Rigging up seed propagation

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The deal on the house seems to be going ok (knock on wood), there is still some paperwork left to go in closing, but we have an agreement. I have no idea what our move in date will be, because of course there have been a few delays from when we originally made up the contract.

But since I’m such an eager beaver, I had to get some tomato seeds started last night! My husband thinks my over-excitement is really humorous. At this rate, I’ll probably have the backyard roto-tilled before we’ve even moved any furniture.

I’m a little concerned about my propagation set-up though. I set my seeds in a potting mix in little egg-carton cups inside an old 10 gal aquarium with a “full spectrum” plant bulb in the hood. Then I set the whole thing on a radiator to keep it warm.

I have read a lot about how you “need” a fancy seed heating mat, and “need” certain kinds of bulbs and whatnot. But really, plants want to grow, right? It’s not like I’m trying to grow something fancy. Moisture, light, warmth and a substrate are all they really need… surely.

Does anyone have any experience with propagating from seed with a hackneyed setup? Do you have to have a fancy expensive set-up? I’m sure more money ensures more successful germination, but this isn’t the time to throw a lot of money into fancy equipment (that I currently don’t have any place to store in my one bedroom apt… soon a garage and a basement will be mine!).

I guess in about a week I’ll know if they’ll germinate anyway.

Oh yes, the varieties: Martino’s Roma Tomato, Amish Paste Tomato, Cherokee Purple Tomato, Romanesco Broccoli (the kind that looks like fractals!) and Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry.

Maybe if I have some luck getting these guys started, in a few weeks I’ll start some herbs and onions.

• 13 Mar, 2008
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