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How to Germinate Seeds

Common Problems With Seed Germination

 seed germination moldWilting happens when the seed does not have enough moisture and dries up.Mold,however,is the opposite of wilting.The seed has to much moisture and bacteria grows and eats the plant.

Why Use This Seed Germination Method?

We have had experience with germinating seeds and know the best way to do it.We have tried pots, greenhouses,and paper towels. We have researched books and articles that have good information for beginners and professionals alike. We have germinated seeds with success before and know the easiest way to get seedlings.We even have a growing amount of pictures to show our progress.

These Things Frustrated Us When Germinating Seeds

We were really disappointed when our seedlings died.It was very difficult for us because seeds had to be just right, right temperature, right amount of water, not to much sunlight, etc. We were really bummed out, but were eager to try again, hopeful that one day we would be able to grow seedlings and not buy expensive plants grown in a nursery. After many seeds, we accomplished our goal and wanted to share it with everyone else.

Other Seed Germinating Methods That Don’t Work So Well

Pots and mini greenhouses don’t work so well because water escapes and the seedlings wilt. They clog up and have too much water and breed mold.The roots can’t reach water fast enough to survive.Even if they did, the gardener sometimes forgets to water the seedling or drowns it.

This Method of seed Germination Works Because

Heatlhy cucumber seed germination
Our method works because water escapes through air vents. This prevents mold and and keeps fresh air in the bag. We mist the bag to give water but not too much water,and because we have water and air holes, we can easily put it on a window sill or shelf without worry of wilt.The misting always keep moisture right by the roots, solving the problem of no water.

How to Germinate Your Own Seeds

Items needed:Paper towel,Seeds,Ziploc bag,Water

  1. Wet a paper towel
  2. Put seeds on paper towel and fold the paper towel over
  3. Put carefully in Ziploc bag
  4. Place on windowsill and check everyday for sprouts

What Not To Do When Germinating Seeds

mold infesting seedlingsTake out the sprouts once roots are 1 inch.If you don’t, the roots will grab on to the paper towel and be tricky to take out. If you put too much water and no air vents in the bag mold will infest the bag and eat your seeds.Don’t be rough with your seedlings:they are very delicate.

Tips and Reminders About Seed Germination

  • Take out seedlings once roots are 1 inch
  • Don’t over water
  • Cut air vents and/or leave bag open for air and mold prevention
  • Mist with spray bottle when dry
  • Better for the paper towel to be a little dry because mold can easily infest bag
  • When there’s mold, take out of bag and let dry
{ 6 comments… add one }
  • Kent Hinkson July 16, 2012, 4:21 pm

    Loved your explanation, Justin of how to get seedlings started. I’m going to try it.

  • Carla July 16, 2012, 4:26 pm

    Great article! We tried germinating seeds for a school project using a similar method. We’ve also had good success germinating seeds with peat pots. Good luck with your future growing projects!

  • Rebecca July 16, 2012, 4:26 pm

    This was very well-written! Good job explaining what to do and why – I will definitely try this the next time I plant – my poor window greenhouse suffered BOTH mold and wilting!

  • Thomas Miller ( at grandma's). July 16, 2012, 5:33 pm

    I will try it. Thank you so much for telling how to germinate a seed. Your article is very good. Will let you know what happens to the seeds.

  • corrine caddy July 17, 2012, 4:44 pm

    Justin,
    This is a great article. I have been growing a lot in my garden but have been buying plants from the nursery as my seedlings always wilt or mold. I was using a mini green house. I am excited to see how this works. I hope you write more articles on planting the seedlings as I am having a problem losing them right after planting also. Good job, keep up the good work!

  • Cindy Dean July 19, 2012, 8:09 am

    Thanks for the great information, Justin! I will try this next spring so I don’t have to purchase my vegetable plants. It seems more fun and interesting to start them from seeds. Nicely written! I’ll look forward to more of your articles.

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