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[Vieo]

I've been gardening for about 4 years now, but only during the Spring and the Summer (rest of the year it's too cold). My early methods were throwing dirt over various seeds, throw water on the dirt every other day and hope stuff grew. It didn't work out so well. I've been redefining my techniques over the years though by getting more research, aquiring proper soil, etc.

However my largest problem still persists. What is the proper way to germinate seeds? I've done a lot of experimenting but they always have bad results. My usual method is putting seeds on a wet papertowel in a plastic bag then setting it out in the sun and letting condensation do the rest. This makes a few of the seeds sprout, but the problem with this method is that after a while the seeds begin to rot or grow mold if they take too long to sprout.

What am I doing wrong?! =|

I don't want to be one of those jokers who has to buy pre-started plants. That kills the fun of going from a seed to a 6 foot tall sun flower stalk. =)

(if you're wondering the types of seeds I'm working with, they're mostly of the vegatable kind-- carrots, lettuce, corn, beans, tomatoe(fruit?), pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, etc.)

 

[darscot]

I always germinated seeds in an open container. I would use a bowl with a cloth or paper towel filled with water. You need some airflow.

 

[Vieo]

I always germinated seeds in an open container. I would use a bowl with a cloth or paper towel filled with water. You need some airflow.

I'll give that a shot. I always thought you were supposed to seal the container to prevent mold/rot because I thought mold spores were always present in the air.

The same thing always applied to leftovers. The tighter the seal, the longer your chicken will last. =)

 

[darscot]

The only other thing I could suggest is to use bottled water. Or at least leave the water out over night in an open container. There is a reason why dogs like to drink from the toilet.

 

[Azala]

Well I've had the best luck germinating my seeds in a small peet starter boxes, using rich soil. You can't just throw soil over the top and water, it won't work. Some seeds need different depths. Squashes for instance need at least an inch over them where carrots and peppers need only a 1/4 inch or less. With carrots especially you cannot transplant them or the roots will grow crooked or stunted. So those you have to start directly where you want them. As far as water goes some seeds need different amounts of moisture saturation. Squashes are pretty hardy and will generally germinate with a high rate, with water every day to every few days. Peppers, eggplants and so forth can be pretty picky and usually have a low germination rate. I think last year I got 10% germination on peppers but 90-100% on squashes. Peppers also love constant water saturation so you can't skip a day in watering or they'll dry up. But then again you can't give them too much or they'll mold. Soil temperature also matters considerably. Most seeds have an ideal germination temperature, and for most of the spring/summer varieties the warmer the better, which is why a greenhouse is an ideal starting location. Germination ranges from 7-21 days on most plants. Squashes tend to go quickly and carrots and peppers can take a long time.

Frankly on peppers, eggplants and tomatoes I reccomend buying the prestarted plants. You can get a 6-12 pack for 2 bucks or less, and you really don't need more than that. With their germination rates and highly picky thriving conditions as seedlings it's not worth the frustration starting and restarting them and it costs less in the long run.

Don't forget, almost all of those (except pumpkings) will want direct sunlight during the day, the longer the better. I'd reccomend checking out the farmer's almanac page. They have great growing tips specific to each region as well as plant.

Good luck.

 

[Shouta]

(except pumpkings)

I see someone's been watching too much Yugioh =P.

Anyway, germination techniques are dependent highly on what you want to grow as Azala mentioned. Different types of seeds require differing amounts of soil cover, water needs, and sun to properly germinate. When I was actively growing plants, I would usually use a small planting container or pot, dump some good soil in there and plant the seed in that. Water it, cover it with a plastic bag, and put it in a place that it will gain the appropriate amount of sun. That's assuming it's one that you can transplant mind you. It's a pretty simple technique but it works pretty well with most flowering plants. I wouldn't recommend wetpaper towl/plastic bag myself, it's a crapshoot (IMO) since most plants need to react to soil to properly germinate (at least in my experience).

 

[Outlaw]

Gardening?

 

[Hitokage]

When transplanting, make sure you don't actually uproot the plant. Just make it so that past the original soil is room to expand.

Gardening?

Alrighty then...