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Episode 997 – Successful Seed Starting

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Join me for a discussion on starting your seeds and out usual “Monday Segments.”

Sponsor 1: InvestibleWealth.com

Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com, Coupon code LFTN

LFTN Spring Workshop Tickets go on Sale Saturday at 9am Central. 

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  • Alan Booker, 2 deep sessions on permaculture topics
  • Jack Spirko, Building Bioreactor Compost and Biochar
  • Nicole Sauce, Lessons Learned from 3 Years Raising Regenerative Sheep
  • Emily Skyles Zanotti: Urban Homesteading
  • Dawn Gorham, Building A Homestead Business 
  • Tactical Redneck – A tour of erosion remediation projects at the Holler Homestead. 
  • Joel Ryals, Problem Solving and Planning for Success
  • Roundtable Discussion. Function stacking: Holler Homestead Greenhouse Design with Nicole Sauce
  • Harry Albright – Hands on – Building Cages
  • Knitting – Lani Johnson
  • Jenni Hill – Somatic Movement and Breath Work
  • Barter Blanket
  • John Pugliano – Permaculture Your Wealth
  • Kerry Brown- Planning Your Off Grid Home
  • Patrick Roehrman – Accomplishing Anything How I transformed raw land into a family HQ

Updated Links for Equipment:

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

  • Double and triple cooking paid off for Mom’s knee replacement
  • Looking to skim coat the concrete this weekend or next week so that we can move utilities and do the final sweep in there
  • Refining what I store to LESS

Frugality Tip – send one in

Operation Independence

Picked up the processed lambs today, Lambs for sale!

Main Topic: Seed Starting

4 Keys to Successful Seedlings

  1. Light, Light, Light
    • A window isn’t going to cut it—this is the #1 reason for failure.
    • Use proper, full-spectrum grow lights (like Burrina lights) positioned uncomfortably close to seedlings.
    • Keep lights on 12-16 hours per day for strong, stocky plants.
    • If you don’t have grow lights, be prepared for leggy seedlings.
  2. Soil Temperature Matters
    • Too cold? Bad germination and weak seedlings.
    • Ideal temp: 65-85 for many plants
    • Use a seed heat mat (updated links below) or place trays in a warm spot like on top of the fridge.
  3. Consistent Moisture—Not Overwatering
    • Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
    • Bottom watering is best—use trays with no holes to create a DIY water table.
    • Overwatering leads to weak roots and damping off. Underwatering even once can stunt growth for the life of the plant
  4. Potting Mix & Soil Biology
    • If you’re new, just buy a good quality seed-starting mix. Look for fine-textured, bark-free soil.
    • Pro tip: Add a quart of soil from a well-run local garden to introduce beneficial microbes and integrate local soil biology.
    • Advanced growers: Make your own with compost, biochar, worm castings, and indigenous microorganisms (IMO).
    • Compost tea made from local soil is a fantastic boost.

Soil Mix

  • Don’t mix your own unless you know what you’re doing (WRONG ADVICE)
    • Experiment while setting yourself up for success—but start with a 50/50 blend before committing fully.
    • Learn from my mistakes

Trays & Containers

  • Deep pots (3-4 inches) = Stronger roots
  • Plastic trays with no drainage holes work great for bottom watering.
  • Solo cups are cheap and effective (poke a few drainage holes).
  • Peat pucks: Can work, but I don’t use them.
  • Peat pots: Just don’t.

Choosing Seeds: Heirloom vs. Hybrid

  • It’s all okay! Pick what works for your system.
  • Good seedling choices: Tomatoes, peppers, kale, chard, broccoli, lettuce, loofahs.
  • Less ideal: Squash, cucumbers (direct sow if possible).
  • Don’t start indoors: Peas, beans, carrots, and most root crops.

First Year: Choose 1-2 things, experiment, and don’t stress if you buy starts. Keep going!

Troubleshooting Germination: The Paper Towel Trick

  • Use damp paper towels in a plastic bag to check seed viability before planting.

Keeping Costs Down (While Buying Quality Equipment)

  • Source second-hand greenhouse supplies from local growers.
  • Attend local seed swaps (like the one here in February) for high-quality, adapted seeds.
  • Consider bulk seed buys as a community.

 

Make it a great week!

 

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

 

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