[littlegrow]

Does anyone start there seeds outside, if so do u start with bottles over them to protect them from animals ?

[St. Phatty]

Originally Posted by littlegrow

Does anyone start there seeds outside, if so do u start with bottles over them to protect them from animals ?

Seems like most of the time, a seed started outside becomes Food for a

Snail
Slug
Rabbit ... etc.

A plastic water bottle with the bottom cut off can help protect the plants - if they're in the shade.

[troutman]

Unless you have lots of seeds to spare.

Don't get into "direct seeding" or you may get depressed in a hurry.
When the plants are tiny it's insects that normally attack the plants
1st. I much prefer starting them indoors until they are 4-6" tall than
direct seeding. My success rate is higher when I do this.

[MountainBudz]

Nursery trays
Root Stimulator
Pro-Mix
Chicken Wire (Laid/Fixed horizontally over trays)
Sevin (Liquid)
Never failed me yet...
..... Protect from heavy rains and long periods of direct hot sunlight.

Good to go!

[hamstring]

I agree you should count on 2 seeds for every hole but many people including myself have over 80-85% germ rate.

Its all in how and what you germ in. search the topic there are many discussions pros and cons.

[RedACD]

I was having a very tough time this year with slugs and snails. I raised my pots up about 3 feet on planter stands and so far have had no more slimy pest issues. Just doing autos in 3 gallon pots with no covering or clear lids.

YMMV

[MountainBudz]

A good idea that first popped into my mind if your having trouble with slugs is the same method I mentioned in this thread, except, add a piece of copper wire around the top of the nursery tray just bend it out in same shape as tray and voila! You now have a defense barrier!

]

[therevverend]

Starting seed outdoor is doable but indoor is much easier. Got to be warm enough of course. You need a nice set up, netting or a cover to keep out animals. Birds are the worst. Mice, slugs, and other pests will go for the sprouts. Shelter from wind and rain is important.
Indoors near a window for natural light. Then moving outdoors during the day and bringing in at night works best if possible. Most plant gobblers operate after dark.

[therevverend]

Starting cuttings this time of year is doable too. The key is shade, no direct sun at all. Put them in cubes or medium in a tray with water. If they're good strong cuttings off a flourishing outdoor plant the cover may not be necessary. Soak them down a couple times a day and never let the medium dry out. They should root within a couple weeks.
The only draw back, once you bring them inside they'll be riddled with pests. You need good control when mildew, mites, thrips and the rest attack. I'd start as soon as they come in.