Veggies in New England (Zone 6a)

[hjsullivan]

This year will be my second garden. Started late last year so had to use store bought plants. Would like to start from seeds this year, but winters here in the Boston area are long. I live in the basement, so not a lot of light down there. Can't store the plants upstairs either, the cats will destroy them. Looking for some direction/suggestions for germination, lighting, grow boxes/tents etc.

Much appreciated, thanks!
h

 

[Greenhorn]

Hi H, Super Easy

A heat mat (if needed), tray(s) w dome (dome if needed) and a little light setup. You can build or buy complete, depends on your time and budget.

A gathered homemade setup might look like this and cost about $100.You have a tray, 72 pocket insert and dome (all 1020 sized). Heated mat with thermostat and a light with homemade PVC frame for hanging. The mat is controlled by the thermostat, the light is controlled by the timer you see on the power strip. Mat is on as thermostat requires, light runs 10 - 12 hours a day per timer.

Most general germination takes place at 65 - 75 degrees so the mat could actually be optional in a mild room or area, doemto for that matter but the dome is help in keeping to soil moist. In general you can start most garden plants like this but not all transplant as well as other. I would suggest about 4 weeks +/- 1 max is the duration plants can be grown in a tray setup like below, much longer than that and they are too big so plan accordingly. Problems at 4 weeks include roots getting to long and numerous and overhead watering can become non effective or even detrimental.

PVC, Power Strip, Timer, (if you choose this type of set up) Potting Mix and Seeds you can get locally at Home Centers. If "hydroponics" are popular you should be able to get everything else there. If not lots of places on line.

I prefer the mats with a thermostat as this allows you to set the optimal temperature, most of the non thermostat controlled say they regulate to 10 degrees above ambient temperature, on a warm day that could have negative consequences.

I also prefer non draining trays for germination, moist is best and so I try and keep the water moderate. I'll typically water lightly with a Dixie cup and then try and keep things moist with a mister. I also keeps water off the heat pad.


https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/fluorescent-grow-light-system/lighting

https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/category/flats-trays-inserts

https://www.greenhousemegastore.com...mp-start-grow-light-system/heat-mats-chambers

http://www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/cat1a;gs_seed_starting.html

 

[hjsullivan]

Wow that's great! Looks pretty easy .
What type of light are you using? Is it a regular florescent?
Or something more powerful like a T5?

 

[Greenhorn]

It is a F15T8 that's 18" I got it cheap a long time ago, didn't use it for ever and then finally got with it. Don't remember the specifics beyond that. I would guess it's something like this. It did come with the ballast/fixture.


http://www.amazon.com/GE-49892-Fluorescent-Aquarium-Terrarium/dp/B0002U56K2

Happy to answer any other questions

 

[Fernsdaddy]

If you still have radiators in you have you can sit your seedlings on the for heat or on a stand next to it. I know about the long New England winters, this year hasn't been too bad yet

 

[hjsullivan]

This is great info, thanks guys!
I'll do some more research on parts and supplies and get back you for more help haha.

thanks!