine starting mix for small seeds, coco coir or peat and perlite works well. looking foward for Part 2.

[@jhcoker]

Travis, how do you feel about Pro Mix BX not being organic? I bought some ProMix Bx cause I saw that you use it, but since I bought it, I see that some other gardeners won't use it for edibles because it's not organic. Is it safe for me to use in a grow bag for growing Potatoes? PS: I love to watch you garden and I've learned so much from you.

[@Chris-op7yt]

good stuff. whilst a proper growlight might initially seem expensive; it's kind of a must, and if people understood that from start, they wouldnt waste time/money on alternatives. happenned to me and many others.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yes! If you're growing indoors, you absolutely have to have grow lights. We'll talking about that on part two coming Monday.

[@pd8559]

I have two expensive grow lights. Even the LEDs they use are horticulture engineered rather than reusing other off the shelf LEDs and putting them in a grow light. They are awesome and yes expensive but I honestly after using them and thinking about it have gone back to most people not needing them. These expensive lights are designed to handle germination and seedling growth, vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting all indoors under lights, think clandestine. But to grow a seedling out to a small size that is large enough to transplant outside to grow out under the real sun these expensive horticulture grow lights are overkill and I’m just not using their full capabilities. I think a good balance would be getting a ten pack of four foot long LED garage fluorescent shaped lights from Amazon for close to a hundred and running two of them (4 tubes in total) across trays to get even lighting. The ten pack will handle five shelves of a tiered rack storage unit and that will be a lot of trays you can grow seedlings out on for transplantation.

[@Chris-op7yt]

@@pd8559 : i tried strong led lights from hardware store and was getting leggy seedlings that were very weak. a proper growlight does the trick og growing strong seedlings ready to transplant. i only grow veggies, so whatever people do to grow weed is not my problem. i'm getting the full capacity of the growlight by growing veggie seedlings.

[@christophera-realone9834]

In this video in the background I saw some multi colored trays. Do you sell those or where can I buy those?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Bootstrap Farmer has them: shrsl.com/3frq4

[@pandffamilypage-memphis6541]

I have to leave some pepper and tomato seedlings alone for a week. To keep them from drying out, besides watering well right before then, I was thinking about putting vermiculite on top like I think you do when you are starting seedlings. Do you think this would work?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Vermiculite would work well. Same concept as us using the perlite.

[@jimt6151]

As for the up-front costs of seed trays and other supplies, it's simple math. Thirty heirloom tomato seeds cost around $3.50. One store-bought heirloom tomato seedling (if you can find it) costs at least $3.50. Even if you have a crappy germ rate, say 66%, that leaves you with twenty healthy tomato seedlings. Twenty store-bought seedlings (watered lovingly by the kid at the big-box store) would be around $70. $70 minus $3.50 leaves you $66.50 to buy a LOT of seed-starting stuff! And that's just for the 'maters! Factor in all the other veggies, and you can afford to buy whatever seed-starting toys you want!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Excellent point!

[@nancyrasmussen2016]

Do you pour boiling water on your seed Mix? I've heard of doing that to keep away the bugs if the bag had some in it? Nancy from nebraska

[@LazyDogFarm]

Have never done that. The seed starting mix we use is sterile and I've never seen any bugs in it. But I guess that would work if you did have bugs.

[@Tyrashabrooks]

Hey Travis can i grow kale in the summer months if so what variety do you recommend Thanks!!!!❤

[@LazyDogFarm]

Depends on where you live. If you're in Carolina as your username suggests, probably not. The heat will cause them to bolt in the summer months. But you can usually plant them in the fall and they'll grow throughout the winter and into May sometimes before going to seed.

[@Lochness19]

Good tips. I heard that the mycorrhizal fungi is sensitive to heat though, so if you (or the big box store you bought it from) store it in the sun, you might not have much mycorrhizal fungi in it?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Have not considered that, but it makes sense. Fortunately, the nursery where we get our ProMix stores the bales in a dark warehouse.

[@mm-th9yo]

TRAVIS WHEN DO YOU START UR ONION SEEDS TO BE READY TO TRANSPLANT IN NOV ????

[@LazyDogFarm]

Usually in late September.

[@gatorpixeldoctorrepair4878]

I started some butternut squash and they look great. Only problem is that I didn’t expect them to take off in a week. What method is best to get the best yield in a small plot? I expect to plant in the next 7-10 days. I’m in Alachua County FL.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Plant them about 2' apart along the row, but give plenty of space between rows. They'll easily crawl 15' or more to either side of the row.

[@vickisavage8929]

This is my first year planting in my retirement property in north central Arkansas, zone 6B. Could you please recommend some sources for onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes? Thank y’all very kindly.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Onions: We like to grow our own onion plants, but Dixondale Farms (dixondalefarms.com/) in Texas has great plants if you just want to buy the plants. Potatoes: We're getting most of ours from Wood Prairie Farms (www.woodprairie.com/) in Maine. They have a nice selection of varieties and ship pretty fast, weather permitting. You can use the code "lazydogfarm" for 5% off your order there if you'd like. Sweet Potatoes: We get ours from Steele Plant Company (sweetpotatoplant.com/) in Tennessee. We always have pretty good success with their plants.

[@donnastormer9652]

Travis, what store are you buying your pro mix from? I’m in Panama City and can’t find it anywhere. I don’t mind taking a trip your way to pick up a couple bales.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Dasher's Nursery right outside Valdosta, GA. With the current cost of gas, you might be better to just order off Amazon for $100 a bale. Not sure what you drive, but a 6 hour round trip will come close to burning $100 worth of gas in my truck.

[@donnastormer9652]

@@LazyDogFarm Thanks for the information Travis, I have a friend that lives in Valdosta that I visit about every three months and I have actually bought stuff from Dashers Before. We used to have a place called Sandy’s here in Lynnhaven but she retired and sold out just a few months before the hurricane and now it’s very difficult to find any country goods here

[@mm-th9yo]

TRAVIS WHAT IS BEST HEAD LETTUS TO GROW IN ZONE 9 B ?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I really like this one: www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/lettuce/tropicana-pelleted-lettuce-seed-2485P.html

[@Hatfield_Country]

This motivates me to not procrastinate.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Go for it!

[@Lochness19]

Is there any point in a humidity done if you use the wet paper towel method of germination?

[@LazyDogFarm]

There could be. The humidity dome will help you get that soil temp (or paper towel temp in your case) closer to 85 which is the optimal germination temp for most warm-season crops.

[@Lochness19]

@@LazyDogFarm I used to germinate seeds in paper towels in crock pots on the lowest setting, which I think is 90F? It worked well for ground cherry and cucumbers. I also forgot a plastic bag with some okra and cucamelon seeds in wet paper towels in my pocket when I went to bed and it seems the toasty temperatures under my blanket made them germinate. I do have one humidity dome, but I'll be using a mish mash of cells and pots so it won't fit over them all that neatly.

[@mariebarnes416]

I've gotten seed starting mix and every time there are knots in them. Iveried pouring boiling water over the mix to kill the bugs. Is there anything else that can be done to eliminate the pests?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Haven't ever had any issues with the ProMix or the Sunshine #4 seed starting mix. So fortunately, I've never had to conquer that problem

[@iucp101]

I find that stretching plastic wrap over my seed trays works better for germination and I don't have to find a place to store the humidity covers.

[@LazyDogFarm]

That does work well!

[@North_Carolina_Homestead]

If I didn’t just enjoy seed starting so much, I’d order my plants from Banner Greenhouses which grows organic veggies, flowers, and fruits and sells them pretty cheap. 72 or so starts are $20ish. Still more than buying seeds but a great option if you’re in a pinch. I get it strawberries from them

[@LazyDogFarm]

Used to see those guys on the trade show circuit back in the day. They always had great-looking plants. Bought a flat of beet transplants from them at a show one time.

[@North_Carolina_Homestead]

@@LazyDogFarm they have great variety selections too. Way better than what you’ll find at a big box or local nursery

[@TalkingThreadsMedia]

Love the Proptek 162 trays! I have 20 of them. A few years back, I was persuaded into trying the soil blocker. Bought one and used it for one season - never again! Too slow and not very effective. It is not for me...

[@LazyDogFarm]

Haha. I feel your pain on the soil blocker.

[@Rwargrumble]

Does anyone know anywhere that supplies the pro mix or sunshine seed starting mix in upstate sc?

[@LazyDogFarm]

If you have a local Ace Hardware store, check with them. They may not stock it, but they can usually get it in a few days if you request it.

[@Rwargrumble]

@@LazyDogFarm I’ll have to try that, I didn’t even think about the ace around here having it!

[@NennawsGarden]

Do you use heat in your greenhouse in the winter?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I'll use an electric heater in there if temps are getting close to freezing.

[@NennawsGarden]

@@LazyDogFarm Thank you!

[@skippydugan6848]

That poor broccoli plant!! You like to talk with your hands and you were holding that plant for the first half of the video. I have used the soil blocks and they work well but I agree with you, its twice the work for about the same results. Btw, I sure am glad the dogs whipped the tide. A lot of people got their feelings hurt over here in bama!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Haha. That broccoli plant will be going in the compost pile soon. I've planted all I want to plant and given away as much as I can.

[@timpetersfarmgarden9792]

Travis about how much did your green house cost

[@LazyDogFarm]

I think it was around $3,500, but that's not counting the install. I had to pay someone to install it because my back was broke at the time we got it.

[@helenreid7712]

Travis , who is the singer? I love his voice

[@LazyDogFarm]

The song at the end? Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIjYppmCm7Gsl9k

[@helenreid7712]

Thank you Travis 😀😀😂

[@helenreid7712]

Ah what a song

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

My local wal mart actually carries the B4 stuff 😳

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great! I try to stay away from Walmart as much as I can, so I have no idea if ours carries it or not.