I'm about ready to start my seeds to growing and I'd like to know everyones opinion on proper containers to start seeds in.

I've used the standard 18oz plastic cups to 72 cell seed trays. I'm thinking about buying some of the deep root 72 cell seed trays. They are about 4 - 5 inches deep. I've seen some that are 50 cells and some more.

Also, if you use a special type container, please list where you get them.

Thanks and blessings, Mona

I use the 72 cell seed trays (2 3/4" deep). I thought about buying the 5" deep ones (tree trays) but they only stay in the trays about 6 weeks so there is no need for the deeper ones.

Can't help much for what might be the proper container, since
I use about anything available. Like you, plastic cups, or 36 oz styrofoam
cups saved from buying drinks at the local market.

My favorite container is plastic 24 oz cottage cheese cups.

The daylily seedlings do not seem to mind what I use if it is deep enough.

Well, my thinking with mine: if the cells are deeper, can I go from seed tray to 1 gallon pots? I'm trying not to disturb the roots anymore than possible. So this pretty much eliminates more than one seed to pot. I'd have to let them grow for atleast 2 months and according to growth and weather this could be 3 months before potting up 1 seedling into a one gallon pot. I will be staggering the planting times so I can also have a longer time to pot up and not have to try to do them all at once. That can be a killer for me. I don't know how you guys that plant into the ground do it. You are tuff!!

Can't help on this one, I straight sow right into the beds around mid-april. No soaking either. I get between 75-95 % germination depending on the year and the cross. I'm in zone 6.

IMHO I think with either one, regular or the 4"-5" ones you could leave them in there that long. In mine, after 6 weeks there is still plenty of growing room in them so another 2-4 weeks wouldn't hurt them. You can go straight to one gallon pots with the ones I have, that's what I did since I couldn't get them in the beds.

Thanks so much Michele. It's one of those issue that I think I know, but all help is greatly appreciated!!

While I'm bending your ear, I'm looking for some fertilize that doesn't require a 3rd mortage on the house. I found one listed at Home Depot, but they only sell it in Texas. It's an extended release 15,5,10 with minors for 50# @ $30. I've been paying $2.00 per pound, so you know I'm very interested in this. I'm going to try to get the local store to get me some, but if anyone knows of a brand that fits this description, please let me know.

Blesing to all, Mona

That's a great price if you can get your local store to order it. If they can't, do you have a local seed and garden or farm and nursery mart. The seed and garden we have over here sells the 50# bags for about $39.99 and up depending on the brand. I believe Scott's slow release and the Florikan was the $39.99. Scott's is an excellent brand. Magic Carpet is another good extended release (I think it lasts up to 3 months?). It has an instant fertilzer that is released over a couple of weeks as well as the slow release. Red Fox is another brand like the Magic Carpet.

You may just need to call around because even if you look up who sells it on the fertilizer company websites it doesn't show every place that sells it because these smaller places get it from distributors or supply houses.

Unfortunately, most phone calls get answered by people that just don't know. I called a local "Huge" farm supply store. A real farm supply store in our area. I asked about the 15:5:10 ratio, "no don't have it" and then I changed it to the simpler form of 3:1:2 and was told I don't know what a 3:1:2 ratio is. I've never heard of that" I knew right then I might be in the right place but I sure didn't have the right person. I was talking to a specialist in chemicals! Scary!!

It's about time for a trip to town anyway. I guess, I hate going to town! So, I need to bite the bullet and go to several big stores we have to check out about the fertilizers. I won't need them for months, but I'm plannning ahead for once. I'll also check out the 2 small nurserys we have.

Thanks Michele for all your info, it's great! I'm trying to do as much as possible for as little $$$$ as possible. I try to live by the motto that it doesn't hurt to ask. I hope I'm not being to pesky????

Blessings, Mona

You, pesky? Never we are all here to help each other. I asked tons of questions last year. I've learned a lot from everyone and I did a lot of reading online as well.

When I hybridized one Summer, I planted my seeds directly into the ground around Thanksgiving here in Northern KY, zone 6 and they came up the following year.

I do my seeds the same as Michele. One other brand of fertilizer I used for the first time this fall is made by SunnyLand out of south Florida. I wanted to try a slow release on the baby seedlings along with the water soluble I use weekly. I found a 10-5-5 50# bags for $29 This has no fillers, like sand or gravel, it's all fertilizer. It also has milorganite in it which helps keep the rabbits out.

I have pots all over my yard where I directly sow outside around the first of May. I put one cross per pot. Most all of them germinated.

Cindy, does this mean that the seeds are from the previous year's crosses and maybe you over-wintered them in the fridge or something? I don't even start getting blooms until near the end of May each year...

I use 38 cell 5 1/2" deep, the seedlings can stay in the cells longer and still grow --not as well as in the ground but at least until you can plant them.

These seedlings were left over from September planting and are still growing in the trays....

Yes they are Betty. The seeds I planted this year were from 2009 & 2010 and I had them in my refrigerator crisper all winter.

monalisa18 said:I'm about ready to start my seeds to growing and I'd like to know everyones opinion on proper containers to start seeds in. Mona

I've continued to use the 18 oz red plastic cups. I won't be able to plant until May so the wider and deeper cups help to keep the roots from tangling up and also is easier, for me, to get them transplanted. With the plugs you have to dig the seedling out of the individual plug whereas the cup you can simply turn over in your palm and slide the seedling out.

I have used the small cell trays for starting annual/perennial flowers, vegetables, etc but I'm rethinking that this year as well and may just use the cups for everything.

Do post back on what your experience is, if you decide to use them.
This was a vendor I checked out last year. I posted it on the Mydaylilies.com site http://www.stuewe.com/ .
There is also this site which someone else posted about too , http://www.leevalley.com/US/ga...

I use pots and direct sow outside. Tried some older crosses in the ground one yr but bad mistake when you have outside cats

Do you that use the cells, water from the bottom? I have only done tomatoes with those and they seem to dry out so quickly for me.

I don't bottom water. These are outside and in the shade so they get top watered every few days. If they were in the sun then they would probably need to be watered daily.