Today I managed to get a second set of seedlings planted indoors. I am beginning my experiment on testing soil blocks versus plastic cell raised seedlings. I planted four vegetables today: orange blossom tomatoes, valley girl tomatoes, fairy tale eggplants, and straight eight cucumbers. I didn't come up with the names, the growers did.
I planted each variety in a 9 plastic cell block and 6 soil blocks. The numbers aren't even because the soil blocks are bigger and I'm running out of counter space. I managed to get these all planted in about half the time it took me to do the first batch - learning is taking place!
I continued to use the Jiffy organic seed starter mix. I put some small pebbles in the bottom of each plastic cell to enhance drainage and filled about 3/4 with wet seed soil. I used the blunt end of a cheap pen to press a dimple into the soil. I have discovered that the plastic $4 seed dispenser from Johnny's Select Seeds wasn't a good investment - this is pictured to the left with pepper seeds from the first round. Instead, a $1 pair of tweezers do a better job of handling small seeds and delivering them to the holes. I then covered each cell with a small layer of wet soil, making sure to fill in the seed holes.
The soil blocks can be tricky. I've learned that the soil needs to more wet than dry, but not soaking wet. While a circular bucket isn't the best vessel for soil blocking, it's all I have to contain the mess. Pile the soil into the center of the bucket and pack down. Press the soil blocker into the dirt until you feel the bottom of the bucket. Twist the entire soil blocker and press on the handle gently before lifting. Now here's my new trick. Pack the dirt in from the bottom of the cells. Squish the wet soil into each block and pack in more dirt and smooth to the bottom of the blocker. In another bucket or the other side of the sink, place the soil blocker on the surface and press the handle down all the way while slowly raising the soil blocker. Blocks should be formed, level with a noticeable dimple in the middle. If they are too short or falling apart, throw them back into the bucket. Allow blocks to sit for a few minutes before attempting to move. Any that fall apart on touch, back into the bucket. Place seeds into each dimple and cover with a very small amount of wet soil.
The trick seems to be getting the right soil to water ratio. Too dry and the soil crumbles before you can get the blocks out. Too wet and the blocks crumble when you move them to their permanent location. It's about balance and takes some practice - add a little more water or soil to get the consistency right.
I also "installed" my second grow light from WalMart. Copious use of masking tape is keeping both lights hanging to avoid drilling holes in my apartment. The first light has only fallen once; a second application of masking tape has kept it hanging for the last two weeks. I have enough counter space for either one set of 6 blocks or two more 9-cell plantings. Since my lettuce seeds failed miserably, I'm debating trying again or just waiting to sow outside.
I also mixed my first batch of plant food using a recipe from the Master Gardener lecture I attended. Essentially it's mixing a batch of liquid plant food at half strength and adding a half teaspoon of white vinegar to help keep disease and mold away. For my liquid plant food, this ended up being 8 cups of filtered water, half teaspoon of white vinegar and 7 drops of food. I don't know if this was the best brand to pick, but the Master Gardener suggested not getting Miracle Grow - he said while it's popular, it's not the best on the market. Schultz was the only alternative available at Lowe's. This plant food is for the existing seedlings and not for the ones I just made today. The MG said white vinegar could kill a baby seed or the plant food could burn the stem as soon as it sprouts.
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