Expert: Mike Mascio - 1/26/2003

Question
I have two problems. 1 its very dry in my house so I bought a plug in humidifier. But I haven't tried to start seeds yet. 2 I have 4 cats that love nibbling sprouts.
Then they ask for cool locations 55*f night temp
which makes another problem. HELP any suggestions

THANX mikki in MI. zone5-6

Answer
Mikki, I grow over 500 seedlings every spring.  I, too, had a problem with my cats.  I have three, one of which loves to eat seedlings.  I actually had to build a wooden frame around my grow light fixture with plastic fencing stapled in the frame to keep the cat out.

This may not be practical if all you're growing is a flat of sprouts.  You can cover the flat with reemay or some other type of row cover.  I use this in my garden to keep out rabbits and insects.  It is highly effective.

Another trick is to lightly sprinkle cayenne pepper powder on your seedlings.  This will deter the cats from eating the plants since they normally smell before eating.

In regard to humidity, you did the right thing by adding a humidifier.  Dry conditions can prove fatal to young seedlings.  You should also mist the seedlings twice per day with water to help them retain moisture.

Finally, the temperature is not a factor unless they are consistently above 75F or below 45F.

I hope these suggestions help.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike