Using jiffy seed starting mix ugh!! Do I throw it out or try it out?

9 years ago

Hello!

So I'm setting up my trays for growing under lights and I made the mistake of buying jiffy seed starting mix. I put the mix in the little pots BEFORE wetting it realizing only after what a mistake that was.

So now I think I have it finally moist/wet through and through and ready to plant the seeds. I'm thinking to throw it all away and use another mix because I really want to give these seeds the best chance I have. I guess my question is, should I throw it out or try to use it? Now that it's wet/moist, I assume it won't be hard to water it? I just don't want doubt or difficulty watering my seedlings when they need it. Can I just use a spray bottle to water from above or water from above? I just don't want to be worried about if the pots are indeed soaking up water. If that's the case I will toss it out and try another mix.

Suggestions please!

Featured Answer

digdirt2

9 years ago

Many factors contribute to successful germination and this issue is only one of them. You also have to have the right soil temps, light in some cases, the right size shallow containers for seed germination, viable seeds, etc. So there are no guarantees either way.

While Jiffy Mix isn't the best it does work so since you haven't sown the seeds yet why not just dump all the "pots" into a bucket and make sure it is all good and wet and then refill the containers before planting the seeds?

Misting is the least effective way of watering because it only wets the top surface. Bottom watering that forces the soil to suck up the water needed is most effective but it has to be fully wetted to work. Top watering is ok if you can do it without disturbing the seeds or seedlings.

Dave

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Comments (6)

Z Man
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Dave. What I want to make sure of is that once the Jiffy mix is moist/wet throughout, that I won't have further problems watering it. Will it then easily soak up water from the bottom?

I had had the jiffy mix in jiffy pots soaking in water for OVER A WEEK and believe me there are still areas where the peat is dry. If I empty those pots, make a huge mess with the jiffy mix to get it moist, I need to know that from then on afterwards, it will easy to water the seedlings. Please advise! Thanks.

Z
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digdirt2
9 years ago
There should be no further issues UNLESS it is allowed to get overly dry. In that case the water repelling nature can reassert itself. So careful monitoring of the soil moisture levels - not just the surface - is important.

Dave
Z Man
Original Author
9 years ago
What doesn't it make sense that the surface would be the first part to start drying out and not the bottom??
digdirt2
9 years ago
Yes it is the first to dry out but it is also the first to show as wet even when the soil below the surface is still dry. The point is the surface is not the best indication of the need for water.

You use your fingers poked into the soil to determine the need for water. That is one reason why bottom watering is better than top watering. The soil will wick up the water and once the surface shows wet you know that ALL the soil is wet too.

Dave
Z Man
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Dave. I still am not the biggest fan of Jiffy, but I guess I'll keep the bag around for future seedlings.

Z