I use solo cups because I don't have to up-pot and there is room for a great root system. Cheap. I wash and use again. I just have a pretty small garden with only 16 tomatoes, 8 peppers, 9 cucumbers that I seed start inside. The rest is direct sow. So that makes a big difference. If I had a big garden I would certainly use ... No, No, NO! I'm upgrading now. Just veered off and ordered 36 - 3.3" green pots from Bootstrap Farmer. I know their quality because I have their trays. Thank you to whoever decided to include 3.3" pots as that made all the difference to me.
I also highly recommend the trays and pots you showed from Bootstrap Farmer! I am a backyard gardener, and even when you have to harden off your seedlings, the trays are sturdy enough to carry in and out of your house! I still use the red cups,too, though, because I like to grow seedlings for friends, and using the cups means I don't have to worry about getting quality seedling cups back.
Yes, I do start seeds for a granddaughter and a friend so theirs will still go in solo cups. Good thinking, and thank you or I may not get my new Bootstrap Farmer pots returned. You know how that goes.
I was going to splurge on the bootstrap pots and trays, and I was so excited because everyone raves about them. They were expensive, especially translated into Canadian dollars, but I had my budget in order. THEN I remembered I had duties and shipping to pay and it was the same price as all my products. So, as one does when they can’t afford the good stuff, I went to Amazon and found some pots that are actually really nice!
@@Elizabeth45840 she said solo cups work great they just aren’t super space efficient. Don’t cry. When your garden has saved you enough money you may be able to upgrade or decide what you have works for you. ❤
@@Elizabeth45840 it cam be hard sometimes to do, but important to remember that when experienced people share their "favourite" or "most preferred" tools and equipment for any given activity, it doesn't mean that they are required and the task is impossible without them. I do love how Jess from Roots and Refuge makes a point to highlight that point. these are "favourite things" but gardening can be done with much cheaper supplies or next to no supplies at all! ❤️❤️❤️
I am 71 and the worst seed starter ever! I melt the trays (it is really hot here) drown them and fry the seeds…this is such a help to me and perhaps I will try seeding yet again 😊 some day God willing, I will save me a bit and actually have seeds sprout now 😁 love your teaching and I thank you!
Patricia, I did that, too, here in sunny So. Cal. The 1020 trays + humidity dome = Greenhouse. AKA sun-oven! Put that in direct sunlight and it gets hot enough to melt itself. I thought it was hilarious at the time. I agree with @DrivingFree about using soil blocks. I use the tiny ones (the 'Micro-20') to get start seeds indoors (top of fridge works), then when they sprout I can up-pot them, OR (because I live in so cal) once they sprout I can just take them outside and transplant them into the garden. (I just have to remember to take off the humidity dome when I take them outside.) I think we've all been there. Sometimes, even after doing it right a few times, experienced growers make silly mistakes. You'll get there. My only suggestion is don't wait for "Someday" on seeds you could start today.
Seeding tools can be great for people who have mobility problems with their hands. I have one with a spring you push down that I've been using when my arthritis is flaring, but I'm definitely going to look into the green one you used since that looks like it may be even easier to use.
I’ve been growing for a decade and we’ve gone from buying plants to starting seeds and the best and my most favorite way to start seeds is my soil blocker!! ♥️
Another benefit with the good tray systems like bootstrap farmers is everything fits together well. These days tray sizes can after be different which can be different sizes and cause frustration when pots won't fit the tray etc. Buy the best you can afford.
I have the soil blockers someone else gave me and I have the bootstrap cups and trays already so I was in the mood to look at the seeders, namely the little 20 acrylic, and they want $25 for that one item? And your 5% off price only discounts by $1.75? Um, no. I have a tiny backyard that is fenced-in and I am still in my classroom learning. I've been growing since 2019 and by the middle of 2024 I hope to have my first homestead down in South Carolina where my family is. My first year of sales last year at least made me break even with all my supplies. *Right under $1,000 in sales, but I did buy some things for the garden. So being someone only selling my second year and only having 6 shelves of lights a 120 square foot pop-up Greenhouse and my driveway to sell my seedlings, I don't think I will go for it at at this point, but maybe next year. This year should be mostly profit!!🙂 I have to watch what I'm buying right now, too, because I will just end up having to move with it. 😆 Luckily, since I didn't know it was a thing that I could have bought, I've created my own seeder, anyway, I Jill, I just received your book last week and I'm working my way through that, but this is a great video, too!
Jill, do you know what I would love, if you could have a must have starter pack from Bootstrap farmer named whispering Willow recommended “get started” pack for the home gardener. Then I could click on it and it would save me sooooo much time. Maybe you could have one that’s a starter pack for the market gardener ect. Perfect. Ok let me know when that’s done and I can go to bootstrap and get what I need 😊. Thanks 🙏 your the best.
@@WhisperingWillowFarm Yes, your own starter kit would be great! Will you please link to the inlay you used for the 2.5 inch pots? I don't see those on bootstrap, Thank you!
Jill - You know once the hired help starts making demands, it eventually leads to a strike and then leads to unions. You need to stop this in its tracks. 😂
Lot of great INFORMATION!! Still have questions on the soil… Soil is #1 as you mentioned… what do you used and what’s the ingredients of the seedling soil you mix..? Thank You Jill!! You’re AWESOME!! 🌱
Hi Jill! Im in love with the pink bootstrap gear. I think I’m going with all pink and touch of white. Small backyard urban gardener here in the Little Rock metro 😅
IMO there's not enough slits in that oddball tray. Just one, and it's very narrow. I also wish they made half-flat sizes at least. I guess it's fine for 1 plant of similar type but no option to take 'trays' out to shift around etc.
I would love to try bootstrap farmer trays, but they are expensive. They may last longer but the upfront costs aren't really affordable for a lot of people.
I have my book in hand💚 Thank you so much for all you do for your community. I don’t know if you realize the reach you have. You are shining your light and it’s such an inspiration to so many. Flipping through this book brought tears to my eyes both because it made me so happy for you. And also because while following you I seen your dreams coming true but also made me have more faith mine can to. I can’t wait to dive into the book.😇I’m literally diving in and not coming up till I’m done I’ve been needing inspiration and I know this book will bring me so much joy. Thank you so much! 😇
@@WhisperingWillowFarm thanks. I see this is a liquid. Do you put some in your soil block mix as you’re making the blocks or after the seeds are seedlings? I was replaying what you said and it’s sounded like Ag Rag Grow? 😬 my ears are getting old! 😂 I have some soil, but am looking to make sure I have nutrients mixed in. Thank you for your channel and all that you share with us! ♥️
It was my take that Jill has production in mind. Which is not the largest of audiences. So I respect her input, but it loses most people who are trying to garden for the first time. The comment about Solo cups and yogurt cups was based on her experience as a commercial grow. She is growing for profit and it’s not like a major channel that is about encouraging first time gardeners. This channel has had a very significant push into partnering/selling products trying to do what they can to make their farm profitable to support their family. I certainly am not in a position nor should I be to fault them. Many things recommended are certainly out of most peoples budget these days. I read some comments of people who are becoming discouraged with the price of these products. Please don’t become discouraged! Use whatever you can, put dirt and seed into it, and let God do the rest.
For the up potting, it’s okay to use potting soil at that point right? And when do you usually up pot? When they get their true leaves or when the roots are growing out of the bottom?
I have those inlay trays too. I have a hard time bottom watering with those in there. Any suggestions?? I’m not sure if I’m not putting enough water in the tray or what. 🤦♀️
The first time you water in those trays, you'll want to make sure and use plenty of water. If you're using a heat mat, you'll want to make sure and use a little more water than normal
I have your summer solstice collection and I am so excited to start planting in them!!! Do you think you'll ever try to do a winter or fall collection?
She did have a fall collection a couple years ago called the harvest collection. I did buy them at the time and they were a welcome addition of color to my starting rack. Maybe she will do another batch again.
I use solo cups because I don't have to up-pot and there is room for a great root system. Cheap. I wash and use again. I just have a pretty small garden with only 16 tomatoes, 8 peppers, 9 cucumbers that I seed start inside. The rest is direct sow. So that makes a big difference. If I had a big garden I would certainly use ... No, No, NO! I'm upgrading now. Just veered off and ordered 36 - 3.3" green pots from Bootstrap Farmer. I know their quality because I have their trays. Thank you to whoever decided to include 3.3" pots as that made all the difference to me.
I also highly recommend the trays and pots you showed from Bootstrap Farmer! I am a backyard gardener, and even when you have to harden off your seedlings, the trays are sturdy enough to carry in and out of your house! I still use the red cups,too, though, because I like to grow seedlings for friends, and using the cups means I don't have to worry about getting quality seedling cups back.
💯
Agreed
And find keeping tomatoes in solo cups I don't habe transplant I just keep adding soil ass it grows its roots
Yes, I do start seeds for a granddaughter and a friend so theirs will still go in solo cups. Good thinking, and thank you or I may not get my new Bootstrap Farmer pots returned. You know how that goes.
Right away, I am blown away by that single soil blocker! Whaaaaat!!! 🤯 never knew that existed!!
I was going to splurge on the bootstrap pots and trays, and I was so excited because everyone raves about them. They were expensive, especially translated into Canadian dollars, but I had my budget in order. THEN I remembered I had duties and shipping to pay and it was the same price as all my products. So, as one does when they can’t afford the good stuff, I went to Amazon and found some pots that are actually really nice!
That's what i had to do too unfortunately
fellow Canadian here, what did you end up getting?
Fellow Canadian here! I ordered some Bootstraps 1020 trays from Indoor Farmer *in Canada*! Looove them!! So sturdy and durable!
@@Elizabeth45840 she said solo cups work great they just aren’t super space efficient. Don’t cry. When your garden has saved you enough money you may be able to upgrade or decide what you have works for you. ❤
@@Elizabeth45840 it cam be hard sometimes to do, but important to remember that when experienced people share their "favourite" or "most preferred" tools and equipment for any given activity, it doesn't mean that they are required and the task is impossible without them. I do love how Jess from Roots and Refuge makes a point to highlight that point. these are "favourite things" but gardening can be done with much cheaper supplies or next to no supplies at all! ❤️❤️❤️
I am 71 and the worst seed starter ever! I melt the trays (it is really hot here) drown them and fry the seeds…this is such a help to me and perhaps I will try seeding yet again 😊 some day God willing, I will save me a bit and actually have seeds sprout now 😁 love your teaching and I thank you!
I’m 72 and just started gardening in 2020. I’ve tried different ways of seeding and found I like soil blocks the best
I'm glad you found it helpful. I encourage you to give it another shot
Patricia, I did that, too, here in sunny So. Cal. The 1020 trays + humidity dome = Greenhouse. AKA sun-oven!
Put that in direct sunlight and it gets hot enough to melt itself. I thought it was hilarious at the time.
I agree with @DrivingFree about using soil blocks.
I use the tiny ones (the 'Micro-20') to get start seeds indoors (top of fridge works), then when they sprout I can up-pot them, OR (because I live in so cal) once they sprout I can just take them outside and transplant them into the garden. (I just have to remember to take off the humidity dome when I take them outside.)
I think we've all been there. Sometimes, even after doing it right a few times, experienced growers make silly mistakes. You'll get there.
My only suggestion is don't wait for "Someday" on seeds you could start today.
When I lived in California I had to start seeds in spots with afternoon shade like at the edge of a bush in the yard.
Thank you Jill! Love all the advice and have always shown up for the positive attitude, I love it!
Thank you and you're very welcome
I❤️ my bootstrap farmer trays and starter pots I’ve had mine for about 4 years and they don’t warp, crack, fade from UV etc. Awesome 😎
They really are the best quality on the market
It's exciting that you can afford to be more efficient now. I hope I get there soon!
The zip ties for the grow lights honestly seems pretty genius
Great video. I appreciate you giving this information to help me be successful this growing season!
Glad to help!
Bootstrap Farmer is the BEST! Love the sturdiness of their products!
I agree
Have you done a video showing how to use the soil block-maker thingies, and how to use those items for up-potting?
I love bootstrap products and your special fall and spring color collections. And your book is awesome. Very good read. Nice job.
Thank you so much!
This video is such a blessing for us, thank you for this. 🙂
You are so welcome!
excellent idea on the grow light set up. I like the ziplock idea
I like the boot strap farmer trays. Last year I had ordered already when your cool color ones came out.
Thank you for sharing 😊 efficient ways🌿I'm growing on the balcony looking forward to a great harvest
Happy growing and I hope you have a great harvest this year
I have been tempted to use those new air pruning cell trays. I would love to see a product review on those this year please!
Coming soon!
Wow those drop seeders are genius.
Seeding tools can be great for people who have mobility problems with their hands. I have one with a spring you push down that I've been using when my arthritis is flaring, but I'm definitely going to look into the green one you used since that looks like it may be even easier to use.
I have tendonitis and my arm flares up when I plant too!
The "cheap" trays aren't even that cheap anymore. Its not even that much more for the bootstrap ones but sooooo much better.
Good video Jill, we are starting our seeds now. 😊
I’ve been growing for a decade and we’ve gone from buying plants to starting seeds and the best and my most favorite way to start seeds is my soil blocker!! ♥️
It's so much more efficient
Another benefit with the good tray systems like bootstrap farmers is everything fits together well. These days tray sizes can after be different which can be different sizes and cause frustration when pots won't fit the tray etc.
Buy the best you can afford.
I have the soil blockers someone else gave me and I have the bootstrap cups and trays already so I was in the mood to look at the seeders, namely the little 20 acrylic, and they want $25 for that one item? And your 5% off price only discounts by $1.75? Um, no.
I have a tiny backyard that is fenced-in and I am still in my classroom learning. I've been growing since 2019 and by the middle of 2024 I hope to have my first homestead down in South Carolina where my family is.
My first year of sales last year at least made me break even with all my supplies.
*Right under $1,000 in sales, but I did buy some things for the garden.
So being someone only selling my second year and only having 6 shelves of lights a 120 square foot pop-up Greenhouse and my driveway to sell my seedlings, I don't think I will go for it at at this point, but maybe next year. This year should be mostly profit!!🙂
I have to watch what I'm buying right now, too, because I will just end up having to move with it. 😆
Luckily, since I didn't know it was a thing that I could have bought, I've created my own seeder, anyway, I Jill, I just received your book last week and I'm working my way through that, but this is a great video, too!
Thank you for sharing your story ❤
Great post Jill!
Glad you liked it!
I was critical and I am sorry. Blessings to your family.
Jill, do you know what I would love, if you could have a must have starter pack from Bootstrap farmer named whispering Willow recommended “get started” pack for the home gardener. Then I could click on it and it would save me sooooo much time. Maybe you could have one that’s a starter pack for the market gardener ect. Perfect. Ok let me know when that’s done and I can go to bootstrap and get what I need 😊. Thanks 🙏 your the best.
Stay tuned my friend 😉
@@WhisperingWillowFarm Yes, your own starter kit would be great! Will you please link to the inlay you used for the 2.5 inch pots? I don't see those on bootstrap, Thank you!
@@robsh7301 unfortunately all the colors have sold out. Stay tuned, we will have some new pots available in a few weeks with some great new colors
@@WhisperingWillowFarm Well that's exciting! I was asking about the black insert that you popped the 2.5 inch pots into, I dont see those. Thank you!
I found it, it's the 32 cell tray that the 2.5 inch fits in!
Those air pruning trays are amazing. I used the 72 cell and 6 cell ones last year. The plants were so happy.
I ordered from bootstrap farmer for the first time the other day.
You will love their products because they last forever
Jill - You know once the hired help starts making demands, it eventually leads to a strike and then leads to unions. You need to stop this in its tracks. 😂
😂😂
Lot of great INFORMATION!!
Still have questions on the soil… Soil is #1 as you mentioned… what do you used and what’s the ingredients of the seedling soil you mix..?
Thank You Jill!! You’re AWESOME!! 🌱
There are many great soil recipes online. The mix i use is a formula that someone charges for and therefore i can't share
Always Valuable Content 💰
Hi Jill! Im in love with the pink bootstrap gear. I think I’m going with all pink and touch of white. Small backyard urban gardener here in the Little Rock metro 😅
Great video!
Lots of helpful info!
Glad it was helpful!
IMO there's not enough slits in that oddball tray. Just one, and it's very narrow. I also wish they made half-flat sizes at least. I guess it's fine for 1 plant of similar type but no option to take 'trays' out to shift around etc.
I would love to try bootstrap farmer trays, but they are expensive. They may last longer but the upfront costs aren't really affordable for a lot of people.
That's exactly why they are expensive because of the longevity and the fact they are made in the USA
@@WhisperingWillowFarm while those things are true, and they may be worth the expensive price, for some people it just isn't attainable.
Do you have a new discount code because the one you have listed does not work. Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge.
how many beautiful transplants have been ruined trying to get them out of plastic seedling trays. Soil blocks are the way to go.
Great point
*FIXED
"Soil blocks are the way to grow."
The little seeding tool you bought for $10 is available through Temu for.$2
I have my book in hand💚
Thank you so much for all you do for your community. I don’t know if you realize the reach you have. You are shining your light and it’s such an inspiration to so many. Flipping through this book brought tears to my eyes both because it made me so happy for you. And also because while following you I seen your dreams coming true but also made me have more faith mine can to. I can’t wait to dive into the book.😇I’m literally diving in and not coming up till I’m done I’ve been needing inspiration and I know this book will bring me so much joy. Thank you so much! 😇
Aww thank you for your kind words ❤ I hope it inspires you to chase your dreams
On the air pruning trays, is it better to bottom water from the deep or shallow tray?
When soil blocking how do you water them without the soil breaking down?
By pouring water in the trays, it doesn't break the blocks down. You don't want to water the blocks directly
What color of the grow lights do you have or recommend? On the link there is 3 options for the light color.
I would go broad spectrum if you can
Great recommendations! Will bootstrap be getting more of your summer solstice collection? They are pretty well sold out.
New lineup of colors coming soon 😉
Hey Jill at 11:40, what did you say you mix in with your seed starting soil?
thewhisperingwillowfarm.com/products/ultra%c2%ae-whispering-willow
@@WhisperingWillowFarm thanks. I see this is a liquid. Do you put some in your soil block mix as you’re making the blocks or after the seeds are seedlings? I was replaying what you said and it’s sounded like Ag Rag Grow? 😬 my ears are getting old! 😂 I have some soil, but am looking to make sure I have nutrients mixed in.
Thank you for your channel and all that you share with us! ♥️
@@JesiDavisBuildingaSimplerLife we add it to the soil because it awakens the soil
@@WhisperingWillowFarm thanks so much! I’ll have to do that! Does one bottle last you a while?
New subscriber. Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Happy Gardening. 🥕 🌶️ 🥔
Thanks for the sub! Hope you have a great growing season this year
It was my take that Jill has production in mind. Which is not the largest of audiences. So I respect her input, but it loses most people who are trying to garden for the first time. The comment about Solo cups and yogurt cups was based on her experience as a commercial grow. She is growing for profit and it’s not like a major channel that is about encouraging first time gardeners. This channel has had a very significant push into partnering/selling products trying to do what they can to make their farm profitable to support their family. I certainly am not in a position nor should I be to fault them. Many things recommended are certainly out of most peoples budget these days. I read some comments of people who are becoming discouraged with the price of these products. Please don’t become discouraged! Use whatever you can, put dirt and seed into it, and let God do the rest.
For the up potting, it’s okay to use potting soil at that point right? And when do you usually up pot? When they get their true leaves or when the roots are growing out of the bottom?
Did I miss the link for the shelving unit?
Amazon has a great price on these
amzn.to/3je35zn
@@WhisperingWillowFarm Thank you!
Will the drop seeders only work with soil blocks or can they be used with a 72 or 30-plug tray?
Great question. The drop seeders only work with the soil blocks as they were designed specifically for them
Sometimes I wish international options were even half as good as what America gets.
How do you clean or sanitize your pots?
instagram.com/reel/Cn1uwu4reeQ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
@@WhisperingWillowFarm Thank you!
I have those inlay trays too. I have a hard time bottom watering with those in there. Any suggestions?? I’m not sure if I’m not putting enough water in the tray or what. 🤦♀️
The first time you water in those trays, you'll want to make sure and use plenty of water. If you're using a heat mat, you'll want to make sure and use a little more water than normal
@@WhisperingWillowFarm thanks so much for responding to my question
Thank you for sharing
My pleasure
I have your summer solstice collection and I am so excited to start planting in them!!!
Do you think you'll ever try to do a winter or fall collection?
She did have a fall collection a couple years ago called the harvest collection. I did buy them at the time and they were a welcome addition of color to my starting rack. Maybe she will do another batch again.
@@steveegbert7429 I hope so lol I love that they're colored and not just black or white
We did a fall collection 2 years ago and stay tuned for some new colors
@@WhisperingWillowFarm I wish I would have been into gardening when they came out!
@@WhisperingWillowFarm "Spring Mix" collection?
So far the only ones making money on my farm is bootstrap farmer 🤣
😂😂😂
❤️🌱🌱🌱🌱