I thought it would be a good idea to keep track of my gardening techniques and tricks this year so I can improve upon them next year and hopefully learn from my mistakes. My goal is to make the gardening experience easier and more fun. I would also like to experiment with different techniques of growing and seed combinations in the upcoming years using these notes as a reference.

February 9, 2013-

     Planted 12 Tomato seeds (Super Beefsteak) Burpee ($.98). Hoping to have 3-4 full grown plants in the garden.

     Planted 18  Pepper seeds (Serrano Chili) Ferry-Morse ($1.35). Hoping to have 12 full grown plants in the garden.
     Planted 18 Sweet Pepper seeds (California Wonder) Burpee ($.98). Hoping to have 12 full grown plants in the garden.

     I have put together a shelved unit and installed Fluorescent lights above each shelf, and placed it down in the office for now. I have found that the fluorescent lights need to have a cri output of at least 75 (90-100 is preferred) and the color output must be at least 3000k. The cri output of the fluorescent light is the most critical thing to look at when growing plants indoors. The higher the cri is (100 being the highest) the more UV light will be emitted that closely resemble that of the sun. 

     As of right now, I have the seeds upstairs in the guest bedroom next to the east facing window so the can receive the appropriate warmth from the sun of 70-90 degrees to germinate. Putting the seeds above the fridge also works, but it has been rather cold in our house lately so I didn't want to take that chance. Remember that before the seeds sprout, all that is needed is warmth and water, no light is required.

  February 17, 2013

     After days of waiting and a bit of nervousness we finally have some sprouts! Two tomato seeds have sprouted and I can see the white fuzzy stuff (pre-sprout growth) showing up in other places. I will continue to leave the seeds upstairs where they will receive direct sunlight (and warmth) until most have sprouted, then I'll move them to the shelf.