Care and tools
The small things keep plants growing: a timer for the light, the right mix, and a plan for fungus gnats. Colorado State University Extension says the most important step against gnats is letting the top 1 to 2 inches of mix dry between waterings (CSU Extension).
Moisture and pH meters, outlet timers, gnat traps, fans, pollinators, watering kits, potting mix, seed-starting mix, plant caddies and trellises. The small things that keep plants growing.
13 of 13 care and tools match
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Questions people ask
How do I get rid of fungus gnats?
Colorado State University Extension says to let the top 1 to 2 inches of mix dry between waterings. Yellow sticky cards catch the adults, and a Bti drench kills the larvae in the soil. To check for larvae, push a slice of raw potato into the mix and look under it after a few days (CSU Extension).
What is Bti?
The EPA says Bti is a bacterium found naturally in soil. Its toxins affect only the larvae of mosquitoes, black flies and fungus gnats. Follow the label for any Bti product (EPA).
Do I need a timer for my grow light?
It keeps the hours steady. University of Minnesota Extension says plants need 12 to 16 hours of light a day and some dark each night, and that a simple timer can switch lights on and off. Don't plug a heat mat into the same timer (UMN Extension).
How often should I water?
Check the mix, not the calendar. For citrus, University of Maryland Extension says to push a finger 2 inches into the soil and water when it feels dry, until water drains out the bottom. Then empty the saucer (UMD Extension). Penn State Extension says to water herbs when the mix starts to dry out, and never to let basil dry out completely (Penn State Extension).
Do seedlings need fertilizer?
Not at first. University of Maryland Extension says most potting mixes hold enough fertilizer for 5 to 6 weeks. After that, use a soluble fertilizer and follow the label (UMD Extension). Indoor gardens use the plant food their makers sell.
Seed-starting mix or potting mix?
Seed-starting mix is for seeds. University of Minnesota Extension says it is sterile, light and free of weed seeds (UMN Extension). For pots and planters, University of Maryland Extension recommends potting mix (UMD Extension).