Seed sowing actually began about two weeks ago, when I started prepping pots, trays, and seed starting materials.
Step #1 - Recycling Old Potting Mix(es)
I almost tossed all the old mixes, until I remembered it doesn't matter what I start the seeds in, as long as it's sterile enough to get them going. The Roots Organic (RO -my seed starting mix of choice) will have given up its nutrients, but, I'll be watering with the Mittleider Magic Minerals "Constant Comfort" formula for seedlings, which will provide more nutrients than fresh RO. So, set your old potting mixes aside for step #5.
Step #2 - Washing Pots, Trays, & Tools
I fill a large Rubbermaid tub with boiling hot water, a couple good squirts of Lemon AJAX Dish Detergent (don't want too many suds!!!), couple splashes Lemon Clorox bleach (about a cup or two), and a couple splashes cheapy mouthwash (about 2-3 capfuls -- I like the BLUE ones from the Dollar Store, any cheapy brand). Such a Heavenly smell for such a "dirty" job, makes it absolutely pleasurable. Clean and disinfect in one motion.
Best to do this outside so the fumes won't intoxicate you -- been there, done that, LOL! And, because of the bleach, it is very important to wear some long household cleaning gloves -- I totally forgot, and burned the knuckles on my hands -- not fun...
Hit everything with a blast from the hose first, to loosen the dirt (like washing your car...), then put it into the hot water to soak for awhile (boiling water will kill anything alive at that point). Then, add just enough cool water to make the water warm enough to work with, and wash everything with an old washcloth/rag. Rinse well with the hose, and lay as much as you can out in the sun to air dry.
I complete this process on my driveway.
Then, sort and stack your trays and pots neatly in your potting area, where they'll be ready when you are. Ideally, you should complete this process immediately after you transplant the seedlings out. The potting mix will rinse out very easily at this point, and not harden in your pots. And, do it sooner than later, cause there's no feeling like, "uggggh, it's time to plant seeds, but I gotta wash everything first!"
Step #3 - Greenhouse bags
I collect all the #drawstring bags from the trash bin when I go for my annual mammogram. These are the ones they give you to store your belongings in for 15 minutes while you take your exam. I shove the seed trays in them and poke air holes in the top. As soon as the first seedling declares, off come the baggies. FREE greenhouse material...
Step #4 - #Plant labels
I use 3" to 4" pieces of vinyl Venetian blinds, and a sharp pencil. Label with the sowing date, days to maturity (DTMs), the expected harvest date, and the seed supplier name and germination date (for keeping track of how old the seeds are). Make sure the pieces do not stand higher than 1" above your soil, or you won't be able to lower your lights toward the seedlings (I keep my lights no higher than 1-2" above the seedlings). The pencil graphite will erase easily, however, the writing will not come off easily. You can scrub it off with some abrasive cleanser.
Step #5 - #Sterilizing Potting Mix(es)
I'll be running batches of old potting mixes through the microwave per my process found here: http://garden.org/blogs/entry/...
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