Today we kicked off our Greenhouse Initiative at Center High School. Working with Mrs. Page, Mrs. Bradley, and the special-ed students, we taught the students how to sterilize flats and plant marigold seeds. Here's how you do it:
First, if you're using old flats, use brushes or rags to remove all the loose dirt and soil.
Second, use a solution of water and bleach to sterilize the flats, being sure to wipe them completely clean. This will rid the trays of any old fungus or bacteria that can be harmful to your new plants.
Place plant trays in the flats and separate them from one another. Then, fill the trays evenly with Pro-Mix seed starter mix.
Place your marigold or other flower seeds on top of the soil, 1-5 seeds per square.
Press the soil and seeds down so there is room to place another layer of soil on top.
Spread more soil over the top of the seeds until it's all evened out again.
Removing one of the trays, water the flat from the bottom up, pouring in about one inch of water and then putting the tray back in.
Finally, keep an eye on your flowers for the next few weeks. Keep them in a warm greenhouse (or home!) at 60-70 degrees and make sure they get sunlight. You want the soil to remain moist, but after a few days, pour out any excess water in the tray that hasn't been soaked up. Once the flowers grow up to about 2 inches, you can start watering them from above instead of filling the tray.
The final step, of course, is to plant your flowers on Troost Avenue. Good luck!
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