Make Shift Plastic Bag Greenhouse Test (photos)

Hi Everyone!

Have a quick one on something i am testing for fun. I have just planted a couple of cayenne peppers in mini pots and a few pansies in separate pots

I have planted the chilly like the packet said (5mm sieved soil on top, a light spray watering with a spray bottle)

I've then cut a plastic lunch bag and covered the pot with it and tied it down with a rubber band.

I have done this for all three chilly plants, and one of the three pansies with the other pansies on my balcony as a control group.

Im not expecting an amazing flowering or growth this late, but am simply trying to get germination

My questions are:

1. Is this going to work?
2. I watered them once then put the bag on. Do i have to water them again? If so, when?
3. Do i need to put breathing holes in the bags?
4. Should the bags be in the sun?
5. Lastly, if this is the right way, i will do this for my just sprouting beans and snapdragons. Would this be alright?

Preemptively thanks for all your input !

http://twitpic.com/26vwcc
http://twitpic.com/26vw9wAaron

 

Hi Riggaz.
You've got the right idea with the poly bag thing.
The theory is (and it works)
Use damp compost for planting (not too wet)
Plant seeds as per instructions
Place in the bag and clip closed
Put the container in the bag where the temperature is suitable
No need to water - it will not dry out
Leave until the seeds have germinated then open the bag.

If your question is just about germination then your answer is YES. This will work.

 

great - dio i need to put holed in the bag? How big does the shoot have to be before i take it out of the bag?

 

No Riggaz. You don't put holes in the bag. The purpose of the bag is to stop the compost drying out so don't make the compost too wet. Just damp is enough.
You can take the seed tray out when germination looks good. If it's very tender plants and you are worried about them then you can open the bag and prop it open with a stick or something and leave them for a few extra days.
Chillies and pansies should germinate fine with this method.