jiffy plugs etc..

[Ladygardener]

I wonder how many people have tried the jiffy 7 or little peat plugs for germinating seedlings in? I'm going to a garden shop tomorrow and wondered if they're worth trying.
They're little dry thingys which you moisten and they turn into a tiny little pot like thing that you place your seed in to grow? I'd be grateful for any info at all or any experiences you have.
They're not to be confused with the little pots that you fill with compost and plant everything together with. Hope this makes sense.

[Rosefriend]

I have to say that I don't like them at all....I just never seem to have got on with them although I have tried a few times...

To start with they are wet, too wet mostly, then they dry out totally even if you watch them like a hawk, then for the most part everything I had rotted in them and also that mesh around them stopped roots with some things I found. When I tried to take it off I mashed the seedlings as well...

Possibly me being ham fisted but they are not for me - the little pots that you add earth aren't either - they dry out far too fast as well..

RF

[carolann]

I have only used them once for peas and they where OK the roots got out alright and they where easier to plant but the little netting around them was in the soil for ages, still have a lot left but not bothered to use them.

[Jasmine]

I love those little jiffy plug things LG - I use quite a lot of them and have 2 huge trays designed to hold them steady.

[Ladygardener]

Thanks very much for your input ladies, it seems they might be worth a try perhaps for a strong seedling like the peas. I'm going to ask one of the assistants for some advice about them too and I'll mention your concerns and see what they say.

[Rosefriend]

I think that might be the answer LG - stronger seedlings - I wonder if beans would do well..

RF

[Ladygardener]

I've sown all my broad beans but will have runner and french ones to do. I think they'd be the ones I'd give a go to, maybe the courgette too.

[Rosefriend]

Yes, good idea - I will get some the next time we are out...give them another try!!

RF

[Ladygardener]

We can compair how things go.

[Ladygardener]

Well so much for that idea. The place I went to this morning was so small you coud'nt whip a cat in it. I completly forgot about the little plug thingys when I got there, so taken back was I, numpty that I am. I did order the perlite and paid for it as , they did'nt have it in stock, I[ve just rung them and they're going to throw in 2 dozen of the jiffy plugs as well, and they're delivering it to me free of charge this week so at least that's something.

[Jasmine]

Good luck with the jiffy plugs. I like them for courgettes and pumpkins and so on. I think I used some last year that were coir rather than peat and they didn't have those little net covers because Carolann's right - they don't compost...ever I think! ;D

[Barbara]

I use loo roll middles for peas and beans, I then stand them in those see through trays that you buy tomatoes in, I get 8 in, I dont take them out of those 'till planting time so they don't break down . then just plant the loo rolls in the ground.

[Ladygardener]

I did the loo roll thing for years with sweetpeas and even Parsnips to start them off early but thought this year I'd do something different Barbara.
I'll make sure to remove any netting before I plant them out if I can then Jasmine. Perhaps they won't have netting on the ones I'm getting, it does'nt mention it anyhow. i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/undecided.gif

[MamIDdau]

I used them for the peas and beans, but this year I forgot and just put them in normal pots... despite getting the peat pots out ready!!