Using Peat Pellet disks / peat cups for germination.

[SnowRider221]

Well at the flower nursery the other day, i was asking about germinating seeds, and they told me the most successful way is to use these Jiffy Peat pellets... There little disks with a little hold for the seed. I've heard some say NOT to use these for germinating marijuana, but if I'm considering germinating outdoors if possible, would i be able to use one of these, and than have it grow into a soil filled peat cup? I'd than transplant one time into small pots, and from there into there final growing location.

I was planning on germinating the seeds with the paper towel method, and than using these peat disks. If i use the peat disks, do i still use the paper towel method, or do i just put the seed in the disk, and keep it moist and warm?

Also, is it alright to just put the peat disk on top of a peat cup with soil into it? will the roots still grow through the bottom of the peat disk, into the soil, and than through the peat cup as well?

Thanks a lot!

~Snow

 

[Lofty]

i use jiffy pellets all the time, since i've been using them for coles i've had 100% rooting, i use then for seeds but i paper towel then first, wen they crack i put then in jiffy. the jiffy pellets are completely sterile and very mild medium thats y they work so well. go for it snowrider, u wont go wrong.

 

[SnowRider221]

hehe thanks a lot lofty! are you stalking me ? you're the first to post in all of my topics.

just kidding, you're great, and thanks for all the help!


edit : oh, do you think i should buy new peat cups if the ones i have are like 3 years old?

 

[nycdfan042]

Snow rider you stumbled on a best kept secret of MJ gardening! & who ever told you peat pellets are bad for MJ is a moron! lol peat is awesome mixed with vermiculite and perlite!! as a gowing medium it roX!!! ive used peat pellets for years, the make great medium for cuttings and seedlings. You have to keep them moist because peat dries out very fast, but well kept seelings thrive in peat pellets.

 

[Lofty]

Hey snowrider, no probs, theres that many threads going at once i usually check the unanswered ones first (looking for victims, i can see you) i've got cuttings and seeds in now wen the roots show thro i'll post pics.

 

[10k]

Peat pucks are ok. I see no problems using them and have used them successfully in the past although soil in a small plastic planter does the job just fine imho. But I've never liked peat CUPS...

I've always advised against the use of peat CUPS for two good reasons.
First, peat cups act like evaporative coolers on the soil within them. The surface of the peat cups is always wet and the action of evaporation on the surface chills the soil as much as @ 10f cooler than the room they're in. Just break out your thermometer and see for yourself, the slightest breeze in the room and they'll cool the soil down bigtime.
We all know that cold soil sucks for healthy plant growth, especially very young seedlings. For that reason, I'd much prefer just using small plastic planters and potting up as needed.

Secondly, peat cups can cause some slow down (or resistance) for roots growing through them unrestricted unless they're kept fairly wet until they soften up after they've been planted into the soil. Young seedlings don't take well to being constantly wet or over watered.

Sure alot of people use them without problems, but I cant see it unless they have them in very warm grow room conditions. Some even claim they have "seemless" transition to soil and no transplant shock involved.

To each his own...thats just my 2 cents worth

 

[The Slickster]

There are a few problems that can occur with the cups and pellets. The cups can mold and the pellets can contain fungus gnat eggs and or fungus. Provided a sterile plug is used, even a rapid rooter, it should be smooth sailing. Also, a clean bag of peat based seedling mix with perlite and dolomite will work wonders provided it is sterile enough and free from fungus and gnat and or eggs.