Pictures 2/2

In honor of my first follower, Rob, a wee tiny gnome has found it's way into the greenhouses. I now believe it is mining for ore! Also notice how it's presence has made all of the other plants near it grow larger than the rest... How interesting...

Pictures are as of today (3/28)















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Weed or seed...ling?

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Pictures 1/2

Pictures as of 3/20














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Some More Basic Information… (Equipment and Materials used)

After selecting the varieties I wanted to use it was time to do some homework on the best way to get the seeds to germinate. After performing extensive research I found out that the Chinese Capsicum family of seeds germinates best between 75-85 degrees. Most websites recommended a heating pad after a 24 hour soak in warm water. In order to bolster success of growth it was also recommended to find a plant hormone called “Gibberelic Acid” to add to the soak. Finally, it was also suggested that any soil levels 6 and below were unsuitable for the seeds. Essentially below PH of 6 was too acidic for germination to occur. After searching endlessly for this hormone and coming up empty handed, a local nursery recommended a substance called “Super Thrive” which supposedly contained this hormone as well as some other natural ingredients. PS A word of advice, apparently this substance is also used to get “other” plants to grow if you get my jist, so be careful ordering this stuff if you don’t want the DEA kicking in your door =)

Initially I had set out and purchased a self watering peat pot system only to find out that the soil PH was a default of 5.5 – WAY too low. I decided instead to do some homework and found a soil that is PH Neutral in the form of “Miracle Grow Seed Starting Mix” found at most hardware stores. I then purchased a few greenhouse kits (50 seed planter kits with plastic lids) added the dirt and soaked the seeds. I also purchased two heating pads that I tested out when soaking the seeds (to keep the water warm-ish). They are all weather head pads that only increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees on average.

Finally the last advice I received was to start giving the seedlings 12-14 hours of light per day in order to prevent tall and flimsy plant growth. Apparently if you don’t do this, the plants grow tall rather than normally in order to reach up for extra light. At any rate after reviewing several options I decided to go with the Hydrofarm Jump Start 4ft light kit, which is adjustable for plant height, as well as long enough to put two 50 seed planters lengthwise under the light.

As is seen below, I then divided all seeds into their respective cups, placed them on the heat pad, added warm water, two drops of “SuperThrive” per cup and let them sit for 24 hours (3/15/2010). The following day I planted (3/16) and within one week I am now seeing the starting sprouts.

So to recap:
(2) 50 slot seed planter
(1) Bag of Miracle Grow Seed Starting Mix
(20) Plastic Cups
(2) Heat Pads (Hydrofarm Seedling Heat Mat)
(1) Hydrofarm Jump Start Grow 4ft Light System
(1) SuperThrive 4oz. Bottle

Some Basic Information... (Varieties)

First and foremost I have decided to attempt to grow 19 varieties of peppers. I suppose the first question would be “Why?” And to be honest? I’m not exactly sure, it just sounded like a fun thing to do. And furthermore, I know a few really good people (Rob and Jilly) who will eat and actually make use of most of these (respectively) so they will most likely not go to waste. I suppose the question then became “Why not?”

After much searching and debating on the internet I ran into a place that sold organic "Fire Chiles" (http://myorganicseeds.auctivacommerce.com/Chile-Pepper-Seeds-C149695.aspx) I should say that the guy who runs this place only answers the phone on the weekend, and is a tad bit eccentric... (http://refiningfirechiles.com/) He's a good guy though and gave me the basics on pretty much all I would need.

At any rate, the second site I ordered a few varieties from, the more traditional ones at least, was here (http://www.botanicalinterests.com/) your typical internet seed shop with limited stock. I think what I really wanted the most here was the two peppers the first site was out of, and finally the Pepperoncini.

Full list follows:
*(Refiningfirechilies.com)
Bhut Jolokia
Big Sun or Yellow Sun Habanero
Antillais Caribbean Habanero
Chocolate Bhut Jolokia
Jamaican Chocolate Habanero
Trinidad 7 Pot Hot Pepper
Trinidad Red Hot Cherry Pepper
Trinidad Yellow 7 Pod
Naga Morich Pepper
Congo Red Trinidad Habanero
Safi Red Scotch Habanero
Scotch Bonnet Hot Pepper
Organic Heirloom Sweet Chocolate Bell Pepper
Fatalii Hot Pepper
Mulato Isleno Pepper
Red Rocoto Hot Pepper
*(BotanicalInterests.com)
Sweet Italian Marconi
Pasilla Bajio
Pepperoncini Greek

Seedlings are soaking for 24 hrs @ 3/15


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