Healthy Seed Germination Tips

Proper seed germination is the first step to healthy plants. However, so many people end up with seed issues. For tiny little things, seeds can be complex, but with some basic tips, your seeds should do just fine…

Always look at the directions for seed germination either on the seed packet or in a gardening book. I used to think you could just toss any old seed in soil and it would magically grow. WRONG. Some seeds need darkness to germinate properly (who knew?) while others need constantly wet soil. Some need warmth and some need a specific soil depth. The seed packets and books aren’t just making conversation when they tell you planting conditions so follow directions.

Make sure you have viable seeds. If your seeds are too old they may not grow. Learn how to check seeds for viability.

Look out for damping off. Basically damping off looks like this – you plant seeds. They appear to germinate fine, little seedlings sprout, then the seedlings without warning die off. What the!? Damping off means your seeds experienced some sort of fungi in the soil and will die off right at the soil line. Problems causing this include too much water, overcrowded seedlings, low soil temp while germinating, planting seeds in dirty pots, or the wrong growing medium.

Don’t transplant seedlings until they have their first true set of leaves. I know it’s tempting, but wait!

For thick shelled seeds you can soak them in warm water for about eight hours or gently nick the shell of the seed with a sharp knife – YES this is as hard as it sounds. If you like your fingers go with the soak method.

To store unused seeds keep them in a dry place. Some seeds like oak and chestnut have to be stored in a moist materiel like peat moss but most of the time seeds you’ll be using should be kept dry.

Do you like starting plants from seeds or starter plants? I like seeds because my son is always impressed.

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