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The Hollyberry Lady · 04-19-2011, 01:15 PM

It's the time of year for seed sprouting once again, and I thought this thread could be a collection of tips and techniques for successful germination of your seeds...

* First of all, starting with a good STERILE, light & well-draining potting mix, will pretty much guarantee your success.

I add some of my sterile Sunshine mix to a little 4" pot and I wet the soil down and let it drain in the kitchen sink, before I sow my seeds.

Then I use a pencil to make a little dent in the soil, where I add one seed and cover it over. Keep in mind that just one small seed will grow into a big mature plant, so don't sow too many, unless you want tons of plants.

I usually make three dents in each little pot and sow three seeds in each of them, placing one in the very middle of the pot, then I cover it over. This way, I can make sure I get at least one sprout for my efforts. If I get three sprouts, then I just thin them, and keep only the strongest and most vigorously growing seedling to remain in the pot.

It's best to sow the seed at the correct depth, so following seed packet instructions is a good idea. Generally though, seeds should be covered with soil, about 2-3 times their thickness.

I then use a mist bottle to mist the soil where my seeds have been sown, to make sure they are moistened but not washed away or moved, from a hard gush of water. Misting is what many greenhouses use to germinate their seeds, and it's been proven that seeds actually sprout quicker when misted regularily. I've been doing it for years.

Most seeds like to be warm in order to germinate, but some, like strawberry seeds, prefer a cool atmosphere to successfully sprout in.

If the seeds are covered, this indicates that no light is needed for them to germinate. However, if the seeds are sown on top of the soil, this means light is needed for them to sprout.

Be sure your soil & seeds don't dry out before they come up. If they do, it will likely mean re-sowing because they dry out and are destroyed. Back and forth wetting and drying doesn't work when trying to germinate seeds. Keeping the soil consistenly moist and never allowing it to dry out, is the best way to get your seeds up and growing with success.

Most seeds like to be warm while germinating but once the little sprouts are up, you can keep them a little cooler and stop misting as often. Be sure to keep your little seedlings well watered though, especially in the sun. Make sure they get good light but are not burned from intense sunshine and heat.

I will add to this thread over time, and others should feel free to contribute some of their own seed-sprouting suggestions also...

: )

04-19-2011, 01:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,349,227 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	GERMINATION Techniques It's the time of year for seed sprouting once again, and I thought this thread could be a collection of tips and techniques for successful germination of your seeds... *** First of all, starting with a good STERILE, light & well-draining potting mix, will pretty much guarantee your success. I add some of my sterile Sunshine mix to a little 4" pot and I wet the soil down and let it drain in the kitchen sink, before I sow my seeds. Then I use a pencil to make a little dent in the soil, where I add one seed and cover it over. Keep in mind that just one small seed will grow into a big mature plant, so don't sow too many, unless you want tons of plants. I usually make three dents in each little pot and sow three seeds in each of them, placing one in the very middle of the pot, then I cover it over. This way, I can make sure I get at least one sprout for my efforts. If I get three sprouts, then I just thin them, and keep only the strongest and most vigorously growing seedling to remain in the pot. It's best to sow the seed at the correct depth, so following seed packet instructions is a good idea. Generally though, seeds should be covered with soil, about 2-3 times their thickness. I then use a mist bottle to mist the soil where my seeds have been sown, to make sure they are moistened but not washed away or moved, from a hard gush of water. Misting is what many greenhouses use to germinate their seeds, and it's been proven that seeds actually sprout quicker when misted regularily. I've been doing it for years. Most seeds like to be warm in order to germinate, but some, like strawberry seeds, prefer a cool atmosphere to successfully sprout in. If the seeds are covered, this indicates that no light is needed for them to germinate. However, if the seeds are sown on top of the soil, this means light is needed for them to sprout.** Be sure your soil & seeds don't dry out before they come up. If they do, it will likely mean re-sowing because they dry out and are destroyed. Back and forth wetting and drying doesn't work when trying to germinate seeds. Keeping the soil consistenly moist and never allowing it to dry out, is the best way to get your seeds up and growing with success. Most seeds like to be warm while germinating but once the little sprouts are up, you can keep them a little cooler and stop misting as often. Be sure to keep your little seedlings well watered though, especially in the sun. Make sure they get good light but are not burned from intense sunshine and heat. I will add to this thread over time, and others should feel free to contribute some of their own seed-sprouting suggestions also... : )