GROW-OP SETUP
A 6-shelf chrome storage shelf measuring 72″ x 48″ x 18″
48″ warm fluorescent lights (6500 K)
48″ cool fluorescent lights (4100 K)
48″ fluorescent plug-in shop lights with chains and s-hooks included
TRAYS AND POTS
A self-watering seedling tray (no dome)
3.5 oz. soft plastic bathroom cups, two holes drilled into the bottom with a 1/4″ bit
Peat pots
Jumbo square pots
Traditional bulb pans
A variety of plastic seedling trays and clear domes
GARDENING TOOLS
Seed spoons with 4 different cup sizes
Wooden plant labels
Jiffy-Gro heating mat to help seeds germinate
Miscellaneous items: heavy- and light-duty scissors, pens, pencils, markers and tape
Coffee filters (for an alternate way to germinate seeds)
A foot basin for mixing and dampening soil
Seedling sprayer, 11″ tall and holds 12 oz.
March 7, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Hi
Love your site & enjoy your updates.
I had a question as to where you purchased your shop light (48″ plug in shoplight with chain and s hooks included).
I have my shelf set up and trays and seeds and decided to get a light set up (first timer here) and was wondering if you could point me in the right direction.
Thanks!
March 9, 2010 at 11:09 am
Hi Lyssa,
I bought my shop lights from Home Depot. They had the best quality for the best price. You may have to hunt around for them as they don’t always have them on display in the fluorescent lighting area.
Kathy
March 9, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Thank you Kathy, for that info. I found 2 Shop Lights for a great price at HD & picked up the light bulbs. In the end my shelving unit was actually not big enough for them so I bought some wire shelving racks and set it up .. then I wondered something so I’m hoping you can answer me.
Once the shop light is hooked up to the shelving unit .. how much distance should I leave from where it hangs above to the seed tray itself? For example right now the tray is sat on one shelf and I’d say the light is hanging about six inches over it. Is this too close do you think? I have 2 bulbs in the fixture but perhaps I should only use one if I cannot get much more on the height.
Appreciate your answers – I’m learning so much via your page and following your adventures. Saw your seed packets at the trade table at Seedy Saturday too.
March 19, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Hi Kathy,
I’m a bit southwest of you, and I was wondering when would be a good time to start my tomatoe seeds. I have a heavy plastic greenhouse which lets in light all day long, and I use a waterbed heater to keep my seedling trays warm overnight. This system has worked well in the past for me, but now that I’m trying heirloom seeds I’m not sure if I should start my plants earlier than I have in the past. Generally I count back 7 weeks from May 24 to start my seeds.
Just curious when you get started.
BTW – your site is tomatotastic! If I lived closer I would love to attend the events you have posted.
March 19, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi Jen,
Thanks for the compliment! I’m actually starting my tomato seeds this weekend. My planting out date is May 15th, a week earlier than most people around me who plant out on May Long Weekend.
Kathy
March 27, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Looks great! I’m doing the same thing this weekend – peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, all in a home-built shelving system.
As to Lyssa’s question… most of the seeding info I have seen seems to suggest that closer is better – like 3-6″. That’s what I’m aiming for, to start.