GERMINATION
 
 

What would you do if you bought a pack of seeds from $100 ?

Hoping and praying that all seeds sprout and wait to see some results?
Or you can follow these simple steps I'm going to share with you and  succeed and grow efficiently..
 
 

Maybe you've  heard or thought about the following methods..
 

- Sowing in the "growing medium

The most common way for many people to sprout their seeds is by placing seeds under the surface in the "growing medium"and sprinkle the soil with water.
 

-Pre soaking:

By using some moist tissues on a plate and seeds on top of them and then put a layer of moist tissues on the seeds. Cover the plate with another upturned plate, so that the seeds are in darkness and the environment remains moist.
 

- Or the usual glass of water:

After 2-4 days the seeds will sprout and ready to transplant to pot / container
 
 

These are very common methods and they are simple and easy. But does it give you the 100% guarantee that all seeds sprout "No I don't think So!! We can and have to do better then this.
 
 
 
 

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Lets start with what we Definitely NOT Want To Do. That is using a Jiffy Pots to germinate seeds. "This will not work".. Experience and tests have shown that these peat cubes do not work well and slowing down the plants growth.

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Sowing in the "growing medium - It's far better to start germinate seeds in sterile soil (for planting outdoors) or a hydroponics medium, rock wool or vermiculite. Planting in vermiculite gives the seedling  much oxygen and are easy for roots to grow in, that the plants look large 1 week after germination! But you'll have to make sure to keep them moist at all times, and *ALWAYS* keep temperature above 20.c / 80.f. 

NEVER, NEVER LET THE SEEDS DRY OUT!!

Place the seeds in vermiculite filled with 16 oz cups with holes in the bottom, placed in a tray. To stimulate the process of sprouting we can use a weak nutrient solution mixed with water This works extremely well, and should be available in your local plant shop or garden-supply-centre.(High in P. Rock wool cubes also work extremely well). When the seed sprouts, place the rock wool cubes into larger rock wool cubes. No repotting or transplanting, and no soil mixing!
 
 
 
 

Presoaking - Put some moist tissues on a plate. Put the seeds on top of them and then put a layer of moist tissues on the seeds. Cover the plate with another upturned plate, so that the seeds are in darkness and the environment remains moist. Put the covered seeds in a warm place (21°C). Check the seeds every day, sprinkle the tissues if necessary and carefully transplant the seeds when they open and the tip of the root becomes visible. Put the seed in a growth medium (soil or rock-wool), approximately the size of the seed under the surface (about 5 mm).
 
 

Transplanting - do this as little as possible by germinating in the same container you intend to grow the plant in for a significant period of time. Just plant in vermiculite or rock wool. You will be amazed at the results! 90% germination is common with this method, as compared to 50% or less with Jiffy Cubes.
 

Many growers experience low germination rate if the temperatures are out of range. A heating pad set to low or medium may be necessary, or a shelf constantly warmed by a light may do, but test it with a few seeds first,before devoting your next crop to it. "No Light" is necessary. Cover the seeds with black paper to keep light out.
 
 
 
 

Plan on transplanting only once or twice before harvest. Use the biggest containers possible for the space and number of seedlings you plan to start. Plants will suffer if continuously transplanted and delay harvesting. You will suffer too, from too much work! Cut holes in the bottom of containers and fill the last few inches at the top with vermiculite only. Since vermiculite holds water well, wicks water well, but does not hold too much water, roots always have lots of oxygen.

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