If you love to grow plants but don’t have a garden or live in the apartment, a Jiffy windowsill greenhouse is a good option to grow herbs and start seeds for flowers and vegetables.
So, here is how to use Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse starter kit in 15 easy steps:
Step 1: Unpack the Plant Starter Kit.
Step 2: Pour a cap and a third of warm water into the black tray with the pellets in there.
Step 3: Wait for a few minutes until the pellets soak up the water. The pellets should expand up to 7 times of the original size.
Step 4: Blot out any water excess.
Step 5: Cut the netting on the top of the pellets.
Step 6: Drop a few seeds into each pellet or stick cuttings, cover lightly and firm down carefully.
Step 7: Cover the tray with a clear plastic lid.
Step 8: Put the tray in a warm spot but away from the direct sunlight.
Step 9: Let it stand for 1-2 weeks. Open the lid every other day to spray pellets lightly with water to avoid the development of mold.
Step 10: Take the lid off when seeds sprout. When these grow to 2 inches (5cm) without touching the top of the lid.
Step 11: Pour warm water every few days before transplantation. Usually when pellets start to turn light brown. It prevents soil from drying out. Remove any water excess.
Step 12: Grow the sprouts to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) before transplanting into bigger pots.
Step 13: Expose the tray to direct sunlight. Make sure that the plants are strong enough.
Step 14: Cut the netting at the bottom on the pellets when transplanting. You can also makes the holes so the roots will be able to grow out of it.
Step 15: Plant the pellets deep enough to completely cover them.
The lid and black tray are reusable, to sow more seeds you just need to refill Jiffy peat pellets.
What is in Jiffy peat pellets?
Jiffy peat pellets consist of sphagnum peat moss. It is a rich, high quality growing medium. These pellets are 100 percent biodegradable. The peat is compressed into pellets and fine netting is holding it together. That way it maintains the optimum air and water exchange.
How long do you soak Jiffy pellets?
You need to soak Jiffy pellets in warm water from 2 to 5 minutes until these expand in size up to 7 times of the original size. Make sure not to over water the pellets and remove the excess of water straight away.
How do you water Jiffy pellets?
To water the Jiffy pellets you need to put them in the tray and pour a cap and a third of warm water. If you added enough water, the pellets will expand up to 7 times its size in a few moments. Make sure not to over water them.
How often do you water Jiffy pellets?
After you plant the seeds, slightly water (spray) Jiffy pellets every other day if they are too dry. Make sure not to over water them.
Also, you need to water Jiffy pellets before transplanting sprouts into new bigger pots. Water Jiffy pellets when they begin to turn light brown. Remember to get rid of water excess.
Do roots grow through Jiffy pots?
Jiffy pots have netting which lets the roots to grow through and get a necessary amount of air and water. You can also cut the netting at the bottom when transplanting the sprouts to new pots.
Although the roots grow through the pots, they will grow past the netting and without soil and water won’t grow very far. However, it should not be a concern because at this point the plat is ready to be transplanted.
Do Jiffy pots decompose?
Jiffy pots are 100% biodegradable and organic, the peat doesn’t take long to decompose but the fiber netting can take several years to decompose. The manufacturer advises that the netting is photo degradable and can take from 1 to 2 years to decompose.
Can you plant Jiffy pots in soil?
You can plant Jiffy pots in soil because pots decompose naturally over time. The roots grow through Jiffy pellets when ready to be transplanted. It is a perfect option for the plants that don’t transplant well. For example, nasturtiums and cucumbers require a root system to be intact.
This is a good start to a greenhouse gardening, once you are feeling more comfortable you can move to a mini greenhouse growing.
