From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Fairport,NY

I have been testing different germination techniques the last couple of weeks. I feel pretty confident in the method i have come up with.. Filing seeds,Soaking for 2 hours in water from the dehumidifyer,Germinating in a old cooler with a heating pad set at a constant 85 degrees Transfering germinated seeds into 12" Split pVC containers filled with organic Potting from "Bumper crop" then using a grow lamp once the seedlings emerge. The One question that i need feedback on is as the seedlings grow I have been gradual backfilling Potting mix and raising the grow light to help develop a Long "Tap Root" I am going to take the pots apart in another few days and see if the stem being covered gradually is developing additional roots? Does this sound like it would be a good thing to develop a long "tap Root" or does anyone think it might do harm?
Thanks
Bumkin

11/24/2007 5:12:38 PM

[email protected]

The best bet is always to get the seedling into real sunlight ASAP so the growlight related legginess won't need to be corrected.

Your current technique is masking the legginess caused by low light. In the open ground a long tap root is inevitable in good soil & full sun.

11/24/2007 6:08:55 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Your techniquic will produce roots along the young stem.
However I don't believe it is necessary to provide more roots. You may find that to get these roots you need to leave it in the pvc pot longer than is desireable. I tried this in 2004 and it works to get roots but does it really help? I doubt it.

11/24/2007 6:20:49 PM

Ontario, Canada.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=16302

How To Plant Seedlings To Encourage Maximum Root Growth

By David Clatterbuck (Dsclatt) - June 2001

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=65

11/24/2007 6:28:52 PM

Ontario, Canada.

I have found the best way to encourage root growth is with
indole-3-butyric acid 0.1% (IBA)and or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).

11/24/2007 6:34:02 PM

western PA

"I have found the best way to encourage root growth is with indole-3-butyric acid 0.1% (IBA)and or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)."

Could you please elaborate on that? Is it used instead of or in conjunction with mycorrhizal fungi? And does it really make a difference? - Janet, a newb who is willing to try anything once, lol

11/24/2007 7:17:43 PM

Middleton, WI

I agree with Steve (Tremor), that getting the plant out in sunlight is the best solution to avoid the leggyness altogether. Its best to keep it simple. We get the plants outdoors in natural sunlight as soon as they sprout. We build a wood frame and cover it with a 6 mil plastic. When the temperatures look to be threatening add a light bulb to add heat.

11/24/2007 8:33:59 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Yes, mycorrhizal fungi can be used in conjuction with IBA % NAA.

11/24/2007 8:54:08 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Jang, have a look in Russ' (kahuna) diary from 2004 around Jan. 4.

11/25/2007 11:53:37 PM