DIY seed starter! For the greenthumb in all of us.

Just a quick post to show how to incubate almost any seed... I grew cactus and jalapenos this way and was actually successful at growing to plants. Photos to come.

I get a medium sized Ball jar. These usually come in 3 useful components:

1. Jar

2. Flat metal part of lid

3. Round metal ring around mouth of jar

So here's what you do. I usually take a dremel tool and drill about 8 holes in the flat part of the lid. Do this then set it aside. Holes should be about as big as if you punched through them with a nail (don't really think it matters much).

Next take your jar and fill it about 1/2 full with Miracle Grow or your favorite fertilizer. Fill the jar with about halfway up the substrate with water (kinda soggy).

Next take about 5 cactus seeds which may be difficult to find depending on your area. I actually bought mine at a Home Depot so who knows... Take your finger and push down into the substrate to make about a 1/4 inch hole. Next drop your seeds in but make sure to give them ample space to grow apart from each other.

Next cover the seeds do not push substrate down onto them :) Just fill the holes.

Put your lids back on and the holes in the flat lid will aerate the plants sufficiently. You should put this jar on your favorite window sill and let sit for a while (long while). I haven't thought of a way to speed the process up. This incubator loves the sunshine.

The way I found out that this worked was a)Trying it and b) Forgetting about it. I actually thought that it didn't work until I went to throw the jars out one day. Defeated I looked in one last time and to my amazement I had 3 little Cacti growing!!! To date they are thriving in my kitchen. Love them. Only two made the cut but hey 2:5 I'll take it.

A few rules:

1) Only "water" the jar when you see it is getting REALLY dry or you will mold your seeds. Your jar will get really gross and your significant other will all but force you to throw the jar out.... Don't do it!!! Some green on the sides is normal. Slime is not.

2) Do check on your sprouts about once a week (a watched pot... LOL)

3. Once you see sprouts they will look VERY hardy as succulents do. I would say wait until they are about a 1/2 inch before attempting any reconnaissance missions aka replanting. Mine did not go into shock when replanted.

4. Don't overwater your cactus once they are getting older.. it's funny b/c you will see them kinda rise and fall depending on how much you give them (think desert). You don't want them to prune up though... hard to bring them back.

Hope you guys enjoyed this. Let me know what you decide to grow. Basil and other herbs are really easy to start.