Zen Garden 2025

[Zen_seeker]

20250427: Flower Day 27 W4

Zen 1:


Zen 2:


Zen 2: 1x3



Lights out.

Lights on.

Humidity is higher by about 10% and temperature is down by approximately 4*-5*.

All are getting frosty on the tops for the last few days.

The two under nets are getting yellow here and there. Mostly under the net. Need to watch that. Also noticed tip burn the other day and it’s progressed a bit. I changed the feed mix a bit to see if that helps.

8ml 4:0:0 Base
2ml 2:2:4 Grow
12ml 0:6:6 Bloom
3ml 2:0:0 ProCal

8:8:10

Dropping the 2:2:4 grow soon next.

All three usually take 1 to 1.5 litres every other day ATM. More often has them looking over watered and less has them drooping and stressing.

My sons been doing pretty good judging when and how much to water. I showed him under watered droop followed by over watering. About a week or more back I showed him how some leaves look swollen and wrinkled and what it means. He’s been watering /feeding well since.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Noticed ones got purple already starting.

While another plant gave me the finger.

It was one of the lower leaves a few weeks back in the 1x3. From the small fan blowing on it non stop I think.

This has happened before from similar conditions.


Sort of a claw shape on the top leaf. Colour is off this time though. I’ve been using the ProCal rather than epsom this run. Will switch around the last two or three weeks, following Aquas advice.

Need to look things up tomorrow. See what it is.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250430: Flower Day 30

Everything is on track. Hate how the feed chart only goes 8 weeks. I have to double up on a few here/there.

Noticed some yellow coming up from the bottom on Fugly. I did a quick epsom spray. Think this would be the last opportunity for that.

Fugly has purple spreading all across the tops. Started on the right hand side.

Bumped the lights up two days ago. At 50,000-55,000 LUX now.

Zen 1:


Zen 2:



Zen 2: 1’x3’



Enjoying a little mix of Strawberry Lemonade and Haunted Banana in a joint. Topped with mixed keif.


Have a good night people’s.

 

[Pipecarver]

Same here. Warm up on the outdoor rink if you had time then head inside the indoor for the game. Mom didn’t have a car and you had to walk halfway for public transportation anyway.


Yeah I don’t play anymore, rarely even watch it.

I’ll still get up early for day trips like shooting, fishing, visit family in the countryside. Archery was fun and the public range not too far away but you had to get there early if you wanted a parking spot and more privet session.

How long before you get the e-bike out? Where did you keep the battery, did you trickle charge it over the winter?

I haven't had any weather for it, Yesterday was good but, I'm contemplating now. lol....I'll get on it soon I hope. No trickle charge, they recommend a 75% charge and let it sit. my son was the last to use it and he fully charged it. I stuck it on the bike a month or 2 ago to see where the charge was at and I ran the rear wheel for a bit, I have it suspended on a Canoe hoist it was still showing 100%. I'll have to run her around on a short trip to see whats really there. I kept the battery warm in my basement, cold kills them, or so I'm told.
Its a nice day out there today again but only 7c so far and that's a bit too cold for me ATM.

 

[Zen_seeker]

I haven't had any weather for it, Yesterday was good but, I'm contemplating now. lol....I'll get on it soon I hope.

Yeah the weathers been dismal here as well. One nice day followed by a week of high winds, grey skies and on/off drizzles.

No trickle charge, they recommend a 75% charge and let it sit. my son was the last to use it and he fully charged it. I stuck it on the bike a month or 2 ago to see where the charge was at and I ran the rear wheel for a bit, I have it suspended on a Canoe hoist it was still showing 100%. I'll have to run her around on a short trip to see whats really there. I kept the battery warm in my basement, cold kills them, or so I'm told.

They say 18650’s should be stored that way, 75%. A lot of battery power packs are filled with that style.

Its a nice day out there today again but only 7c so far and that's a bit too cold for me ATM.

Yesterday was 20* in the shade. Not a great day but best of the week. Now three days of rain coming, assuming they get it right this time.

Watch out for slick wet mud spots. Don’t recall what tires you had on it. Could be a nice ride on a good day with all the green starting to come back. We’ve got some color stating in the gardens as we get more sun.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250503: Flower Day 33

The two plants, clone and mother, are growing as usual. Same smells, same looks, same bud structure.

Fugly started like two plants trying to grow out of the same stem. A mutant I wanted to cull. But we needed the count. After a lot of training and luck it not only turned out well it’s become a hidden gem.

The Sativa side seems to have really come out. It had the same swampy smell the others have but instead of the tangerine smell that follows this one’s lemony. I catch myself stopping to stick my head in the tent for a whiff.

Looking forward to harvest, but now I’m wondering if it’s going to drag on with this girl.

We did a final trim yesterday. Took off any remaining waste. I did most of Fugly as an example. Mostly lollipopped below the net.

Zen 1:


Zen 2:


Zen 2: 1x3


Want humidity around 40%, with rooms doors closed and dehumidifier on I’m lucky to get 50% lately at lights out. Was 65% before closing the room.

Lights on is fine. Temperature and RH still good. I can adjust things a lot just by opening the tents.

Bumping the lights to 50,000-55,000 LUX seems to have paid off. Still watching for burn though.

Fugly has purple on almost all colas now. After trimming a few bottom branches that didn’t make it to the net I put it in the coffee can cloner. Never tried to reveg before. (Did it accidentally my first year taking a plant in/out onto the stoop.) I’m a plant down and Fugly might be worth another grow.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250507: Flower Day 37


Things are a struggle with the humidity trying to stay at 80% in the tents during lights out. Humidity is effecting some leaves, mostly in the 1x3. Making leaf fingers look like claws.

However Zen 1 with the Photontek LED is getting yellow stripes on the leaves. The clone is in the 1x3, gets the same feed mix, but looks fine. Anyone know what my issue might be please let me know.

Fugly & clone don’t have this under the quantum boards.

Otherwise things aren’t too bad considering the environment issues. At lights on we just open the tent doors all night. Keeps things much closer to optimal.

Zen 1:


Zen 2: (Fugly)


Zen 2: 1x3


I’m only looking after the 1x3. All plants are in 1g soft pots. Sons making the feed mix for all plants based on what I tell him. We only just stopped adding 2:2:4 Grow.

For the last feeding we left out the 2:0:0 ProCal and sub’ed in a teaspoon of Epsom.

We also added 1/8 per gallon of 0:50:30 Beastie Bloomz from Foxfarms.

Hoping the changes stop the yellowing but still think it’s light related. Need to search for more leaf deficiency examples to try and match our issue.

 

[Pipecarver]

Hey, I think its a mag deficiency, I use 1tsp Epsom Salts at 1tsp/gal from 2 weeks - 3rd week of flower.

I found a great site for diagnostics, good pics and a description,

Cannabis Blog - Latest 420 News & Stories | Dutch Passion

Find all the latest cannabis news and the latest Dutch Passion cannabis blogs. This is the place to grow your knowledge about all things 420.

dutch-passion.com

 

[Zen_seeker]

Hey, I think its a mag deficiency, I use 1tsp Epsom Salts at 1tsp/gal from 2 weeks - 3rd week of flower.

That’s what I was looking at. When I was chatting with Aqua a while back he suggested I use half the suggested dose of ProCal this grow 2.5ml and switch to Epsom the last two or three weeks.

I only just switched back to Epsom this last feeding. Glad to hear you think that’s the answer.

I found a great site for diagnostics, good pics and a description,

Cannabis Blog - Latest 420 News & Stories | Dutch Passion

Find all the latest cannabis news and the latest Dutch Passion cannabis blogs. This is the place to grow your knowledge about all things 420.

dutch-passion.com

Thanks. I’ve been meaning to check a few of them since mid April. I’ll have a look when I log out. Thanks PC.

Dealing with the city just has me down. That’s what they do, hoping to make us go away. So I get distracted from other things or ignore the world for a few days.

(A quick check on that link also reminded me to check the PH again. It was okay in veg but I haven’t checked since.)

 

[Pipecarver]

That’s what I was looking at. When I was chatting with Aqua a while back he suggested I use half the suggested dose of ProCal this grow 2.5ml and switch to Epsom the last two or three weeks.

I only just switched back to Epsom this last feeding. Glad to hear you think that’s the answer.


Thanks. I’ve been meaning to check a few of them since mid April. I’ll have a look when I log out. Thanks PC.

Dealing with the city just has me down. That’s what they do, hoping to make us go away. So I get distracted from other things or ignore the world for a few days.

Click the link, its a very easy fast site to review, you'll see pics like yours on page 1

 

[Zen_seeker]

Click the link, its a very easy fast site to review, you'll see pics like yours on page 1

I did, right after I made the post.

Magnesium, iron and zink are closest. None match exactly. But magnesium’s the easiest to fix. No burn marks on any leaves yet that I’ve seen. But I’ve been letting my son do the checking. I’ll look closer at lights on tonight.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Almost have all of the vegetable crate garden setup.


To the left will be the tomatoes with a cage around them again. Fucken squirrels.

Need two more bags and we should be good to go. Out of 16 vegetables planted one died, seven are up or almost up, and eight remain a mystery. I’ve switched to spraying them with a water bottle rather than using the tray. Seems to work better.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250512: Flower Day 42 W6

Same story. High humidity. Up/down temperatures.

Zen 1:


Zen 2:


Zen 2: 1x3


Mines doing fine but his SCROGs are looking off. He’s been a bit better with them but he mucked up the feed mix last week and has let them dry back at least once since the last post. I’ve warned him but I’m not doing things for him.


The vegetable garden is coming along. Temperature is an issue here as well but just seems to be slowing things down.


G$ found a device that seems to be another popular germinator. The BB ones I have work great but still need to be used when temperatures are nice and stable in the basement. Since this one seals closed condensation means proper water & air exchange is happening and I can stick it in a drawer or place it on the hot water tank for extra warmth when the heating pads not available.

It’s basically a fancy version of the wet paper towel in a sandwich bag you put in a dark warm drawer. As that’s my “if all else fails method” I figured why not?


Since my cucumber died I decided to use them as the test seeds for this device. Between 11am and 6am all four seeds have popped. So 19hrs. I’ll leave them another day before transplanting. I just hope this is the last tool I’ll need for popping seeds in conjunction with the VG.

Supposed to warmer this week and rain starting midway through. That would be nice.

 

[Pipecarver]

20250512: Flower Day 42 W6

Same story. High humidity. Up/down temperatures.

Zen 1:
View attachment 101136

Zen 2:
View attachment 101137

Zen 2: 1x3
View attachment 101138

Mines doing fine but his SCROGs are looking off. He’s been a bit better with them but he mucked up the feed mix last week and has let them dry back at least once since the last post. I’ve warned him but I’m not doing things for him.


The vegetable garden is coming along. Temperature is an issue here as well but just seems to be slowing things down.
View attachment 101139View attachment 101140

G$ found a device that seems to be another popular germinator. The BB ones I have work great but still need to be used when temperatures are nice and stable in the basement. Since this one seals closed condensation means proper water & air exchange is happening and I can stick it in a drawer or place it on the hot water tank for extra warmth when the heating pads not available.

It’s basically a fancy version of the wet paper towel in a sandwich bag you put in a dark warm drawer. As that’s my “if all else fails method” I figured why not?
View attachment 101141View attachment 101142

Since my cucumber died I decided to use them as the test seeds for this device. Between 11am and 6am all four seeds have popped. So 19hrs. I’ll leave them another day before transplanting. I just hope this is the last tool I’ll need for popping seeds in conjunction with the VG.

Supposed to warmer this week and rain starting midway through. That would be nice.

Hey Gmorning, A new germinating gadget, cool where did you / G$ find that?

 

[GoodShit97]

Hey Gmorning, A new germinating gadget, cool where did you / G$ find that?

Its called a cannakan

Cannakan™ Seed germination & growth tray systems.

The Cannakan™ patent pending systems and process combines traditional seed germination methods into compact & easy to use systems. Our seed germination & growth tray systems provide seeds and plants an ideal growing environment that is organized for germinating and growing multiple varieties of...

cannakan.com

Zen made one on the 3d printer

 

[Zen_seeker]

Hey Gmorning, A new germinating gadget, cool where did you / G$ find that?

Yeah, G$ saw it on Discord or something. They want $60 for just the container.

This is all there is to it. Sits in my palm.

They wanted $5 for just the tweezers so I found a copy of that too.

If it can even let me pop seeds a month earlier Than normal I’m happy.

I’ve got it on the hot water tank for extra warmth since the heats off and the weather is screwy.

 

[Stoneyluv]

i'm not trying to be a debbie downer but this doesn't seem any better than a plate and paper towel to me, it still causes stress to a seedling. it's like trying to grow on a wet rock imo. it will never make your seedlings like this..

 

[GoodShit97]

i'm not trying to be a debbie downer but this doesn't seem any better than a plate and paper towel to me, it still causes stress to a seedling. it's like trying to grow on a wet rock imo. it will never make your seedlings like this..

View attachment 101221

Yeah the VG is a great idea, and super fucking cool. But I know of at least 3 people who had nothing but issues.
This was an idea I gave him because he has heat issues and can't germinate seeds in the colder weather so this will help contain heat hopefully and allow him to pop seeds in December

 

[Pipecarver]

i'm not trying to be a debbie downer but this doesn't seem any better than a plate and paper towel to me, it still causes stress to a seedling. it's like trying to grow on a wet rock imo. it will never make your seedlings like this..

View attachment 101221

They look cool but I agree and for $60 Usa = $100 Cdn, + shipping and taxes....I like my paper towel method. They look like 3D printed pieces, @Bandit420 is this something you can make? Another type of a 3D printed Germinator?

 

[Stoneyluv]

Yeah the VG is a great idea, and super fucking cool. But I know of at least 3 people who had nothing but issues.
This was an idea I gave him because he has heat issues and can't germinate seeds in the colder weather so this will help contain heat hopefully and allow him to pop seeds in December

oh i get what you're saying for sure man, i'm not dissing the help or the idea of you throwing it out there in any way at all.

if it would just allow for the tap root to go somewhere. anywhere except curled up. i guess if you took it out soon enough it wouldn't cause the seed much stress.

like i said i'm not dissing it just sticking my nose in it,,, Zen will show us... i'll eat crow, and shit on more later!!

 

[Bandit420]

i'm not trying to be a debbie downer but this doesn't seem any better than a plate and paper towel to me, it still causes stress to a seedling. it's like trying to grow on a wet rock imo. it will never make your seedlings like this..

View attachment 101221

I didn't wanna say anything but yeah. Takes gravity out of the equation completely so right there is a fail.
Does this mean I should charge $120 for the VG?

Yeah the VG is a great idea, and super fucking cool. But I know of at least 3 people who had nothing but issues.
This was an idea I gave him because he has heat issues and can't germinate seeds in the colder weather so this will help contain heat hopefully and allow him to pop seeds in December

All I see is user error in the failures and is why I've posted instructions.

They look cool but I agree and for $60 Usa = $100 Cdn, + shipping and taxes....I like my paper towel method. They look like 3D printed pieces, @Bandit420 is this something you can make? Another type of a 3D printed Germinator?

It's pointless to print IMO. A dish w/ paper towel is gonna do the same thing unless I'm missing something.
IMO it's just an over engineered version of that except that it uses coffee filter paper.
The tweezers are interesting though. Those would cost less than 5 cents and 30 minutes to print. Asking $8 tells you all you need to know about this thing really.

 

[GoodShit97]

All I see is user error in the failures and is why I've posted instructions.

Yeah idk
Didn't like mine either and i followed step by step so I gave it away lol.
Paper towel and a plastic sandwich container works fine for me. If it ain't broke dont fix it imo.
What works for some doesnt work for everyone

 

[GoodShit97]

i guess if you took it out soon enough it wouldn't cause the seed much stress

I plant all my seeds with only a 1/4" tail.
I'd snap them things yall plant from the VG.
I shake to god damn much

 

[Zen_seeker]

i'm not trying to be a debbie downer but this doesn't seem any better than a plate and paper towel to me, it still causes stress to a seedling. it's like trying to grow on a wet rock imo. it will never make your seedlings like this..

View attachment 101221

First this I said in my post was;”It’s basically a fancy version of the wet paper towel in a sandwich bag you put in a dark warm drawer. As that’s my “if all else fails method” I figured why not?”


This just makes that quicker and easy. Plus I can’t stick a ziplock on a Sunny ledge or on the hot water tank.

I think the water left at the bottom after a soak helps but I’ve only just tried it and haven’t looked up much more than a few reviews and YT vids.

My only issue is the roots can curl. I literally wondered how could I do this but vertically? Cartridges came to mind.

We’ll see how testing goes. The cold is almost over so true testing won’t happen until this winter…which I’m in no hurry for.

 

[Zen_seeker]

They look cool but I agree and for $60 Usa = $100 Cdn, + shipping and taxes....I like my paper towel method.

It’s CND price, but still crazy for what it is. $10-$20 I could understand. Especially if R&D was done.

But like I said, this IS the paper towel method. Just updated and in a dark container.

They look like 3D printed pieces, @Bandit420 is this something you can make? Another type of a 3D printed Germinator?

Yep. Mine is. Anyone can get it. I can post the link if you want. Really didn’t think anyone else would care.

 

[Zen_seeker]

oh i get what you're saying for sure man, i'm not dissing the help or the idea of you throwing it out there in any way at all.

Cool. Didn’t want to cause a fuss.

if it would just allow for the tap root to go somewhere. anywhere except curled up. i guess if you took it out soon enough it wouldn't cause the seed much stress.

I agree. I don’t know how cucumber seeds normally grow but these curled after 1CM.
I’ve never grown them from seed before but it seems strange they all did it?

like i said i'm not dissing it just sticking my nose in it,,, Zen will show us... i'll eat crow, and shit on more later!!

First, no pooping on the thread.

To use the VG in winter I’d have to crank the heat up in the house and use a mat. The mat alone wasn’t enough this year.

If I had a real grow room rather than a hall/room I could keep it warm enough. It’s just not practical and it would constantly be being opened.

 

[Zen_seeker]

I didn't wanna say anything but yeah. Takes gravity out of the equation completely so right there is a fail.
Does this mean I should charge $120 for the VG?

True, but I’ll take what I can get. A small tail is better than nothing. The VG is great when the house isn’t cold.

$120 would need the whole kit deal.
As I noted in my first post this is just an updated spin on the paper towel trick. The ability to put it in bright warm places with no fear of damage/contamination is nice but I won’t ever get more than a 1cm root before I have to plant it. VG gives me a seedling to transplant.

All I see is user error in the failures and is why I've posted instructions.

I’m sure I’ve added to some of my failures. I’ve typically waited until the house warms up but sometimes you jump the gun or the weather changes. All I want from this is to be able to plant seeds in winter.

It's pointless to print IMO. A dish w/ paper towel is gonna do the same thing unless I'm missing something.

It’s slightly better as a contained unit. Light proof.

IMO it's just an over engineered version of that except that it uses coffee filter paper.

Mine uses my wife’s cotton pads.

The tweezers are interesting though. Those would cost less than 5 cents and 30 minutes to print. Asking $8 tells you all you need to know about this thing really.

It’s $5CND. Which is why I made my own I found on another place. It needs to be a little longer and/or thinner. I have big hands and it still feels large.

Have to admit I wasn’t expecting a discussion on what’s better or worse. I was just happy we had found a possible answer to my winter seed popping issue. G$ and I discuss this and his cloning problem off/on over the last two years. I thought it was worth sharing my testing of the idea.

 

[Bandit420]

Cool. Didn’t want to cause a fuss.


I agree. I don’t know how cucumber seeds normally grow but these curled after 1CM. View attachment 101251
I’ve never grown them from seed before but it seems strange they all did it?


First, no pooping on the thread.

To use the VG in winter I’d have to crank the heat up in the house and use a mat. The mat alone wasn’t enough this year.

If I had a real grow room rather than a hall/room I could keep it warm enough. It’s just not practical and it would constantly be being opened.

It would be best to plant them asap before they go thru the paper.
Cukes have gone vertical for me in the VG but they grow grabby and heavily fishboned taps to kick off the party.
They'll figure out which way is down and go thru the paper.

True, but I’ll take what I can get. A small tail is better than nothing. The VG is great when the house isn’t cold.

$120 would need the whole kit deal.
As I noted in my first post this is just an updated spin on the paper towel trick. The ability to put it in bright warm places with no fear of damage/contamination is nice but I won’t ever get more than a 1cm root before I have to plant it. VG gives me a seedling to transplant.


I’m sure I’ve added to some of my failures. I’ve typically waited until the house warms up but sometimes you jump the gun or the weather changes. All I want from this is to be able to plant seeds in winter.


It’s slightly better as a contained unit. Light proof. View attachment 101253


Mine uses my wife’s cotton pads.


It’s $5CND. Which is why I made my own I found on another place. It needs to be a little longer and/or thinner. I have big hands and it still feels large.

Have to admit I wasn’t expecting a discussion on what’s better or worse. I was just happy we had found a possible answer to my winter seed popping issue. G$ and I discuss this and his cloning problem off/on over the last two years. I thought it was worth sharing my testing of the idea.

Have you ever used a heat mat under a plate doing the paper towel method?
Heat is super essential to any propagation so I use it all times of the year. Even have a VG design that holds a heatpad in the wall.
One trick to hold heat in is to use a dome with vents in the top. The dome will trap the heat and you can control it's release with the vents.
If the dome doesn't have the vent you can cut the holes about the diameter of a finger then cover/uncover with tape.

 

[Zen_seeker]

It would be best to plant them asap before they go thru the paper.
Cukes have gone vertical for me in the VG but they grow grabby and heavily fishboned taps to kick off the party.
They'll figure out which way is down and go thru the paper.

I already did not long after I posted. Peat pucks were soaking in the sink.

Mine uses one of my wife’s cotton pads. It’s the perfect size. None of the roots entered but I suspect they could. I was watching for it as I’ve had it happen in other methods.

Have you ever used a heat mat under a plate doing the paper towel method?

I haven’t. Never needed one before. Always just waited for spring. Plus I ran clones in winter.

Heat is super essential to any propagation so I use it all times of the year. Even have a VG design that holds a heatpad in the wall.

For a few degrees I put them in a sweater drawer. If it’s cold out I’ll put things on a warm object like the hot water tank. TV’s don’t work anymore and the fall off.

One trick to hold heat in is to use a dome with vents in the top. The dome will trap the heat and you can control it's release with the vents.
If the dome doesn't have the vent you can cut the holes about the diameter of a finger then cover/uncover with tape.

Yes I have three of that exact type. Used it for clones and seedlings. Using two on the veggies right now. I will usually keep a coin or something to keep one side up a bit for circulation, if needed.

Pretty sure I tried this for my sons seeds this grow? We used the VG.

Popped two or three but I didn’t like them so pulled them. Next try we had that cold snap, then it was like one at a time. That’s one reason why my plant is a clone of one of his. VG works great if I kept my house warmer in winter.

During the week day when people are at work the house drops to 16*. Basement’s a little colder. I rarely turn it up unless company or family are home. So that’s pretty cool mist of the time. At 3:30pm it goes back to 21*, then 18* at 11pm, etc. Works for us but seeds don’t like it.

 

[Pipecarver]

I already did not long after I posted. Peat pucks were soaking in the sink.

Mine uses one of my wife’s cotton pads. It’s the perfect size. None of the roots entered but I suspect they could. I was watching for it as I’ve had it happen in other methods.


I haven’t. Never needed one before. Always just waited for spring. Plus I ran clones in winter.


For a few degrees I put them in a sweater drawer. If it’s cold out I’ll put things on a warm object like the hot water tank. TV’s don’t work anymore and the fall off.


Yes I have three of that exact type. Used it for clones and seedlings. Using two on the veggies right now. I will usually keep a coin or something to keep one side up a bit for circulation, if needed.

Pretty sure I tried this for my sons seeds this grow? We used the VG.

Popped two or three but I didn’t like them so pulled them. Next try we had that cold snap, then it was like one at a time. That’s one reason why my plant is a clone of one of his. VG works great if I kept my house warmer in winter.

During the week day when people are at work the house drops to 16*. Basement’s a little colder. I rarely turn it up unless company or family are home. So that’s pretty cool mist of the time. At 3:30pm it goes back to 21*, then 18* at 11pm, etc. Works for us but seeds don’t like it.

I bought a heating mat for seedling years ago and I should have used it this year before I killed some good seeds I've elevate them about an inch off the mat with some spacers and that gives the heat without getting too hot. My cheap ass bought a heat pad without a temperature controller.

Whats this about your wife's cotton pads???/ how old is she you old dog? my wife hasn't needed them in years. Gees you must be doing something right eh?

 

[Zen_seeker]

I bought a heating mat for seedling years ago and I should have used it this year before I killed some good seeds I've elevate them about an inch off the mat with some spacers and that gives the heat without getting too hot. My cheap ass bought a heat pad without a temperature controller.

It was like $10, no controller though. So I put a hygrometer on it and plugged it into a dimmer plug.

Helped but not when it got real cold.

Whats this about your wife's cotton pads???/ how old is she you old dog? my wife hasn't needed them in years. Gees you must be doing something right eh?

I still chase her, I just forget why when I catch her.

Her approximately 2” makeup removing pads. Come in a plastic tube like smaller Pringles. They happen to be the perfect size.

Now where did she run off too…?

 

[Bandit420]

I already did not long after I posted. Peat pucks were soaking in the sink.

Mine uses one of my wife’s cotton pads. It’s the perfect size. None of the roots entered but I suspect they could. I was watching for it as I’ve had it happen in other methods.


I haven’t. Never needed one before. Always just waited for spring. Plus I ran clones in winter.


For a few degrees I put them in a sweater drawer. If it’s cold out I’ll put things on a warm object like the hot water tank. TV’s don’t work anymore and the fall off.


Yes I have three of that exact type. Used it for clones and seedlings. Using two on the veggies right now. I will usually keep a coin or something to keep one side up a bit for circulation, if needed.

Pretty sure I tried this for my sons seeds this grow? We used the VG.

Popped two or three but I didn’t like them so pulled them. Next try we had that cold snap, then it was like one at a time. That’s one reason why my plant is a clone of one of his. VG works great if I kept my house warmer in winter.

During the week day when people are at work the house drops to 16*. Basement’s a little colder. I rarely turn it up unless company or family are home. So that’s pretty cool mist of the time. At 3:30pm it goes back to 21*, then 18* at 11pm, etc. Works for us but seeds don’t like it.

A creative micro environment will be the solution.
That's pretty much what that canister delivers.
If 5 sites/5 seeds is good enough, by all means carry on.

If you want more, use your seedling heat mat and set up the paper towel method inside a cooler. The cheap foam coolers sold in the beer section of grocery stores is perfect if you don't already have a cooler. Main thing is that it's insulated or made of styrofoam.

A seedling heat mat will only raise the temp 10 degrees of what it's in contact with in closed space. A controller is not really needed in cool environments so you can get by not using or needing a controller. If you were germinating in a space that was above 70*F/21C then you might need a controller.

Put the heat mat down in the bottom of the cooler.
Put a large glass or ceramic dish like dinner plate or baking dish on top of the heat mat. You want surface to surface contact and a minimal air gap between the two.
Lay down two sheets of wet paper towel, your seeds, then cover with two more wet sheets.
You'll have pig tails in about 2-3 days.

I'll be starting wildflowers over the weekend doing what I described above if you want me to walk you thru it. These seeds I have are the size of pinheads and there's thousands of them so a large dish and paper towel is the method. When they sprout I'll simply lay the paper down over soil, lightly cover it with more soil, and water it all in.

When you want to take it to the next level, same thing but use your vertical germinator and replace the lid of the cooler with a light that runs warm. A CFL in daylight spectrum or incandescent grow lamp will do great.
Same thing only now in 2-3 days you'll have vertical sprouts without helmets. If handling sprouts kicks your ass like it does G$, practice is all it takes. You'll find gentle firmness is ideal and the sprouts will be tougher than you imagined they'd be when handling.

Then, if you want to take it to a whole other level and create a germinating plant starting kicking ass like a sumbitch grow machine....PC Grow box veg cab.

 

[Zen_seeker]

You have no idea how many old PC towers and servers I’ve given away or tossed. That would have been cool. One or two, including my current one, have clear side panels.

I’ll read over the above again and digest it when I’ve finished waking up. Camping/beer coolers I have a few of.

Thanks @Bandit420

 

[Zen_seeker]

I don’t normally put anything over seedlings but have with air flow on occasion when temperatures or humidity issues pop up. GNick used to do on the farm.

These domes go on over night but I take them off when I get up. If temps stay up I’ll leave them off all together.

Was running out of room on the hot water tank so grouped the new stuff in with the cucumbers.


Stuff already growing doesn’t get covered.

Getting the cheap plastic domes/containers gives me a good excuse to by pastries.

I put in sunflower seeds last night. By bed time one was ready to plant. By the morning seven more had started.


More popped over night.


Other than testing over the winter I’m happy with it. And now I have a second germination tool.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Planted five of the sunflowers yesterday. Now I have 9 I need to find a home for. Out of small pots.

Before bed the warmth was working.

This morning the cucumbers are up.

Frost is expected Monday so I can’t stick them outside for a while yet. I’ll put them upstairs in the tray in the window.

Looks like most of the tomatoes failed. My bad. Should have watered with the spray bottle rather than the tray. Lucky I still have two weeks to pop more.

Hot, humid and thunderstorms called for. Long weekend is going to suck. Still beats winter.

 

[Pipecarver]

Planted five of the sunflowers yesterday. Now I have 9 I need to find a home for. Out of small pots.

Before bed the warmth was working. View attachment 101546

This morning the cucumbers are up. View attachment 101547

Frost is expected Monday so I can’t stick them outside for a while yet. I’ll put them upstairs in the tray in the window.

Looks like most of the tomatoes failed. My bad. Should have watered with the spray bottle rather than the tray. Lucky I still have two weeks to pop more.

Hot, humid and thunderstorms called for. Long weekend is going to suck. Still beats winter.

Long Weekend?.....oh sht.....I forget about these things, every week is a long weekend. Is this one where stores are closed? ....how inconvenient if they are....lol......It wouldn't be the first time we went out to shop and find out the stores are closed?????? Holiday??? About 10 years ago we drove into Halifax to go to the Casino....closed...wtf? Easter Sunday???...lol...its only gotten worse

 

[Zen_seeker]

A creative micro environment will be the solution. That's pretty much what that canister delivers. If 5 sites/5 seeds is good enough, by all means carry on.

That’s pretty much all I need over winter. I don’t usually pop seeds then.

If you want more, use your seedling heat mat and set up the paper towel method inside a cooler. The cheap foam coolers sold in the beer section of grocery stores is perfect if you don't already have a cooler. Main thing is that it's insulated or made of styrofoam.

We have a few coolers but a better option is the styrofoam cube my wife’s meds come in. They pack it with dry ice to make it travel safe.

A seedling heat mat will only raise the temp 10 degrees of what it's in contact with in closed space. A controller is not really needed in cool environments so you can get by not using or needing a controller. If you were germinating in a space that was above 70*F/21C then you might need a controller.

First heat mat but I recall hearing they only make up to 10* difference.

Put the heat mat down in the bottom of the cooler. Put a large glass or ceramic dish like dinner plate or baking dish on top of the heat mat. You want surface to surface contact and a minimal air gap between the two. Lay down two sheets of wet paper towel, your seeds, then cover with two more wet sheets. You'll have pig tails in about 2-3 days.

Funny. I do it in the basement bathroom as it’s the warmest room. Leave the mat on the counter pretty much as you note. Then I fill the sink with hot water and close the door.

Your suggestion is a micro version ov the same thing but much easier to control.

I'll be starting wildflowers over the weekend doing what I described above if you want me to walk you thru it.

Cool. Getting ours ready now too. Mostly veggies and sunflowers. I’m almost done though. Just a few things left. And the stringless beans haven’t popped yet. Just a few things left like lettuce I need to plant directly.

These seeds I have are the size of pinheads and there's thousands of them so a large dish and paper towel is the method. When they sprout I'll simply lay the paper down over soil, lightly cover it with more soil, and water it all in.

Nice. They sell wild flowers like that and I recall seeing a family member do something similar with folded over toilet paper for flowers. Never thought about doing it for the small seeds like radishes or green onions.

When you want to take it to the next level, same thing but use your vertical germinator and replace the lid of the cooler with a light that runs warm. A CFL in daylight spectrum or incandescent grow lamp will do great.
Same thing only now in 2-3 days you'll have vertical sprouts without helmets. If handling sprouts kicks your ass like it does G$, practice is all it takes. You'll find gentle firmness is ideal and the sprouts will be tougher than you imagined they'd be when handling.

I had tried the dome over the seed mat with the VG inside but had mixed results. It did pop the current plants we’re growing. But using the styrofoam cube should be better. Heat mats probably too long though.

Then, if you want to take it to a whole other level and create a germinating plant starting kicking ass like a sumbitch grow machine....PC Grow box veg cab.

View attachment 101407

Although a cool idea I can’t see me using a PC case. That’s more of a hiding thing than a practical thing. It’s not worth the time and trouble for a few months extra seed popping months.

I have a few coolers and two of the styrofoam cubes. Fitting the heat mat is the only concern off the top of my head.

Thanks. Nice to have options. I’ll still use both the VG and this new device because they cover different conditions just on their own.

I’m trying stringless beans now but they haven’t popped yet.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Long Weekend?.....oh sht.....I forget about these things, every week is a long weekend. Is this one where stores are closed? ....how inconvenient if they are....lol......It wouldn't be the first time we went out to shop and find out the stores are closed?????? Holiday??? About 10 years ago we drove into Halifax to go to the Casino....closed...wtf? Easter Sunday???...lol...its only gotten worse

Yeah, I tend to notice weekends and look forward to some holidays but day to day is pretty much rinse and repeat.

A few times store closures have caught me off guard.

 

[steamroller]

You both got me nervous enough to check a paper calendar [ don't tell the youth about them].
Luckily only a Canadian [eh?] holiday.
We do Memorial Day next Monday~!

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250516: Flower Day 46 W7

Temperatures have been better but not consistent. Humidity has remained high and forced us to close off the room as much as possible. Dehumidifier runs until lights on at 7pm. On good days that keeps us around 45RH, 60RH on bad days.

Zen 1:



Zen 2:



Zen 2: 1x3



Mine in the 1x3 seems on track but I feel his are behind. Not feeding soon enough and too many dry backs. But it’s just a gut feeling.

-=-=-=-

Vegetables are coming along. Humidity on the main floor is probably helpful in this case.





Only one tomato plant is up, Roma. The rest I must have drowned that first week using the tray to water. Since then I’ve just used a spray bottle.

Ah well. I’ve got more tomatoes seeds and this wasn’t a horrible first run test. Cucumbers, five different peppers, spinach, and a bunch of sunflowers all up. Now it’s just waiting until the end of the month so I can plant outside.