I germinate seeds directly on Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix. I only add water when the container is noticeably light in weight.
Once the roots fill the first container, which is usually a Dixie cup, I will transplant to a larger container. The second container usually is a larger washed out plastic container that previously held cottage cheese. I put at the bottom of the hole about an inch or 2 of fresh homegrown worm castings. Then I nestle in the plant so the roots touch the castings and then firm the sides.
This second pot will eventually go outdoors to the final container for growing and showing.
The soil in the second and third pots is a medium I used the previous year, amended with worm castings and an organic fertilizer.
I like to re-use containers for seedling production because they work for me and I don't have to pay money for them.
