I was totally serious when I said I was going to plant a garden!! I found peat pods at our local hardware store and decided this might be a great method to start my seeds especially since we haven't laid down our new sod or even begun to work out the landscaping for the backyard. One thing at a time...and since we have a new puppy that one thing is going to be for my husband to first put up a fence. Here is a little background information on planting with peat pods just in case I've inspired some green thumbs! I also made cute little markers for my pods so I don't get them confused! I just cut out the triangles and glued them to a toothpick...and viola! I've started with simple herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Plus a few marigolds for my little angel!
Peat pods, or pellets, are compressed discs of dry peat. They expand when wet to supply a ready-to-plant seed-starting pot. Peat is a sterile medium, making it especially suitable for seedlings that shouldn't be grown where there are disease organisms or pests in the soil. Many seedlings, such as melons, cannot tolerate root disturbance so normally can't be started indoors. Using peat pods allows you to start these seeds indoors then later plant them outside with no disturbance to the roots.
Step 1
Set the peat pod discs into a growing flat or a flat that has special cells made to support the pods. Water each pod and allow it to soak overnight so it fully expands.
Step 2
Pour the excess water from the trays once pods are fully expanded. Peel away any of the netting, which surrounds the pods, from the top planting surface if it is in the way.
Step 3
Poke a hole in the center of the pod with a pencil, then sow your seed into the center of each pod. Sow seed to a depth twice its diameter, then push the peat back over it to cover.
Step 4
Set the trays in a warm, 70 to 75 F., room to germinate. Germination times depend on the type of seed but generally take between one and three weeks. Keep the pods moist at all times by adding water to the trays for them to absorb.
Step 5
Move the trays to a sunny window or place under grow lights for 14 hours a day once seedlings emerge. Continue to keep the pods moist but not soaking wet.
Step 6
Transplant the seedlings outdoors at the time indicated on the seed packet, often after all danger of frost is past in spring. To transplant, dig a hole ½ inch deeper than the pod then set the pod inside the hole. Cover the surface of the pod with garden soil. The pod breaks down as the plant roots grow into the surrounding soil.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 11:59AM 
