Re: [tomato] Seed starting advice
Orchid (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Wed, 3 Mar 1999 11:37:40 -0500
>I have a friend in the local University's electrical & lighting department.
>She says white actually reflects more than metallics like foil, mylar, or
even
>mirrors. White is the reflection (or lack of absorption) of all
wavelengths
>of light. The metallics do absorb some of the light. The back coating of
a
>mirror absorbs a little light.
>
>Alex
Thank you for your information, but I find that white reflecting more light
than mirrors or foil confusing. Don't car headlights use reflective
coatings in their headlights? I dabble with salt water fish, and they sell
reflective strips to put over aquarium bulbs to increase light output.
Isn't that what a mirror is? A surface that reflects ALL light so that you
can see your reflection perfectly? Ahhhh, the miracles of nature. Thank
you for adding to my knowledge of seedling propagation.
To those with more experience in gardening who might tire of the "same old
questions", remember, IF EVERYONE KNEW EVERYTHING.....THEN WE'D HAVE NO USE
FOR A DISCUSSION GROUP.
I for one have learned much from this tomato forum. Thank you to all.
Pete, Zone 10, South Florida
-----Original Message-----
From: EcuaOrq2@aol.com <EcuaOrq2@aol.com>
To: Tomato@GlobalGarden.com <Tomato@GlobalGarden.com>
Date: Wednesday, March 03, 1999 1:37 AM
Subject: Re: [tomato] Seed starting advice
>>>2. Seed manuals and yourself mention that after true leaves appear, it is
>time to put them into bigger pots, such as 4" pots. Other than shelf
>space, is there any reason why seeds should be started in small containers
and
>then transplanted to larger ones?
>
>Some of the commercial soiless mixes are specifically designed for
>germination, and others for growing. While you can usually use either,
some
>growing mixes may contain ingredients that inhibit seed germination.
>
>>>3. Is Pro-mix BX used for seed starting or repotting, and what is the
>brand name and a good national chain to find it?
>
>Fafard is also good, as well as Peter's/Grace. Look for a "light and
fluffy"
>mix. Some cheap brands from Kmart/Walmart are often too heavy, don't have
any
>air circulation, and are not always sterilized properly.
>
>>>4. Do you think coating the white inside of the shop light with
reflective
>material (tin foil, reflective Mylar?) would increase light output and help
>seedlings?
>
>I have a friend in the local University's electrical & lighting department.
>She says white actually reflects more than metallics like foil, mylar, or
even
>mirrors. White is the reflection (or lack of absorption) of all
wavelengths
>of light. The metallics do absorb some of the light. The back coating of
a
>mirror absorbs a little light.
>
>Alex
>