Confused regards germination conditions

[JazzyK]

Sorry about basic questions but a real novice and very confused at the moment

I have acquired a sankey heated propagator 8W - put two 9 cell seed trays, each cell 3.5cm (square) by 5cm depth. I filled with John Innes compost 1 and added a single seed in each module. In one tray - roma tomato seeds and in the other yolo wonder pepper seeds. The propagator inside house by patio doors, east facing. I planted the seeds on April 8th, No germination at all. Vent has been closed, getting lots of condensation which just drips into base, soil seems to be drying out???

At the same time, from the old poundland propagator windowsill sets - put tomato roma, peppers and chillis in three tiny propagators - used john innes compost as above. Put into the airing cupboard and I have chilli, tomato and pepper seeds have germinated and now the seedlings are under a grow light by patio doors, east facing, 2-3 inches above the seedlings - NOW again soil is drying out every few hours??

Dont understand why I got germination using old propagator sets (no drainage system or vents on lids) - literally two plastic containers together from placing in airing cupboard and nothing from the heated propagator?

Do I need a grow light (ROOTit system 2ft) at this time of year? The east facing patio door gets bright light during morning hours only - mind you at this time of year, what defines good light for seedlings?? Why is my soil drying out so quickly???

Any suggestions, help most appreciated.

[rustylady]

I've found John Innes very difficult to keep at the right moisture level. I use multipurpose compost now.

I think the difference in germination may be down to temperature. Were they all new seeds?

You don't say where you are, but east facing can be cold. Is the propagator on the floor, or on a table?

[JazzyK]

Yes they were all new seeds - I sowed the seeds from the same tomato/pepper packet for both heated propagator and those put in the airing cupboard?
The propagator is on the wooden floor.

[JazzyK]

Also live in cambridge, UK

[mothhawk]

What temperature is your heated propagator set at? Toms and peppers germinate best at 18C - 21C, which is probably what they are getting in the airing cupboard. Did you put the seeds on the surface of the JI or cover them? They germinate best in the dark. As for the drying out, was the soil thoroughly wet before you sowed the seeds? I generally stand seed trays in a deep bowl of water until I see the moisture rise up to the surface of the compost, then take out and allow to drain, then sow seeds in it.

[JazzyK]

Oh thank you - may explain a few things...

Firstly, I didn't stand the seed trays in a bowl prior to sowing for make soil wet - tried it then panicked that soil was to wet as i didn't let them drain. Then just tipped soil away and started again with fresh john innes no 1 using spray mister from the top!!!
Secondly, I covered seeds with light layer of soil.
Finally, the propagator claims a set temperature between 15-20C which is what most standard heated propagators are, I believe...

Should I sow the seedlings in bowl again before putting them under grow lights?

[rustylady]

Jazzy, you don't need growlights at this time of year. My seedlings are either in the (unheated) greenhouse or on the windowsills of the house.

I always water seedlings from the bottom. Stand them in a fairly shallow tray and let them soak up what they need.

[rustylady]

TwoSheds has a very good video on how to water seedlings here how to water seedlings - YouTube

[JazzyK]

Thank you very much RustyLady - very useful.

[eirish]

I'm not so good at keeping things watered consistently, which is really bad when it comes to seedlings, so this year I'm trying capillary matting in watering trays. Much easier to top up the tray every couple of days than to water all those tiny pots or seed trays. So far my chillies are looking pretty happy with this system.

[Newton]

Chillies germinate best at above 25 degrees.....toms about the same.....just get them off the heat after germination......

[Two_Sheds]

I don't use anything like 25c ... more like 16c-18c

[Herbsandveg]

What temperature is your heated propagator set at? Toms and peppers germinate best at 18C - 21C, which is probably what they are getting in the airing cupboard. Did you put the seeds on the surface of the JI or cover them? They germinate best in the dark. As for the drying out, was the soil thoroughly wet before you sowed the seeds? I generally stand seed trays in a deep bowl of water until I see the moisture rise up to the surface of the compost, then take out and allow to drain, then sow seeds in it.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but am I right in thinking you're saying that all tomatoes and peppers should be germinated in the dark? If so, which other seeds would you recommend to be sown in the same way? Very, very intrigued now with this one!

[veggiechicken]

"In the dark" means covered with soil - as opposed to putting the seeds on the surface of the soil and not covering them with anything.
Most seeds are sown "in the dark"!

[Herbsandveg]

"In the dark" means covered with soil - as opposed to putting the seeds on the surface of the soil and not covering them with anything.
Most seeds are sown "in the dark"!

Ah, right. Thank you...Got it now!