I was never very good at growing things from seed...so, I would buy mature plants and slowly kill them. I knew if I ever was successful at growing something of my own I would do everything in my power to keep it alive. How did I overcome my murderous ways? It all started 3 years ago when I found Jiffy Plant Seed Tray Kits on sale for $3.00 at a local store.

How to Not Kill a Seed
The Jiffy Plant Seed Tray Kit comes with an 11"X11" plastic tray, a clear matching lid and 25 peat pellets. The pellets are made from sphagnum peat moss that when you add water expand to approximately 2 inches tall. Each pellet will hold about a 1/4 cup water, so make sure you add plenty to the tray to thoroughly wet each one.

After each pellet is wet poke a small hole in the center and place a seed in it. Lightly cover the seed with the peat. Replace the dome on the tray and place in a warm spot. The seeds need the moisture/humidity and warmth to sprout.

I've found light is not a big factor at this time, so don't worry about finding a sunny spot. Keeping the tray warm and moist are the most important factors right now.

Usually, within 5 to 7 days I will notice green poking through the peat. Some will take longer, so give them time.

What I like best...ok, one of the things I like best...is the fact I can remove each pellet as needed and move it under my grow light or a sunny window sill. The peat is wrapped with a fine white netting to keep it's shape. There is no need to remove the netting as it will let roots grow as needed. You will want to place the pellet on some sort of tray as now that it's out of the kit, it will need watered at times.

Remove the seedling when the first set of true leaves appear. Not taking it out at this time will result in rot and other nasty things that will kill it. Don't ask me how I know...it was a flashback to my plant killing days.

I find with Jiffy Plant Seed Tray Kits and Jiffy Professional Greenhouse Kit I have over a 75% success rate in seeds sprouting. Making for lots of seedlings!

I believe the Jiffy peat pellets, being a light soil medium, allows the roots to grow without a struggle and establish themselves better, making for a healthier plant. My evil plant killing tendencies are almost non existent now. Sometimes a seedling is just sickly or weak. There is nothing that can be done about that. The Jiffy Plant Seed Tray Kit does a better job of getting them started than any other I've found, though.

Another great bonus is the tray and dome are reusable. Wash and disinfect the tray with a water/peroxide solution before using again. Peat pellets can be found alone or in bundles at 5 to 10 cents per pellet.

Plants, Plants and More Plants
I was right about working harder to keep my plants alive. These are "my" plants and there seems to be a sense of ownership and pride that makes me strive harder to take care of them.

I'm very happy with the results I've gotten from Jiffy Plant Seed Tray Kits. I've, also, made my family and friends happy. With all the extra plants I've grown their gardens are filling up too!

Recommended: Yes