Jiffy pellets - the definitive verdict? Please contribute.

(this was originally posted in the general forum but I'm reposting it here. Apologies to anyone who has opened and read the same post twice).

Hi all

Are jiffy pellets a good choice for germinating?

Yesterday I posted a request for help on the use of jiffy pellets, and although I got some good help I'm still in 2 minds on whether to go with jiffy pellets or paper towels. I serched the forums but didn't find the definitive answer.

Some 'rules' for this debate:
1. Let's assume we will grow in soil.
2. Let's assume we will pre-soak seeds for 24 hours in a cup of water.
3. Let's assume that using paper towels is a good, tried and tested method.
4. Let's remember what is good about jiffy pellets - namely that they offer a good way of transferring the sprouting seeds to soil with a minimum of touching (and possibly damaging) the seeds.

So, I'm not looking for people to call it for either towels or pellets. Towels work, that's not in question. What I want is a DEFINITIVE VERDICT about pellets - are they a good choice? Or do they give problems? Will the seed grow into the pellet ok, or have problems? Is all that peat ok for the sprouting seed? After transferring to soil does the pellet retain too much water which can cause rot? etc etc...

Anyone who has experience (good or bad) of using pellets, or have heard stories of pellet use are invited to share it here.

thanx 2 all in advance

You are crossing the line dude. Go look at the pictures in my gallery. If you look at all of them you will see what I recommend using, you didn't ask that. You have been advised by some one that has used the peet pellets to grow in soil and grew plants too high for my 10' ceiling, but you just want to be sure I really know what I'm talking about. READ MORE POST LESS.
That is the intelligent way to get more than one persons opinion.
Why should I waste my time answering any more of your posts. I don't own stock in peet pellets. But that doesn't mean I don't like ya.....yet.VV

VictorVIcious said:

You are crossing the line dude. Go look at the pictures in my gallery. If you look at all of them you will see what I recommend using, you didn't ask that. You have been advised by some one that has used the peet pellets to grow in soil and grew plants too high for my 10' ceiling, but you just want to be sure I really know what I'm talking about. READ MORE POST LESS.
That is the intelligent way to get more than one persons opinion.
Why should I waste my time answering any more of your posts. I don't own stock in peet pellets. But that doesn't mean I don't like ya.....yet.VV

Click to expand...

Hey VV Your help is always much appreciated. I'm very sure you know what you're talking about - I never questioned that fact. I looked at yr pics and that's a nice setup you got there. One things for sure - you aint a newbie. But you was once, so please don't dis me man when I'm just looking for help. Fact is, I got a legit question, found some good but conflicting advice and started this thread to try to nail down a def answer to a simple question - 'are pellets ok?'. Maybe it's a 'greenhorn' question but if you go looking through 'newbie central' you're gonna find a few of those my friend.

peace

Skip

some people will say no, don't use them, they're the bane of mans' existence.

others say, yes, i grow trees using them.

truth is, it don't matter. just grow and you'll find what you like best. germinating seeds is the most basic, least skillful, easiest part of the process - don't get yourself caught up in trying to figure out the "best" way to germinate.

the seed cracks, a root comes out and then you get a sprout - that's when the fun starts. you could prob use steel wool or cotton balls or saw dust. who cares? just jump in and do something!




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they're fine like mentioned earlier, just make sure U germinate them first (pre-soak/paper towel) and then stick the taproot tip down into the moist peat pellet.

Thanks 4 your help guys. I'm gonna go with the majority, ie: paper towels.

then rockwool i think it would work great!

Thanx cali. I went with a 24 hour pre-soak as you suggested, then the paper towels and every seed has sprouted! So I'm dead pleased and excited as you can imagine. Thanx again 2 all.