I probably would keep them covered with plastic wrap for germination time only. As soon as you see some green, take it off. It helps keep in moisture and warmth for germination, but if you leave it on, you’re just asking for trouble. You don’t gain anything by it.
I started the lettuce, spinach and radishes in window-box sized, long plastic pots that are about 6” deep. They’re germinating right now (upstairs, where it’s warmer), but once sprouted, I’ll move them to the basement where it stays 55 degrees all the time and put them under lights for 16 hours on and 8 hours off. (I can’t use the enclosed porch; Husband has claimed it, but he did set up all of my stuff in the basement for me!)
They’ll stay in those containers until harvest. The (leaf and butter crunch mixed) lettuce and spinach I can cut and they’ll come again. The radishes will be a one-time thing, and then I’ll move the lettuce/spinach containers outside if the weather cooperates. they’re entirely portable and can go in and out with ease.
The main thing is to feed, feed, feed them. I’ll use a weak solution of fertilizer each time I water once they have a few leaves; all three things grow quickly and need a lot of nutrition. I like kelp fertilizer or compost tea best for food crops, though a chemical is a chemical, so Miracle Grow is fine, too. The plants don’t know or care. :)
Thanks for all the details.
I’ll see what I can find as fertilizer. I don’t buy or use any Scott’s/Miracle Gro products. Not only do they refuse to hire smokers, they fired everyone who didn’t quit. I know, it’s petty, but I don’t care.