Will this work?

[Rudygar]

Will a upside down, clear storage container be suitable for putting over germinating seeds?

I will be planting some baobab seeds today and they are going to have to be outside. I need to protect them from the rain, but need to make sure they get light. Will the clear storage containers stop the needed spectrum of light?

 

[Sheal]

I don't see the container being a problem Rudygar as it's clear, it may restrict air flow around the seedlings though. Perhaps you could punch a few holes in it.

 

[Rudygar]

I don't see the container being a problem Rudygar as it's clear, it may restrict air flow around the seedlings though. Perhaps you could punch a few holes in it.

Ah, good point. I didn't think of that. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[CanadianLori]

Sheal's right. Also watch out- they do heat up in a big hurry!

 

[Chuck]

I often start seeds in clear storage containers and actually grow them to transplant size. Just don't forget to add ventilation and drainage holes

 

[Rudygar]

Okay. I punched a few holes in it. @CanadianLori oh no. Is it bad for them to get to hot? It's hitting 90f-100f during the day here. The tree im trying to grow is from a hot climate, but It will get mighty hot in the storage container.

 

[Rudygar]

I often start seeds in clear storage containers and actually grow them to transplant size. Just don't forget to add ventilation and drainage holes

That's great to know. Glad it's a tested method. How much ventilation would you recommend? I made about 30 holes with a Phillips screwdriver.

 

[Chuck]

That's great to know. Glad it's a tested method. How much ventilation would you recommend? I made about 30 holes with a Phillips screwdriver.

I misread your first post I think. You are planting the seeds in the ground? Or in the plastic container with a lid? If in the ground you will have to remove the covering when the seeds sprout. A 90F outside ambient temperature inside a plastic container even with holes will easily reach 110F inside temperature which will kill a seedling. If your seedlings need protection after they sprout use something like a fine mesh netting such as cheesecloth or shade cloth

 

[Rudygar]

I misread your first post I think. You are planting the seeds in the ground? Or in the plastic container with a lid? If in the ground you will have to remove the covering when the seeds sprout. A 90F outside ambient temperature inside a plastic container even with holes will easily reach 110F inside temperature which will kill a seedling. If your seedlings need protection after they sprout use something like a fine mesh netting such as cheesecloth or shade cloth

They are not in the ground. I have them on a rack with an upside down storage container on top of them. The Baobab seeds don't like to stay wet, so I wanted something that would protect them from the rain. They want a lot of sun and I can't keep them indoors. I really appreciate the reply, I think you just saved the lives of 10 trees.

 

[Corzhens]

This is similar to the pechay that farmers plant here. Pechay is a Chinese lettuce with leaves that are susceptible to drying. When the sun is so hot, expect the small pechay to wither and die. What the farmers do is to put a shade by using the bark of the banana plant. They said the bark is cool and will control the heat of the sun.