THREE Seed Starting Crutches We Don't Want You To Use

[@lindag4484]

I'd say about 99.9% of my gardening knowledge has come from watching your videos. If I forget something, I just go back and refer to your video on the subject. Perfect!

[@Enochphilw]

He's an asset and a gift aye

[@christiethomas6905]

I’m obsessed with watering my seedlings, I need to watch this every morning before I get up 😂 I have mold and algae every year on some of mine…

[@Carlie_flower]

Lol I have the opposite problem 🤣 I forget to water mine

[@mredwards4410]

G.O.A.T. you're the man! Thank you for the heart behind all your videos! I have went from a 3x2 one veggie bed too now I have 16 4x8 beds and the newest 100sqft in ground all learning along the way from your videos! Can't thank you enough!

[@jessicabirrer1897]

Same here

[@GPDarius]

“It’s going into the garden on its own,” love this! The garden stake talk. Time to remove my fruit tree stakes 🙌 MI gardener rocks!

[@kristinpagan2361]

Surprisingly I've never come across those 3 "crutches". But then I tend to buy starts as I don't really have a suitable space set up to grow from seed. That's more on me being disorganised and lazy. But it's always a good learning experience from watching you, Kevin from Epic and Charles Dowding even though I'm way down here in New Zealand at the end of my summer season.

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

I ran into big problems with mold and damping off a few years ago, ironically when I was using a sterile potting mix to start my seedlings. I eventually realized the sterility was the problem, as this is an old house, and the sterile soil allowed the harmful house mold to colonize it first. The next year, I instead used leaf mold compost from outside that had been colonized by native fungus. I figured this would be more akin to the natural environment the seedlings were eventually going to grow in. This did not harm the seedlings, and in fact I saw little inkcaps growing up alongside them instead of house mold.

[@jamilemmond3393]

This was such a valuable video for me!! Just starting to learn and try to grow seedlings and stocked up on cinnamon 😂. I’ll be at the root of the problem with my lack of success from here on out 🎉and hopefully more successful. You also answered my ?? about watering! Thanks Luke

[@kele1264]

Thanks Luke! I like the real science of growing. I like how you not only tell us what we shouldn't do, but why we shouldn't do them. Thank you for the details and the reasoning. It helps a lot! Have a great day!

[@alicewhitley6441]

OMG! I was using one of the crutches on so me leggy spinach. I went out and removed the exact stake you used. 😅 I will see what happens. It is standing up on its own. Thanks, Luke, for the tips and why you shouldn't. I do get wind at home. I notice how my cabbage is thriving! And are strong.

[@helenmcgill5563]

Another very helpful video for us learning gardeners. It is great that you are so enthusiastic in helping us all become better in the garden and also much appreciated. 😀👍

[@rachelcoyle6128]

One of my favorite videos ! I LOVE how you target the ‘root problem and to correct early rather than gardening crutches that could them become part of a annual gardening habit . As a newer / second year gardener I am so thankful I came across your channel early . Thank you Luke !-R

[@michaell1665]

Thanks. Good info that explains some of my issues in seed starting this year in Louisiana.

[@baldnproud]

thank you so much luke, I’m now embracing starting seeds, I also picked up one of the lights from one of your videos for seeds beginners, it was a wealth of information, and I’m ever so grateful, I came to the conclusion that what what i needed to do because I was getting confused because I was listening to too many garden videos. Because I needed help , but It was too much different information, I found myself getting confused, so I had to stop to confusion by committing to one gardening 👩‍🌾 instructor and that’s you, get all my information listen very intently and Be a good student, take my notes 📝 and apply what I learn and by sticking with one gardening instructor now all the confusion have left, and now I’m embracing container gardening because the reason why I do mines in containers because I don’t have a lot of room. My garden is not large, so I decided to use my large porch, and it appears to be working out pretty good, so thank you for your heartfelt teaching, you can literally sense your love for gardening , it comes across loud and clear so therefore it makes your teaching more of an impact because of your love that you have for gardening, thank you for all of your talents and skills. I do not take it lightly, so I’m doing my best to be an excellent student by applying what I learn and taking my notes, studying and apply again so once again, thank you for all of your help I’m looking more forward all the time for the next video, now have yourself a wonderful week and a marvelous weekend.😍👩🏾‍🦲🥰

[@tylerb69]

Thank you!! I historically over love my plants and over water them. This year I've consciously worked on watering less, and I've over corrected. Explains why my cilantro and kale is so mad at me 😅

[@zaretnavarro]

The only thing I have used cinnamon for is to het rid of ants on my containers and raised beds. It works sooooo goood!! I put a really good amount on top of the soil and go about my days with regular watering. The cinnamon goes into the soil and the ants absolutely hate it

[@laurenholladay]

Thank you Luke. I saw some mold on my pea seedlings and wondered why I had mold. You explain everything so well, especially for a relatively new gardener. you make it easy to understand and I really appreciate it. God bless you.

[@GardenKatt]

When redoing some pots from 4 years ago i saw what you mean about using sand. The majority had settled to the bottom of my pots. Good advice rock on.

[@rg-mi5hh]

This year we used last year's soil from a few plants, leftover potting mix, and compost to start seeds. Mixed them altogether. It is really working okay so far. Saved buying a bunch of potting mix.

[@scholasticbookfair.]

Don't throw that away, just keep reamending. Continue to add compost and other nutrient rich amendments

[@czermeno2014]

I guess the only crutch I use is the cinnamon. I usually put it on immediately after I plant my seeds in my cells. I still use a good soil medium, bottom water once the top layer is dry, and also use a fan. The cinnamon is just a precaution to help prevent dampening off, which can really set things back a lot. With everything I do, I probably don't need it, but I don't see the harm either. I'm just being extra cautious, I guess. Great video. Thanks

[@donnayoung5942]

I learn so much from you! I can’t thank you enough! You’re the BEST!

[@laurenholladay]

I totally agree with you. Have a great day!

[@K-Zone]

Nice. I use a little sand in my seed starting mix since perlte and vermiculite is so expensive. I've never had a problem with separation, in use worm castings and Coco for my base

[@ale347baker]

About what ratios do you use?

[@jameswiggle]

i only use perlite and vermiculte for carnivorous plants.

[@janeburns8789]

Omg this video was totally speaking to me. Geesh. I have a bit of trouble because I live in a temperate rain forest so mold and mildew are really a challenge. BUT I think I will do things a bit differently next year like watering less often and sterilizing my pots. Thanks Luke

[@stellat.3268]

Thank you for this video! I really like the way you explain the things. And your English is so understandable and clear for me like a Greek! Thank you!!! 🥰

[@nathanlamberth7631]

Somewhat related note, I bought some of your lettuce seeds online. Let’s hope they grow big!

[@robingirven4570]

Thank you Luke! I do have an algae issue with some of my trays! I’ll let them dry out and start over 😞 You’re awesome!

[@farfromhomeDotnet]

Sometimes you can just scrape a very thin layer off the top amd it will be fine, especially if the moisture is well monitored. A little tedious but it might be better than having to start over

[@cris_miko]

Your videos are so much help and you even saved the life of a fig I had just planted (incorrectly then quickly remediate)

[@valjalava1951]

What a great video I think I may be overwatering

[@WilReid]

I staked some plants just last night. But I think it'll be ok since they were morning glories. None of my other plants are staked. Not the tomatoes even at 12-15" tall since they're still standing on their on, and the cucurbits aren't big enough yet. Once you get over a few dozen seedlings, the fan is definitely the easier option. 10 to 20 bucks for the cheapest reasonably sized fan Wal-Mart had and it's on the same timer as all my lights, swings back and forth covering a dozen flats. So in the long run it's cheaper than dowels or kebabs too, while still being less work and the better option for stronger plants from the beginning. Fans are underrated.

[@657449]

Thanks for another great video. You forgot to mention adding egg shells and Epson salts for any tomato problem. (Sarcasm)

[@Lalrinmawii7]

This is soo good..I had issues with mildew..makes sence..Thank you..

[@heatherpfeil2939]

So helpful. I didn’t realize how quickly I WANT my trays to dry out so I’m watering again. I was thinking “ great, it’s been moist for 5 days!” 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

[@hands2hearts-seeds2feedamu83]

I haven't really started any plants this yr. But on March 5th peas, & radishes, 26th, I planted 7 pots of 2 seeds per pot, of some BLACK Vernissage tomatoes. Then I put the 7 pots in side a 5gal bucket half full of soil, add a tomato cage then covered with green garbage bag and weighted down. Only have had to water ONCE since placed in the mini grow ⛺ tent

[@teem9010]

i hit the like button within the first 7 seconds! he is so cute and full of positive energy, he instantly makes me excited and ready for the day! thanks to him for making the world a smidge happier!!

[@ml.5377]

SOIL BLOCKS have been an awesome way to avoid all those problems... No mold, mildew, damping off, transplant shock, etc. We use our own vermicompost, some soil, fine biochar and coco coir, fine sheep manure, etc. Whatever we have available. Same mix for other seeds as onion or leek.

[@over20yrsexp]

Thanks Much. Haven't used the crutches But A Wealth of Info. Starting many Seedlings This Season.

[@patricecarter5096]

Luke , thank you for that great video... yes, I see some mold on my seedlings 😒... I have still so much to learn

[@laurenholladay]

Me too!

[@Jeannie3Wishes]

I Love Your Shirt!!!

[@Jeannie3Wishes]

@@paul.1337 lol

[@marthakratz7877]

Thank you for that reminder about Ventilation.

[@jasonandjulie]

This was great. Thank you!

[@Im-just-Stardust]

Another great video thanks man ! Off topic but i'm growing sungolds for the first time this summer. Every videos I watched said it was the most delicious tomato cherry they ever ate I cannot wait to taste the best cherry tomato in the world!!! 🍅🍅🍅

[@marthakratz7877]

I tried them for the 1st time last year and they are so good.

[@Im-just-Stardust]

@@marthakratz7877 Thx for hyping me up even more :)

[@nancyspruiell347]

Growing seedlings this year from seeds I saved from last year. They were definitely best cherry tomatoes we've grown. Enjoy!

[@ccpun3790]

Good advice at perfect timing.

[@Earthy-Artist]

II need to get my box fan out of storage! have a super fantastic growing set up but still haven't added the fans so thanks for the reminder. You & your channel are such a blessing Luke!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

#2- I remember about 15 years ago when I first started growing from seed, I would have tall spindly seedlings (I'm talking WHITE stems) & I thought they'd eventually get thicker & stronger. If you walked past them too fast theyd break! 🤦‍♀️ 😂

[@oldladyfromnm7590]

Our humidity goes down to about 5% when the wind blows, which is all spring. I'm having a tightrope walk trying to give enough water without overdoing it.

[@doriswlongAgoandfarAway]

This helps. Thanks.

[@reneethomas5548]

Your the best Luke!

[@localsunshinefarms]

Excellent video, nailed it.

[@Phil-fm4sn]

Hello love your channel listen almost every episode! Little question for you . Wy the stamps on my plants ( broccoli, coleflower, tomato , are perpule . Tanks in advance and keep the good work! 😉

[@onemoredoll5791]

Answers my question on my seedlings. However, I need my soil to hold onto water in my beds because I live in a desert area.

[@roelven1282]

this 'amateur' bought his first big bag of perlite last week ;) ... not that i had difficulty with seedstarting last year ... but i want to start sooner next year

[@kdavis4910]

I find using the peat pots to start seeds is a great way to not disturb root systems. The peat tells me it's time to water when they dry out. All my seeds are started using lights with Kalvin. They exude a lot of heat, these lights. I don't recommend starting every seed in such pots. That sounds expensive.

[@amandasupak]

Jump points for the video 1:23 Using Cinnamon as an antifungal 2:15 Instead don't over water! 8:35 Using plant stakes for seedlings 9:03 Instead of allowing them to self strengthing 13:18 Using sand in your seed starting mix 15:23 Instead, use other materials to promote aeration Happy gardening!

[@jameswiggle]

boo you are stealing watchtime

[@TheBizzybizzybee]

I'd go. Super cool

[@rosedowling3690]

Great advice.. I do have a question.. when its time to move seedlings to a larger container do i then start using my potting mix.. I am going to be growing in grow pots this year...Thanks in advance

[@CoffeeCakeCrumble]

My dad taught me the value of "Exercise your seedlings!!!" using small fans blowing GENTLY across the tops of the flats. Out here it's sink or swim kids, if the plant just doesn't have what it takes to join the herd, let the strong survive and compost the dying as they're still useful. Gardening can be a frightening dystopian landscape sometimes🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@natematheny8710]

A lot of good info in this vid but the one thing i disagree with is that peat pots hold onto moisture longer. I have some trays full of peat pots and some of plastic with very similar soil volume and the peat pots dry out much faster. The water is able to evaporate from all sides of the pot just like a growbag while plastic is fully contained on all sides just open on top and bottom

[@Cursed_cass]

I'm letting my seedlings dry off for a couple days because they are kinda getting a couple small mushrooms. I don't use seed starting mix because I start seeds early, and I sometimes get a surprise frost. When my plants are outside I have to water small bits at a time because I have a lot of clay. We are hoping that as we plant and amend every year, my garden beds will get better. I have my seedlings in a mix of containers that I save. Cups, old planters, berry trays, kcups, and more. I've never used cinnamon because it's a myth. We have really bad winds, and I was hardening off a pea plant and brocolli seedling, but they didn't make it. They were not strong enough yet.

[@kdavis4910]

I totally made the stake the leggy seedlings mistakes in the beginning.

[@mneraasen224]

Luke, Garbage pail Kids the garden version be also be epic🙌🏻 if i posted twice I apologize my comment didn’t show the first time🤨

[@horrido666]

Vermiculite does not make soil drain better, in fact it does the opposite. Perlite is what you add to increase draining. A little vermiculite is good to add because it adds a bit of a moisture reserve. I do not water my seedlings for a while after they have sprouted, not until the top of the soil is dry. I pick up the cup to see how lite it is. They can be really lite and the plant will not be wilted. This is where the vermiculite is helping. Before they sprout its critical to keep the soil moist but after - no water for a while. Those plants throw down roots to the bottom of the container in no time. I use red dixie cups, so they're a little deeper than you've got. I havent damped off a plant in forever.

[@natematheny8710]

Vermiculite actually has both properties. Its hydrophobic when dry so it functions just like perlite at time of watering until it is exposed to moisture over a longer period of time then it becomes hydroscopic and acts as a reserve like you said

[@kjrchannel1480]

I view both as useless fillers. Although I have seen a potted plant with Styrofoam beads instead, which was a dumb idea. I use real dirt, peat , and some coir for drainage. I do sterilize the soil mix though.

[@Metalgarn]

@@kjrchannel1480 Always depends on what you are using. Frankly I don't love perlite for seedlings in seed starting trays, just seems like overkill. When I move them to larger quarters, typically solo cups, then it becomes far more valuable. And I NEVER, ever sterilize anything. All these things exist in nature, the sooner your plants learn to deal with them, the better.

[@amandacomeau3478]

I honestly never knew or considered sanitizing my trays.

[@lavernfoy4591]

Great content as usual, LOVE this channel ❤️🙏

[@vickieboley9452]

When you tell us you have a video for , i.e. how to sanitize seed trays and containers, could you please link it in your information box so we can find it? Thanks.

[@tylerlaman5446]

Even tho I knew I did it last year, i still overwatered and killed some pepper plants. Started them early, regardless, back on track now. Can you do a video of watering from the top vs bottom and liquid vs granular fertilizer? Is it even useful using a liquid fertilizer (earthworm casting and bat guano) if i am watering from the bottom? Seems the solids are staying at the bottom idk if my plants are even getting it.

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

Love the shirt! Great tips!

[@TheArtisanbard]

Try gardening in West TX where it’s dry dry dry and wind wind wind

[@Stacey-tb6vq]

Cinnamon I use to get rid of gnats

[@Beaguins]

I've never heard of any of these hacks, and all I've heard about sand is against it. I'll have to remember the cinnamon trick.

[@Josef_R]

Been gardening for 40 years, never heard of cinnamon for anything.

[@therevelation19]

Damping off is, like You said, a moisture problem. So keep the seedlings quiete dry and water only from the bottom after a good surface spray after seeding! My electric heater provides a good amount of ventilation. Had in about four years no probs without sanitising my pots! So I just must disagree,🤷‍♂After all I ain´t got the time for such bogus! For tje brassicas, if they got leggy You can transplant them deeper! I´ve learned this from brassicas wich stems were laying down on the ground. They developed roots on the stem! And my trnsplanted seedlings always go deeper as they where before and they are thriving! And for fungal gnats, I always cover my seedtraysi with vermiculate. Fungul gnats don`t like it. If I transplant I only do it on Plants I really like to keep and comfort. But usually, if a plant is transpanted it should take no rural damage from fungual gnats.

[@susanhenley8240]

I blew it at #1. What do you suggest when germinating seeds under a humidity dome?

[@kjrchannel1480]

The best humidity "domes" are not airtight. I remove mine at the first site of green sprouts. In most cases you don't need them.

[@susanhenley8240]

@@kjrchannel1480 Had been wondering if they were to tight and needed more air. Thank you for the reminder!

[@nikiforsyth3025]

Do I still have time to plant carrots for zone 7b before it gets too hot?

[@t.lalloyd2100]

Is gypsum good to use for the soil, or is that more of a crutch like sand?

[@araceliadams34]

Is there a limited amount of hours that we keep a fan on.

[@frankhochman837]

I have more success with getting good seedlings using potting soil rather than "sterile" mixes.

[@wyattspop]

Hey Luke, would I be watering my beds until it's time to plant? The dirt looks pretty dry after I turned it over alot and the SoCal rains have passed. I don't have to add more bags of soil do I? My beds are getting pretty full from doing this for 3 years. I injured my back last year so no nutrients were spent last season (I quit tending my plants in July). I have tons of beautiful seedlings all have true leaves.... Thanks my friend

[@Zulmax1337]

I would say yes, dry soil is never good. Almost all life needs moisture, keep it watered and mulched all the time, in use or in rest.

[@wyattspop]

@@Zulmax1337 So helpful, thanks Kenny

[@wyattspop]

@@Zulmax1337 Ever deal with grubs? Last year I had a lot, I added nemotodes, last week when I double-shoveled my beds, I only saw maybe 10 in my 12' by 7' soon-to-be tomato garden and less in my 10' by 6' soon to be cucumber/squash garden...do I need to remove all of them? Appreciate your help Ken

[@kjrchannel1480]

I am still growing snow in my area. The last years though there were big areas of my yard I let go bone dry with deep ground cracks from drought restrictions. Once the cooler fall came around it came back to life. Nature let's dirt go bone dry all the time. I would say if you aren't actively growing then don't waste the water. I can bet it will be another really hot summer again.

[@wyattspop]

@@kjrchannel1480 Very good point

[@LittleHomesteadOnHinerPond]

I’ve been watering with distilled water to avoid the chlorine in our city water. Would the city water actually help reduce mold?

[@charlieguy6872]

Don't stress about this imho

[@jessicamcleymore6447]

Quick question! I have some Tomato plants that are getting pretty big. Most of them look great but some of them the leaves are starting to curl up on the whole top half! What is happening?

[@lauriedavis4045]

Leaf curl can a sign of stress in general, from any source. I'd look at watering/drainage issues, and look closely for tiny blisters on the leaves--a sign of edema. Check root ball for binding as well, or whatever other signs of stress you may think is going on. Some varieties are more easily stressed than others, as well.

[@elizabeththomas3942]

What variety are you growing? I am growing 3 different varieties and the San Marzano leaves are curling on all 6 plants. All varieties were started at the same time, all watering, lighting, etc. the same. Maybe certain varieties have a little curl on the leaves.

[@Wellbaby94]

Thank you for all your great information

[@jessicamcleymore6447]

I am growing trophy tomato Chocolate cherry And Chocolate stripes

[@nancyspruiell347]

1. Cinnamon 2. Staking 3. Using Sand Lots of good info in the whole video though..I'd say he gives alot more than 3 ;). Thanks, Luke!

[@teem9010]

also if anyone from MIgardener sees this I'm wondering if trifecta will be back in stock anytime soon?

[@JonTopping]

How much did that greenhouse cost you?

[@Metalgarn]

Surprised you left out the number one cause of leggy saplings, poor lighting conditions.

[@justeenwade9601]

All my seeds from you never sprouted except the basil

[@lcm0578]

Oooop gotta sterilize the seed trays!

[@lostpony4885]

Overwatering yes to garden is to pour water on it. Yes. No? What?

[@lostpony4885]

You always say What is going on? But you already know it is attempted gardening

[@Keiths1234]

🙏🙏🙏♥️🙂👍