r/HotPeppers • u/CityBuckets • 1d ago
Indoor seed starting rack Growing
Just put this together today. Jan-10-2025. What you all think of this set up. Want to get a head start on my hot peppers. They take forever to germinate. 7000lumen 6500kelvin. 2 Fans and 2 oscillating fans. 6 shelf rack.
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u/CapsicumINmyEYEBALLz 1d ago
Have you been able to find those looooooong power-strips locally for a reasonable price?
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u/CityBuckets 1d ago
Harbor Freight. $19 👍🏻 they work great ! Circuit breaker outlet as well.
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u/CapsicumINmyEYEBALLz 23h ago
In spring when I move all my plants out, imma redo my tent and absolutely need 1-2 of these.
Thank you.
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u/izblilcnzb 1d ago
Looks great. I get germination in a few days with domes and heat mats. More work to up-pot after a few true leaves but I think it’s worth it.
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u/RibertarianVoter 10b | noob 1d ago
I had chocolate habanero seeds take forever with heat mats and domes last year (like 3 weeks). That could have been the quality of the seeds, though, as germination rates were also super low.
I had a scotch bonnet (supposedly) pop today after only 5 days though, so hopefully my super hots aren't too far behind.
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u/izblilcnzb 1d ago
Nice! I love when you don’t have to wait. Do you soak seeds pre sowing? I usually soak in room temp black tea for a few hours before planting. Honestly I have no idea if it helps as I’ve never not done it.
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u/RibertarianVoter 10b | noob 22h ago
I've never soaked them. Just straight into moist seed starting mix, and then watered in with warm water.
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u/CityBuckets 1d ago
I’m in Chicago. So it takes forever ! So this year it’s grow tent. Heat mats. I don’t mind the up potting. Makes me happy that they’re growing 👍🏻😉
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u/MembershipFit5748 23h ago
What zone are you in? This is my second year gardening!
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u/CityBuckets 23h ago
My 2nd year as well. Really enjoyed it last season. I’m zone 6. Chicago
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u/MembershipFit5748 23h ago
I did too! Especially fell in love with peppers! They were the coolest and most enjoyable crop
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u/CityBuckets 23h ago
Yes same here. Peppers kicked ass and my bell peppers !! My neighbors told me that the peppers and cucumbers were the best they have had. So I guess this organic shit makes a big difference in taste and quality. This has got me so motivated for this years planting and harvesting.
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u/MembershipFit5748 23h ago
I love that!! It totally shows! My cucumbers were for sure my second fav. You are doing awesome!
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u/Possible_Emergency_9 22h ago
Similar setup, my wife had me put the lights and fans on a timer. She thought the neighbors might think I was growing weed!
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u/CityBuckets 22h ago
Yes. Too funny. My buddies are busting my balls on this as well. Saying I’m growing weed. Lmao. And yes. This entire setup is on a timer. Saves me trips downs the stairs 🤣👍🏻
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u/External-Steak-9415 22h ago
I like the location of the outlets, more organized than mine. Definitely stealing this :P
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u/no_name_user 9h ago
What all are you growing in there?
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u/CityBuckets 9h ago
Right now I have , habaneros. Carolina reaper / dragons breath and jumbo jalapeños. But my Carolina reapers and dragons breath have yet to even sprout after 4 weeks. I may have sowed them to deep ? Idk. I have several habanero seedlings and jumbo jalapeños seedlings now that sprouted. So they will be put on the rack. I have marigolds seedlings already on rack.
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u/no_name_user 9h ago
Nice! I am in Chicago suburbs and planning on starting my hot peppers soon too. Habanero, jalapeno, and ghost peppers are ok my list for this year for sure.
I usually like to dome my peppers to raise the humidity. Try it if you haven't yet.
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u/CityBuckets 9h ago
Yes. My peppers are all started in trays with heat mats and domes. Experimentbing for sure. Because my Carolina Reapers and dragons breath are picky sob’s. Lol. Started gardening last year with buckets and raised beds. I truly enjoyed it and wanna up my game. So this grow tent was put together by stuff I already had for a while and now just adding lights I put it all together. So I’m hoping to see the difference and save space with these shelves. I can get a lot growing on this I think.
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u/OjisanSeiuchi 7h ago
This looks like a great setup - also in zone 6 in Southern Ontario but am waiting a few more weeks to start - but seeing these posts has me itching to start sooner. I do have a question about your plan as the height of the plants increases - by moving around shelves, do you have enough room to accommodate everything in the grow tent, do you move them out into different areas? I do like the idea of fully utilizing your vertical space.
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u/CityBuckets 6h ago
For what I’m growing yes. I have enough space. For me , by the time it gets warmer they should have enough and strength to start the hardening off phase. I started habaneros late last year and I didn’t get a pepper till October. So this year I wanna get these hott peppers going earlier. Trial and process era right now to see what works. I’m logging each plant and monitoring these. I know it’s early. But I’m not worried. I rather learn from my mistakes to better each harvest ! And to do that is to experiment on what works best for me. 😉👍🏻
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u/OjisanSeiuchi 4h ago
I started habaneros late last year
Yes, I waited until March to start; and ended up with a lacklustre crop last year; so I've bumped it up to the Feb 8-9 weekend. Now that I see so many people starting now, I'm wondering if even earlier would be better.
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u/CityBuckets 3h ago
I feel your pain on that. Right now I have some actual seedlings popped. Out of 80 Habanero seeds I have a total of 25 growing. 50/50 red habanero / orange. I started my Carolina Reapers and Dragon’s Breath a month ago and not one has sprouted. But I’m in no hurry. I started a 2nd batch just in case today. 1-11-25. With some Scorpion peppers. Four days ago I planted mammoth jalapeños and have 30 plants sprouted 😍. Don’t know why the others have not popped yet. 🧐 But regardless I know it’s January but I’m a month in and not one plant that I really wanted to try this year so I’m glad I started early.
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u/miguel-122 1d ago
Be careful not to blow too much air on them. They can get wind burn