01-27-2012, 10:07 AM
(01-27-2012, 09:00 AM)Tiamat Wrote:(01-27-2012, 07:47 AM)PonderThis Wrote: Have you tried starting them on top of the waterheater? That sometimes works pretty good. I'd suggest a piece of foam floating in a dish of water, and put the seeds inside paper towels on top of that. Or, or you talking after that? South-facing windows, warm greenhouses, and lights are the next steps up. Or, a cold frame. I've used those to good effect too.
I can get them to sprout. I have an electric blanket under the planter. It doesn't make the soil hot, but it warms it a bit. But, then I get stuck. No matter what window I try, I fail. I don't have a greenhouse. So, it just seems like lights are the only real answer here.
I've never had much luck using windows to start seeds and even when they do start they grow tall and spindly searching for more light.
I think you are right, you need a fluorescent fixture with grow light style lamps. I used to start seeds by hanging the fixture just and inch or two over the seeds. That way the heat from the lamp keeps the soil or what ever medium you're using warm.
A drawback is that you need to keep a spray bottle handy and water at least a couple times a day to and make sure the soil doesn't dry out.