Question on seed starting cell size

jwesley 3/7/2014, 9:59 am

So I'll be starting my first indoor seeds this weekend (lettuce). I picked up a 72 cell tray/lid combo locally and will be using that with mels mix to start my seeds this year. The cell's are approximately 1.5" x 2.5".

My question is, will I need to transfer seedling into bigger containers at some point before they go out to the garden. I'll be indoor starting Lettuces, greens, tomatoes, peppers. I'm pretty sure that I'll need to transfer the tomatoes and peppers to bigger containers, but what about the lettuces and greens? Thanks!

mapspringer 3/7/2014, 10:09 am

The tomatoes and peppers you will definitely need to pot up to a larger container. Folks like to re-use/re-purpose "disposable" plastic containers (ie 2 liter bottoms, etc.) I like the large size yogurt containers. See Quiltbea's instructions on air pruning in the DIY forum.
As for your lettuce and greens, you can transplant those directly into your garden (Be prepared to cover lightly if you're expecting a hard frost or freeze.) Sugar snap peas love this cold weather too, if you like those Wink

Mapspringer

jwesley 3/7/2014, 10:20 am

Thanks for the quick replay mapspringer. I'm thinking of something the equivalent of about a 4" pot for the tomatoes/peppers. Sound about right?

mapspringer 3/7/2014, 10:57 am

Absolutely! And say hi to my mom there in Cinci, would you? Smile

s1rGr1nG0 3/7/2014, 2:51 pm

@JWes I started with a 72 cell kit in February with several varieties of heirloom tomatoes, cukes, peppers, squash, and melons. I doubled up each cell with 2, and sometimes 3, seeds. The Melons and squash exploded with growth and I had to transplant them pretty quick.
The tomatoes and peppers were much slower growers but I have since transplanted them as well. I put them in 16oz "Solo" plastic cups with some holes punched in the bottom for drainage. They still have a ways to go before transplanting to the garden but the melons, squash, and cukes could be put in the ground now. I probably will this weekend but I'm going to keep a sharp eye on the weather.

Here is a pic of all my seedlings.

Question on seed starting cell size IMG_0318_zpsad87614c

Question on seed starting cell size IMG_0318_zpsad87614c

**sanderson** 3/7/2014, 5:30 pm

An Easter Parade! You've done some serious seed sowing. okay

jwesley 3/7/2014, 5:56 pm

Lookin good! I think I have some solo cups sitting around, those sound. Perfect. Thanks for the idea.

s1rGr1nG0 3/10/2014, 11:36 am

sanderson wrote:An Easter Parade! You've done some serious seed sowing.

Exactly! Those cups are left over from last Easter. Very Happy

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Question on seed starting cell size

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