Hey guys!
Frequently we get asked how best to germinate to get the best results..
Now there's always a dozen ways to skin a cat, but this is the way we've settled on over the years and we always get very good results, so I thought we'd document it.
I like this method as it almost guarantees what you sow will become a plant, my patience isn't always the best and when I've planted direct to soil, I need oven gloves duct taped to my hands because I can never resist poking around in there and getting anxious
So here we are, Step 1:
Ready your seeds! - in this case I'm germinating f2 seeds of artisanal projects
Step 2:
Take an empty DVD case.
I use toilet tissue from the roll in the bathroom, 4 squares left connected.
Fold them over to make a doubled up 2 square length.
Place seeds on the tissue - do this on a flat surface. And if putting in multiple batches to germ at one time.. Do them one strain at a time to avoid any mix-ups.
Step 3: moistening -
We use a spray bottle with straight tap water. Moist the tissue through, and fold the tissue in half again to make a package.
Press the edges down to eliminate the chances of a seed escaping.
Spray again, you don't need to go crazy on it and have them be completely completely sodden, just nicely evenly moistened.
You'll notice the label, use permanent marker or if you've bought seeds, the packet sticker works well!
Just so long as if you're doing multiple batches they don't get mixed up.
The label also serves as a nice divider to open the tissue packages up again.
Step 4:
Close the DVD case up, and wrap in a garment , we use an old t-shirt,
It insulates it as well as keeping the moisture from escaping.
Step 5: this is a crucial part; finding a nice environment for your seeds to sit and germ.
This is tucked between the bar of a tent and the ceiling material.
I used our laser thermometer and the outside of the garment was 27 degrees c/ 80 F.
The tent is on 24/7 currently.
Step 6: check and go!
49 hours later, this is the result
Usually we look to plant after 60 hours.
It's night now, and I plan to pot these in the morning so I re-moistened them, packed them back up however just left them in the room, and not back in the tent.
It does pay to check after 24-30 hours and re-moisten if necessary, it can also be a good point to turn the case over so if you're germing a lot of seeds they get even warming for the same time period, I just forgot to.
And that's it!
In this instance I put in 65 of each strain to germinate, and we will pot 50 of each.
It was the first germination of these batches of seeds, so I was cautious. And also we like to do our potting in one stint, and also have them coming out of the ground at the same time.
Not that these seeds are for sale but I can update with the ratios tomorrow for anyone interested.
Cheers!
Frequently we get asked how best to germinate to get the best results..
Now there's always a dozen ways to skin a cat, but this is the way we've settled on over the years and we always get very good results, so I thought we'd document it.
I like this method as it almost guarantees what you sow will become a plant, my patience isn't always the best and when I've planted direct to soil, I need oven gloves duct taped to my hands because I can never resist poking around in there and getting anxious
So here we are, Step 1:
Ready your seeds! - in this case I'm germinating f2 seeds of artisanal projects
Step 2:
Take an empty DVD case.
I use toilet tissue from the roll in the bathroom, 4 squares left connected.
Fold them over to make a doubled up 2 square length.
Place seeds on the tissue - do this on a flat surface. And if putting in multiple batches to germ at one time.. Do them one strain at a time to avoid any mix-ups.
Step 3: moistening -
We use a spray bottle with straight tap water. Moist the tissue through, and fold the tissue in half again to make a package.
Press the edges down to eliminate the chances of a seed escaping.
Spray again, you don't need to go crazy on it and have them be completely completely sodden, just nicely evenly moistened.
You'll notice the label, use permanent marker or if you've bought seeds, the packet sticker works well!
Just so long as if you're doing multiple batches they don't get mixed up.
The label also serves as a nice divider to open the tissue packages up again.
Step 4:
Close the DVD case up, and wrap in a garment , we use an old t-shirt,
It insulates it as well as keeping the moisture from escaping.
Step 5: this is a crucial part; finding a nice environment for your seeds to sit and germ.
This is tucked between the bar of a tent and the ceiling material.
I used our laser thermometer and the outside of the garment was 27 degrees c/ 80 F.
The tent is on 24/7 currently.
Step 6: check and go!
49 hours later, this is the result
Usually we look to plant after 60 hours.
It's night now, and I plan to pot these in the morning so I re-moistened them, packed them back up however just left them in the room, and not back in the tent.
It does pay to check after 24-30 hours and re-moisten if necessary, it can also be a good point to turn the case over so if you're germing a lot of seeds they get even warming for the same time period, I just forgot to.
And that's it!
In this instance I put in 65 of each strain to germinate, and we will pot 50 of each.
It was the first germination of these batches of seeds, so I was cautious. And also we like to do our potting in one stint, and also have them coming out of the ground at the same time.
Not that these seeds are for sale but I can update with the ratios tomorrow for anyone interested.
Cheers!
