Can't get any of my own herbs to grow.

[carmen]

So, when I first got the AG Harvest, my basils and dill were sprouting and showing promising growth after only a few days. I mean like 2.5 days. Amazing. Now, I've got my own seeds from Baker Creek and they are growing as expected in my germination trays, but in the AG, they are barely doing a thing, and don't even get me started on the Sage. I am using AG grow anything plugs and cages. I've got the paper labels and domes on. The AG is on the herb setting for light timing and I am keeping the water topped off. My AG Genovese and thai basil are doing well and I have even transplanted my Genovese to a kratky system with a fan on it under a nice t5 with my germination trays, but nothing else will grow. What gives?

are your germination trays peat/coir or are they hydroponic ? and Exactly what custom seeds are you trying to germinate in the AG ?I am not an herb grower, but I do know that some of them take forever. I have some Rosemary which I started in sponges weeks ago and they are now showing some green above the rim.

[Shawn]

Rosemary for me took well over a month to germinate and are slower to grow.  Some herbs like basil grow real fast.  Are you using the correct amount of Nutes?

[carmen]

I'm putting seeds in the AG Grown Anything plugs. I am using seeds from Baker Creek Seeds.

[carmen]

Feb 2, 2018 9:55:09 GMT -5 Shawn said:

Rosemary for me took well over a month to germinate and are slower to grow.  Some herbs like basil grow real fast.  Are you using the correct amount of Nutes?

I think so. I used two caps just like the first time.

[MaryL]

Are your germination trays on a heat mat?

[carmen]

I'm sorry, there's more than one reply here talking about the seed trays. In my original post, I said that the seeds germinating in my seeds trays are growing perfectly but the ones in the AG aren't. I do have a heat mat and light on the seed trays, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the AG.

[Shawn]

What herbs are you growing in the AG?  As some herbs take a lot longer to germinate and grow then others.  Where the seeds used very tiny/minuscule?  If so did you place them near the top of the sponge?  If not and they are too far in they may not be getting the light needed and therefore may not germinate.

Can you post a picture?

[MaryL]

Feb 6, 2018 9:05:10 GMT -5 carmen said:

I'm sorry, there's more than one reply here talking about the seed trays. In my original post, I said that the seeds germinating in my seeds trays are growing perfectly but the ones in the AG aren't. I do have a heat mat and light on the seed trays, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the AG.

I’m sorry for my odd question, you’re right that one doesn’t really have to do with the other, I was just asking about a heat mat because a tray with a heat mat can germinate seeds faster than in an AG because they like being so warm and cozy.  That could be why you’re not seeing anything in the AG yet.  But that’s just a guess on my part.

[MaryL]

Hey Carmen any luck yet with the Baker Seeds in the AG?

[carmen]

The thyme finally came up. Sage was a dud, but looks good in my trays so at least I have something going. The basil is insane. At this point I am considering just turning it into a basil machine. After only two days both seeds in each pod have germinated. Incredible. Do AG nutes have something in them to speed seed germination?

[MaryL]

No I don’t think nutes have anything to do with germination.  It all depends on the seed type (ie. Peppers take forever, lettuce is fastest), and having the right amount of moisture to get the seed to open and start it’s thing.  If I’m not mistaken, the energy it uses at germination comes from within the seed.  Thereafter, as a seedling, it needs the outside nutes.  Which is pretty soon.  

Folks with more knowledge than me here, please chime in because my understanding may be mistaken.

[Shawn]

I am not sure of any of the AG Videos cover that.  But you can find them here.  There are many different topics.

[drbanks]

Yes, I've sprouted cilantro from seeds to first real leaf in water only.  The seed has plenty of nutrients in it, and as I've found, adding external nutes too much/too soon can actually "nutrient burn" your fledgling sprouts

[drbanks]

As far as Basil goes, unless you REALLY like Basil, which is to say you like to make a new batch of pesto every day, your machine is going to be completely dominated by the basil plants given half the chance.

[carmen]

Feb 13, 2018 11:14:42 GMT -5 drbanks said:

As far as Basil goes, unless you REALLY like Basil, which is to say you like to make a new batch of pesto every day, your machine is going to be completely dominated by the basil plants given half the chance.

I am actually trying to grow as much as possible to give for gifts for Christmas this year. Same with my peppers.

I should buy another AG.

[mike]

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme are slower than the basil, mint and dill. If you want to grow them concurrently on the same garden, I would plant the sage, rosemary or thyme 2-3 weeks before the others. If you start them at the same time, the basil, mint and dill will block the light from getting to your sage, rosemary or thyme.

[drbanks]

I'll second mike's suggestion.  Rosemary in specific takes forever to get started and needs all the head start it can get.

[carmen]

Feb 13, 2018 17:25:03 GMT -5 drbanks said:

I'll second mike 's suggestion.  Rosemary in specific takes forever to get started and needs all the head start it can get.

I resigned myself to not even trying to grow rosemary from seed last year. I am happy enough buying a start when they hit the shelves at my garden center d45692

[Shawn]

Mine took FOREVER (over a month) and now it is thriving.  I do keep it trimmed low however.  I freeze what I cut for future use.