Join me for a discussion on starting your seeds and out usual “Monday Segments.”
Spring Workshop, April 24-26:P https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/spring-workshop-2025/
Sponsor 1: InvestibleWealth.com
Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com, Coupon code LFTN
LFTN Spring Workshop Tickets go on Sale Saturday at 9am Central.
- Alan Booker, 2 deep sessions on permaculture topics
- Jack Spirko, Building Bioreactor Compost and Biochar
- Nicole Sauce, Lessons Learned from 3 Years Raising Regenerative Sheep
- Emily Skyles Zanotti: Urban Homesteading
- Dawn Gorham, Building A Homestead Business
- Tactical Redneck - A tour of erosion remediation projects at the Holler Homestead.
- Joel Ryals, Problem Solving and Planning for Success
- Roundtable Discussion. Function stacking: Holler Homestead Greenhouse Design with Nicole Sauce
- Harry Albright - Hands on - Building Cages
- Knitting - Lani Johnson
- Jenni Hill - Somatic Movement and Breath Work
- Barter Blanket
- John Pugliano - Permaculture Your Wealth
- Kerry Brown- Planning Your Off Grid Home
- Patrick Roehrman - Accomplishing Anything How I transformed raw land into a family HQ
Updated Links for Equipment:
Tales from the Prepper Pantry
- Double and triple cooking paid off for Mom’s knee replacement
- Looking to skim coat the concrete this weekend or next week so that we can move utilities and do the final sweep in there
- Refining what I store to LESS
Frugality Tip - send one in
Operation Independence
Picked up the processed lambs today, Lambs for sale!
Main Topic: Seed Starting
4 Keys to Successful Seedlings
- Light, Light, Light
- A window isn’t going to cut it—this is the #1 reason for failure.
- Use proper, full-spectrum grow lights (like Burrina lights) positioned uncomfortably close to seedlings.
- Keep lights on 12-16 hours per day for strong, stocky plants.
- If you don’t have grow lights, be prepared for leggy seedlings.
- Soil Temperature Matters
- Too cold? Bad germination and weak seedlings.
- Ideal temp: 65-85 for many plants
- Use a seed heat mat (updated links below) or place trays in a warm spot like on top of the fridge.
- Consistent Moisture—Not Overwatering
- Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
- Bottom watering is best—use trays with no holes to create a DIY water table.
- Overwatering leads to weak roots and damping off. Underwatering even once can stunt growth for the life of the plant
- Potting Mix & Soil Biology
- If you’re new, just buy a good quality seed-starting mix. Look for fine-textured, bark-free soil.
- Pro tip: Add a quart of soil from a well-run local garden to introduce beneficial microbes and integrate local soil biology.
- Advanced growers: Make your own with compost, biochar, worm castings, and indigenous microorganisms (IMO).
- Compost tea made from local soil is a fantastic boost.
Soil Mix
- Don’t mix your own unless you know what you’re doing (WRONG ADVICE)
- Experiment while setting yourself up for success—but start with a 50/50 blend before committing fully.
- Learn from my mistakes
Trays & Containers
- Deep pots (3-4 inches) = Stronger roots
- Plastic trays with no drainage holes work great for bottom watering.
- Solo cups are cheap and effective (poke a few drainage holes).
- Peat pucks: Can work, but I don’t use them.
- Peat pots: Just don’t.
Choosing Seeds: Heirloom vs. Hybrid
- It’s all okay! Pick what works for your system.
- Good seedling choices: Tomatoes, peppers, kale, chard, broccoli, lettuce, loofahs.
- Less ideal: Squash, cucumbers (direct sow if possible).
- Don’t start indoors: Peas, beans, carrots, and most root crops.
First Year: Choose 1-2 things, experiment, and don’t stress if you buy starts. Keep going!
Troubleshooting Germination: The Paper Towel Trick
- Use damp paper towels in a plastic bag to check seed viability before planting.
Keeping Costs Down (While Buying Quality Equipment)
- Source second-hand greenhouse supplies from local growers.
- Attend local seed swaps (like the one here in February) for high-quality, adapted seeds.
- Consider bulk seed buys as a community.
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
Resources
Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce