Diatomaceous Earth as a seed starting medium - Page 51

BigVanVader · February 12, 2015

Just to update I have started almost all of my pepper/tomato/eggplant seeds in DE this year and have had no issues of any kind. Although I didn't have any in Metromix 360 either, the germination has been much faster in DE and the % of seeds germinated has improved around 25%. This could possibly be due to other factors such as source of seeds etc but I think its likely the DE.

The only thing I don't like about DE is that unless you use clear containers it is hard to tell if they need watering or not since the top dries out so fast. How often do you guys water your seedlings in DE? I have been doing it 2x a week and spraying the top until most of the seeds have fully germinated.
I have had a little mold growth here and there but it hasn't caused any issues and I haven't lost any plants.

Thanks to everyone who has helped this thread spread knowledge

svalli · February 13, 2015

I do water all my plantings from bottom and with the DE I usually keep a bit water on the tray all the time. The stuff that I use may not be the real DE or exactly like the one sold in U.S., but it should work the same way.

For my tomato seeds I used a plastic seedling tray with one piece 20 cell insert. I filled all except one of the cells with the gravel and I use the empty one to pour water on the bottom and via it I can see how much water there is.

This is how my babies look now

(Clicking the photo should open it bigger)

Sari

RayR · February 13, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by svalli

I do water all my plantings from bottom and with the DE I usually keep a bit water on the tray all the time. The stuff that I use may not be the real DE or exactly like the one sold in U.S., but it should work the same way.

For my tomato seeds I used a plastic seedling tray with one piece 20 cell insert. I filled all except one of the cells with the gravel and I use the empty one to pour water on the bottom and via it I can see how much water there is.

This is how my babies look now

(Clicking the photo should open it bigger)

Sari

Sari, the plants look great. I see Eco-Grip now has a horticultural version called Eco-Grip Grow. It's not DE but it looks like it has many of the same properties, serves the same purpose as growing substrate.

RayR · February 13, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigVanVader

Just to update I have started almost all of my pepper/tomato/eggplant seeds in DE this year and have had no issues of any kind. Although I didn't have any in Metromix 360 either, the germination has been much faster in DE and the % of seeds germinated has improved around 25%. This could possibly be due to other factors such as source of seeds etc but I think its likely the DE.

The only thing I don't like about DE is that unless you use clear containers it is hard to tell if they need watering or not since the top dries out so fast. How often do you guys water your seedlings in DE? I have been doing it 2x a week and spraying the top until most of the seeds have fully germinated.
I have had a little mold growth here and there but it hasn't caused any issues and I haven't lost any plants.

Thanks to everyone who has helped this thread spread knowledge

Water from the bottom and let it wick up to the top. That way you know it's not drying out.

b54red · February 14, 2015

I would definitely do all my watering from the bottom until the plants are fairly large and more immune to damping off. I would recommend that since you are in a very humid climate, that you not leave the planting cells or cups in a watering tray with water in it all the time. The only times I have had issues with damping off was when I did that.

My seed starting is done in a very small greenhouse that heats up quite a lot on sunny days and will dry the DE out very fast but in times of cloudy cold weather they may not need watering for over a week. I suggest you watch the surface of the DE and let that tell you when to water. If the surface turns light then it is time to water. Later if you develop algae or mold on the surface you will have to touch it and nudge the DE to see how dry it is under the surface.

Bill

Gardeneer · February 15, 2015

IMO, seed germination has nothing to do withe type of medium
For the seed to germinnate, they need MOISTURE and HEAT ( 75 to 85F)
People successfully germinate, in zip bags, topperware, empty glass ...
Medium CAN make a difference AFTER germination, when the seedling grow roots, looging for moisture, nutriens and air.

Boarhead · February 22, 2015

I am trying the autozone stuff vs jiffy mix. Will post results!

RayR · February 22, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boarhead

I am trying the autozone stuff vs jiffy mix. Will post results!

That was my original experiment in this thread way back in the beginning. Looking forward to your results.

b54red · March 19, 2015

I know someone mentioned how to sterilize the used DE in order to reuse it but I can't remember what temperature to bake it to in the oven or for how long. I am using a lot of Optisorb in my grafting and really don't need it for anything else and I would like to reuse it if it isn't too much trouble to sterilize so if someone can tell me how I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Bill

Worth1 · March 19, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by b54red

I know someone mentioned how to sterilize the used DE in order to reuse it but I can't remember what temperature to bake it to in the oven or for how long. I am using a lot of Optisorb in my grafting and really don't need it for anything else and I would like to reuse it if it isn't too much trouble to sterilize so if someone can tell me how I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Bill

Spread out preheat oven to 180f and bake for 30 minutes.
At least that is what you can do for soil.
The industry says for consumption to heat for 30 minutes at 140 to 160.

Worth

JamesL · March 19, 2015

Last year for me - tinfoil covered baking tray. Tossed in the oven set to 400 or 450 cannot remember exactly. Came back after about 30 minutes to stir it around. Cooked for about another 30 min until bone dry.
I wanted bone dry so I could pack for storage immediately upon cooling.
The high temp also had the effect of burning up some of the left over roots which was a good thing.

tnkrer · March 19, 2015

Out of 9 seeds I had in the seed trays, 3 germinated
two seedlings died due to damping off in the DE.

brand new DE, bottom watered, on a heating mat, no sunlight so far. Once they get true leaves, they will go under the lights

So going back to my old method of sprouting in a dixie cup and then transplanting the sprouts to the DE seed tray. I hope that will prevent some damping off

Rairdog · March 19, 2015

I put the used DE in the microwave for 3-4 minutes in a glass bow when barely damp. Then I check it to 180.

I started over 500 plants in DE so far this year with over 90% germination and no damping off at all. That includes:

Pepper - Cal Wonder, China Giant, Anaheim, Greek pepperochini, Corno di toro, Serano, Orange habanero ( I have 72 super hots germ. now)

Tomato's - Martino Roma, Pineapple, Cherokee Purple (I planted another 72 of various varieties yesterday)

Baby Bok Choi, Muchilini Cabbage, Spinach(2 types), Kale, Chard, Lettuce (4 types), Kohlrabi, Lime Basil, Common Basil and Butterfly weed

Celery was a bit of a problem but it was my fault with moisture.

Here are some random pics. Everything was started in DE except for flowers.

Fig was propagated in DE but is in soiless now with DE topping. The butterfly weed next to it was also started in DE. I am working on Goji Berry now and will try other berry propagation throughout the year.

The BEST part...it is super easy to shake off the DE when you let it dry out for transplanting to my aquaponics system. No more rinsing and soggy roots. There is also less shock. Here a a shot of one of the AP beds. They took off much faster than previous years.

Overall shot of the GH.

Thanks Ray!

Stvrob · March 19, 2015

I use the microwave quite regularly to sterilize soil. It works great, I never have damping off problems any more.

RayR · March 19, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnkrer

Out of 9 seeds I had in the seed trays, 3 germinated
two seedlings died due to damping off in the DE.

brand new DE, bottom watered, on a heating mat, no sunlight so far. Once they get true leaves, they will go under the lights

So going back to my old method of sprouting in a dixie cup and then transplanting the sprouts to the DE seed tray. I hope that will prevent some damping off

Thinking about where the Pythium or whatever spores came into the picture since the DE is sterile out of the bag.
What is your water source that you used?
Did you sterilize your seed trays before filling them?

How warm was the soil on the heat mat?

February 13, 2015	#752
svalli Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vaasa, Finland, latitude N 63° Posts: 838	I do water all my plantings from bottom and with the DE I usually keep a bit water on the tray all the time. The stuff that I use may not be the real DE or exactly like the one sold in U.S., but it should work the same way. For my tomato seeds I used a plastic seedling tray with one piece 20 cell insert. I filled all except one of the cells with the gravel and I use the empty one to pour water on the bottom and via it I can see how much water there is. This is how my babies look now (Clicking the photo should open it bigger) Sari __________________ "I only want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream." - Moomin-troll by Tove Jansson

February 22, 2015	#757
Boarhead Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Nashville Posts: 34	I am trying the autozone stuff vs jiffy mix. Will post results! Last edited by Boarhead; February 22, 2015 at 08:06 PM.

March 19, 2015	#763
Rairdog Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2014 Location: Noblesville, IN Posts: 112	I put the used DE in the microwave for 3-4 minutes in a glass bow when barely damp. Then I check it to 180. I started over 500 plants in DE so far this year with over 90% germination and no damping off at all. That includes: Pepper - Cal Wonder, China Giant, Anaheim, Greek pepperochini, Corno di toro, Serano, Orange habanero ( I have 72 super hots germ. now) Tomato's - Martino Roma, Pineapple, Cherokee Purple (I planted another 72 of various varieties yesterday) Baby Bok Choi, Muchilini Cabbage, Spinach(2 types), Kale, Chard, Lettuce (4 types), Kohlrabi, Lime Basil, Common Basil and Butterfly weed Celery was a bit of a problem but it was my fault with moisture. Here are some random pics. Everything was started in DE except for flowers. Fig was propagated in DE but is in soiless now with DE topping. The butterfly weed next to it was also started in DE. I am working on Goji Berry now and will try other berry propagation throughout the year. The BEST part...it is super easy to shake off the DE when you let it dry out for transplanting to my aquaponics system. No more rinsing and soggy roots. There is also less shock. Here a a shot of one of the AP beds. They took off much faster than previous years. Overall shot of the GH. Thanks Ray! Last edited by Rairdog; March 19, 2015 at 05:38 PM.

February 12, 2015	#751
BigVanVader Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Greenville, South Carolina Posts: 3,099	Just to update I have started almost all of my pepper/tomato/eggplant seeds in DE this year and have had no issues of any kind. Although I didn't have any in Metromix 360 either, the germination has been much faster in DE and the % of seeds germinated has improved around 25%. This could possibly be due to other factors such as source of seeds etc but I think its likely the DE. The only thing I don't like about DE is that unless you use clear containers it is hard to tell if they need watering or not since the top dries out so fast. How often do you guys water your seedlings in DE? I have been doing it 2x a week and spraying the top until most of the seeds have fully germinated. I have had a little mold growth here and there but it hasn't caused any issues and I haven't lost any plants. Thanks to everyone who has helped this thread spread knowledge

February 14, 2015	#755
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	I would definitely do all my watering from the bottom until the plants are fairly large and more immune to damping off. I would recommend that since you are in a very humid climate, that you not leave the planting cells or cups in a watering tray with water in it all the time. The only times I have had issues with damping off was when I did that. My seed starting is done in a very small greenhouse that heats up quite a lot on sunny days and will dry the DE out very fast but in times of cloudy cold weather they may not need watering for over a week. I suggest you watch the surface of the DE and let that tell you when to water. If the surface turns light then it is time to water. Later if you develop algae or mold on the surface you will have to touch it and nudge the DE to see how dry it is under the surface. Bill

February 15, 2015	#756
Gardeneer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC - zone 8a - heat zone 7 Posts: 4,909	IMO, seed germination has nothing to do withe type of medium For the seed to germinnate, they need MOISTURE and HEAT ( 75 to 85F) People successfully germinate, in zip bags, topperware, empty glass ... Medium CAN make a difference AFTER germination, when the seedling grow roots, looging for moisture, nutriens and air.

March 19, 2015	#759
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	I know someone mentioned how to sterilize the used DE in order to reuse it but I can't remember what temperature to bake it to in the oven or for how long. I am using a lot of Optisorb in my grafting and really don't need it for anything else and I would like to reuse it if it isn't too much trouble to sterilize so if someone can tell me how I would appreciate it. Thanks. Bill

March 19, 2015	#761
JamesL Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 1,992	Last year for me - tinfoil covered baking tray. Tossed in the oven set to 400 or 450 cannot remember exactly. Came back after about 30 minutes to stir it around. Cooked for about another 30 min until bone dry. I wanted bone dry so I could pack for storage immediately upon cooling. The high temp also had the effect of burning up some of the left over roots which was a good thing.

March 19, 2015	#762
tnkrer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2013 Location: MA 6a/b Posts: 352	Out of 9 seeds I had in the seed trays, 3 germinated two seedlings died due to damping off in the DE. brand new DE, bottom watered, on a heating mat, no sunlight so far. Once they get true leaves, they will go under the lights So going back to my old method of sprouting in a dixie cup and then transplanting the sprouts to the DE seed tray. I hope that will prevent some damping off

March 19, 2015	#764
Stvrob Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,413	I use the microwave quite regularly to sterilize soil. It works great, I never have damping off problems any more.