How can I tell when my flats need moisture?
Flats that are sufficiently moist will show condensation inside their lids.
If you are not seeing condensation it could be that you have too many vents for air transpiration or too many drainage holes, or possibly, because the flats are in a mostly shaded location they are not warming much inside and so no steamy vapor can rise to adhere to the lid's inner surface. You can tape over a few slits...see if that alters the condensation effect.
Moist soil is dark looking.... like the color of a cooked very-fudgy brownie. Dry soil looks dry.... it is far lighter in color and that color reminds me of a package of dry chocolate cake mix.
To add more water to a flat remove its cover and gently dribble in some cold water....don't slosh it onto the soil surface as that could dislodge the seeds or seedlings. Give the soil a good soaking, any excess water will seep out through the drainage slits. Replace the lids promptly and securely.
To add more water to a flat made from a bottle simply tilt the bottle at a slight angle, then gently and slowly dribble some water into the bottle, the water will run down the inside of the bottle wall and won't splash directly onto the soil surface.
A large amount of flats may be watered at the same time by letting them soak in a small kiddie pool that has been pre-filled with a couple of inches of water. Place the flats gently into the water to avoid splashing. The flats will soak up moisture though their drainage slits. Remove them after the soil is consistantly dark and moist.
If you are traveling or must be away on a hot Spring day you can help your flats stay moist and cool by placing them in the kiddie pool with an inch of water for the day, or purchase a hose timer and use a sprinkler to automatically and regularly water the flats.
Comparison List
City of New York Department of Enviromental Protection
ehow.com
ehow.com
ehow.com
Seedling Vegetables
Plant Talk Message # 1814
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
By E. E. Janne, Extension Landscape Horticulturist (deceased),
and Dr. R. E. Roberts, Vegetable Specialist (retired)
Aggie Horticulture
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Montana State University ~ Bozeman Communication Services
