2026-01-08 First Batch Peppers
2026-01-08 - Into a seed propagator next to the radiator with heat matt.
First batch was planted using a seed sowing compost from Westland into our 5x8 seed tray propagators, which fit perfectly onto a re-purposed growbag tray.
Heat matt is set to 24°C/75°f, with a light mist applied to the top, and main water left in the tank below.
Seeds are planted at a depth of about 0.5 cm around the edges and labelled.
A few days later we planted some additional seeds that had come a bit later into the middle leaving a space for the thermometer.
2026-01-18 - Seeds pretty much there
Majority of seeds have germinated and have the first small leaves (cotyledons), so in the next day or two they will be moved to a slightly different location and given some light.
Cotyledons (Seed Leaves)
These are not true leaves that the plant will use in future, but give the plant its first food from photosynthesis. Pretty much all seedlings look the same, although plants differ in that they have either one or two of these initial leaves.
Don't worry if they fall off in future!
We will be leaving these seedlings in the tray until the plants have at least their first set of proper leaves.
2026-01-20 - Onto a slightly cooler matt with lighting
The seedlings are approaching the top of the dome, so they've been moved to our second tray, where the temperature is set to 21°C/70°f with supplemental lighting each day (about 12-16 hours).
In preparation for future growth, a set of old computer fans have been setup and a slow airflow will be pushed over the plants a couple of hours a day to stimulate strength in the stem.
Edit: To save space, we moved these back to the original but turned down the heat level slightly.
2026-02-03 Almost ready for transplant
As we enter February, the majority of the seedlings have "true leaves", and we are having to water underneath almost every other day, at this rate in around a week or so we will be transplanting to small pots.
The tomatoes will probably be the first to get transplanted, they've raced up.
A light breeze for an hour a day from some repurposed old computer fans should help strengthen the main stems.
