A few observations:
1. Placing directly onto the heating pad may make the medium too hot. Does the heat mat have a temperature gauge that you can adjust? I have one that doesn't have a gauge so I place 3-4 layer of towel between the heat mat and cups.
2. Clear cups expose the roots to light and roots don't like light. They are however great to see root development. Are you able to simply slide those cups into non-clear cups? That way light doesn't hit the roots and you still have the benefit of being able to see the roots through the clear cup via sliding out of the other cup. Does that make sense?
3. Just curious to know why you only filled the cups half way with medium.
4. Are there holes in the bottom of the cups for drainage? If so, how many?
I used a lighter to make five or so holes bottom and a knife to make a few holes on the very bottom also made a few cuts on the sides to maybe get sum air into the sides of the soil. I made the holes at the very bottom because I want the heat to reach the root, also why I only filled the cups up half way. The heating pad is apparently made for germinating flowers, I would like to think it's not too hot. I do feel good about the dark and warm environment I made for the seeds, only one hasn't germinated yet. The sprouts I'm giving just a little light. (One of those cups is the pineapple btw) I moved it out of the grow room and into this little set-up to keep an eye on it. I don't think it was ready for the led and all yet. - idk. I'm just experimenting I guess, trying new ideas and tips I learn from you along the way.
- about the roots not liking light? 🤔 is the soil not enough shelter or maybe I should jus put some tape around the cup.
- On another note, should I be giving my sprouts light at this time at all honestly ? 🤔🤔
@odaglasxela666 You'll eventually see roots through the container (since the container is clear). Tape around it should work.
Seedlings that small really only need about 60-90 PPFD - so not much light at all. What you're giving them is fine for now.
A few observations: 1. Placing directly onto the heating pad may make the medium too hot. Does the heat mat have a temperature gauge that you can adjust? I have one that doesn't have a gauge so I place 3-4 layer of towel between the heat mat and cups. 2. Clear cups expose the roots to light and roots don't like light. They are however great to see root development. Are you able to simply slide those cups into non-clear cups? That way light doesn't hit the roots and you still have the benefit of being able to see the roots through the clear cup via sliding out of the other cup. Does that make sense? 3. Just curious to know why you only filled the cups half way with medium.
4. Are there holes in the bottom of the cups for drainage? If so, how many?
I used a lighter to make five or so holes bottom and a knife to make a few holes on the very bottom also made a few cuts on the sides to maybe get sum air into the sides of the soil. I made the holes at the very bottom because I want the heat to reach the root, also why I only filled the cups up half way. The heating pad is apparently made for germinating flowers, I would like to think it's not too hot. I do feel good about the dark and warm environment I made for the seeds, only one hasn't germinated yet. The sprouts I'm giving just a little light. (One of those cups is the pineapple btw) I moved it out of the grow room and into this little set-up to keep an eye on it. I don't think it was ready for the led and all yet. - idk. I'm just experimenting I guess, trying new ideas and tips I learn from you along the way.
- about the roots not liking light? 🤔 is the soil not enough shelter or maybe I should jus put some tape around the cup.
- On another note, should I be giving my sprouts light at this time at all honestly ? 🤔🤔
@odaglasxela666 You'll eventually see roots through the container (since the container is clear). Tape around it should work. Seedlings that small really only need about 60-90 PPFD - so not much light at all. What you're giving them is fine for now.