Collection: Heirloom Vegetable Seeds

Ferry-Morse offers a comprehensive selection of seed-starting supplies with a product range that includes:

• Grow lights: Lighting systems that supply the light spectrum required for healthy seedling development indoors.
• Heat mat: Device that provides consistent warmth to promote faster and more reliable seed germination.
• Kits: All-in-one seed-starting setups that provide the necessary components for seed germination and seedling growth.
• Mixes: Specially formulated, sterile soils that offer optimal seed germination and favorable early growth conditions.
• Plant markers: Tools to label and keep track of different seed varieties during the germination process.
• Trays: Durable, flat containers designed to hold soil, seeds, and moisture, facilitating organized planting and easy transplantation.

Visit the seed starting collection to learn more.

Peat moss is a natural material harvested from wetlands known as bogs or peatlands. It originates from the partially decomposed remains of Sphagnum moss and other plants. Gardeners often use peat moss to improve soil quality and to provide a sterile medium for starting seeds.

Peat products offer several advantages for starting seeds:

Water retention:Peat moss can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, keeping seeds moist and helping them to germinate.
Soil aeration:Peat moss improves soil structure, allowing roots to access air and nutrients more effectively.
Sterile medium:Peat moss provides a clean environment for seed starting because it is free from weeds, pollutants, and pathogens.

Peat pellets are a convenient option for starting seeds. Here’s a quick guide:

• Hydrate the pellets: Place the pellets in a tray, add warm water, and let them expand for a few minutes.
• Plant the seeds: Make an indentation in each expanded pellet and plant seeds at the recommended depth.
• Maintain moisture: Check daily and keep the pellets moist but not waterlogged.
• Thin seedlings: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them by snipping weaker ones.
•  Harden off seedlings: Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a week.
• Transplant: When ready, plant pellets directly into the garden or larger containers.

Peat pots and strips are great for starting seeds. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Fill with seed-starting mix: Leave 1/4 inch from the top.
• Moisten the soil: Lightly dampen the mix before planting.
• Plant the seeds: Seed depth is generally on the packet; cover lightly.
• Water gently: Use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing seeds.
• Label the pots: Mark the type of seed and date planted.
• Provide light: Ensure 12-14 hours of light daily.
• Maintain moisture: Keep soil consistently moist, checking daily.
• Thin seedlings: Snip weaker seedlings at the soil line as needed.
• Harden off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week.
• Plant peat pots: Transplant directly into the garden; the pots will decompose.

Coco coir is a natural fiber derived from coconut husks. It is widely used in gardening as a soil amendment orgrowing mediumdue to its excellent water retention, aeration, and sustainability.

To prepare coco coir seed starting pellets, first pour 6 cups of lukewarm water into the bag containing the pellets. Let them sit for 3 to 4 minutes to absorb the water. Once they’ve soaked, gently mash the pellets to create a light, fluffy mixture, which will expand fully in just a few minutes. You can then use this mixture in your seed-starting pots and strips. The coco coir is excellent for fostering healthy root growth, creating a nurturing environment for your seeds.

Coco coir is a renewable resource that provides several benefits, including:

Sustainability:Coco coir is produced from coconut husks, making it environmentally friendly.

pH neutrality:Coco coir has a nearly neutral pH, which minimizes the need for pH adjustments in soil.

Improved water retention:Coco coir's ability to retain moisture ensures good drainage while promoting healthy root growth.

Coco coir and peat moss are both popular seed-starting mediums, but they differ in several ways:
Origin:Coco coir is made from coconut husks, while peat moss comes from decomposed organic materials in peat bogs.
pH levels:Coco coir has a neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5), while peat moss is more acidic (3.5-4.5) and may need lime for certain plants.
Water retention and aeration:Coco coir offers excellent water retention and aeration, while peat moss retains water well but can compact over time.
Longevity:Coco coir lasts longer and can be reused; peat moss breaks down faster and is usually single-use.

Following these steps will help you achieve successful germination:

• Choose high-quality seeds: Use fresh seeds from a reputable source. (Like ours!)
• Use sterile seed-starting mix: Ensures good drainage and reduces disease risk.
• Moisten the soil: Lightly moisten the mix before planting.
• Plant at the right depth: Refer to the seed packet for depth.
• Maintain optimal temperature: Keep soil between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
• Provide adequate light: Use grow lights for 12-16 hours daily.
• Keep soil moist: Mist regularly to keep it evenly moist.
• Ensure air circulation: Use a small fan to prevent mold.
• Be patient: Germination can take days to weeks, depending on the seed.

The purpose of a heat mat is to provide consistent, gentle heat to the soil, which aids in seed germination and the growth of young plants. Heat mats create a warm environment that speeds up the germination process by keeping the soil at an optimal temperature, typically between 70-85°F (21-29°C). This can lead to quicker and more uniform sprouting, making it an essential tool for gardeners starting seeds indoors or in cooler conditions.

A mini greenhousekitcan be useful in the following situations:
Starting seedlings indoors:Provides a controlled environment for early seed planting.
Creating a microclimate:Offers favorable conditions for seedlings needing high humidity or warmth.

After seedlings sprout, move them to a sunny spot or use grow lights for 12-14 hours daily. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and use a sterile soil mix to prevent diseases. Thin overcrowded seedlings and start fertilizing once true leaves appear. Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F (21-26°C). Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

You should use a grow light when you're growing plants indoors and natural sunlight isn't sufficient. Here are some specific scenarios:

Starting seedlings indoors:Grow lights are essential for seed starting, especially during the shorter days of winter. They help seedlings grow strong and healthy.

Supplementing light for houseplants:If your home lacks bright windows or other plants are blocking sunlight, grow lights can provide the extra light needed for your houseplants to thrive.

Growing herbs and vegetables indoors:Grow lights can help you grow herbs and vegetables indoors, ensuring they get enough light for photosynthesis.

Boosting growth of indoor plants:If your indoor plants aren't growing as well as they should, adding a grow light can give them the extra boost they need. Remember to place the grow lights close enough to the plants (about 6-12 inches) and set them on a timer to mimic natural daylight cycles (12-14 hours of light per day).

Ferry-Morse offers a range of grow lights. Here's a comparison of the key features:

Indoor Grow Light Fixture with T5 Bulb-  This fixture includes a 24-watt T5 bulb that emits a 6400K full daylight spectrum, delivering 1,100 lumens with an estimated lifespan of 10,000 hours. The setup comes with a stand, making it suitable for seed starting and young plant growth.

Modern Indoor Bamboo LED Growhouse- This eco-friendly growhouse is constructed from renewable bamboo and features adjustable LED lighting to create optimal growing conditions. Its design makes it suitable for indoor plant cultivation.

Undershelf Versatile Indoor LED Grow Light- This versatileLED grow lightcan be hung or mounted under shelves or cabinets. It includes a timer with three intervals and four light intensity settings, offering flexibility for various plant growth stages. Dimensions are 15.75" L x 6" W x 0.75" H, with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

T5 Grow Light Replacement Bulb- Designed as a replacement for existing T5 fixtures, this 24-watt bulb provides a 6400K full daylight spectrum with 1,100 lumens and a lifespan of approximately 10,000 hours. It's ideal for maintaining optimal lighting conditions in established setups.