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Re: Propagation Tools/Misters

Hi Angelika,

> Hi,

>>Do I really need to mist the soil on a schedule basis and what is the
>>recommended tool? I have seen seedling misters in the catalogs

> I also have a greenhouse (Northern Lights--just love it!)  Having my share
> of starting seeds this year.  Lots of damp off.  I read that we should
> never mist our seeds from above......I'm confused.....can someone clarify?
> ? ?

> Angelika

True, it's better not to as this (along with excessive humidity and poor air
circulation) can promote fungi which cause damping off. With alpines used to
being in the clouds it might be the way to go for them, mimicing natural
conditions, but for most seeds/seedlings I think it's better to bottom water. 
Set your flats in a tray (if they aren't already) and add a half inch or so of
water to the tray.  Capillary action will draw the water right up to the soil
surface level.

Regarding knowing when flats are needing water, there is no substitute for
picking individual ones up and feeling their wieght - unless you have an
accurate moisture meter or some such thing.  It isn't absolutely necessary to
pick up every single of thousands of flats, just a representative sampling
should be enough to decide whether to water a tray or not.

Cheers

   ____________________
  |                    |
  |     Bob Carter     | Kootenay Bay
  |  bcarter@awinc.com | BC, Canada
  |____________________|


.: Mind over Matter: If you don't mind, it doesn't matter :.
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