Re: HYB: CULT: seedlings

I routinely use globs of fresh or weathered horse manure (no bedding) for the lower third of pots, making sure there is ample potting mix between the layer of manure and the seeds or seedling roots. Not in the 4 inch seed pots, but in the bigger ones, and in styrofoam or other plastic cups for individual seedlings. 

Sometimes use a few tree leaves.
Be sure to knock loose excess manure when lining out, or it can be a magnet for soil fauna (worms, grubs) which are a magnet for moles and skunks. Their digging leaves roots exposed to air.
Ice pick will poke a hole in those plastic cups that shatter. Not a problem. 

Phosgene from burning styrofoam and (?some) other plastics.
<<some of the annoyances can be resolved by placing a piece of plastic window screening in the container before filling so that the medium won't flow out of the drainage holes. >> On a short term basis a coffee filter placed in the bottom of the pot will work. They fit as is for mum pots but can be cut smaller. 

--
Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8
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