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Concord, WI

Has anyone thought of starting without soil? I'm starting one of my seeds in a baggy with a moist paper towel hung in the window. Do you think the idea of not having soil to push through will cause less stress on the plant/vine as it starts out?

4/17/2009 9:07:03 PM

Midwest

The germination method you are using is is called the 'alternate' method. This is a very successful germination technique used by many growers. Seeds started in this way are no better or worse than seeds started in soil/soil-less mix. There are several benefits with the towel method. Many growers like to see exactly when germination occurs. I would put the seed in a growing medium almost immediately. 100% air is not good for the root.
Great start!

4/17/2009 10:07:50 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

I use this method. File edges of seed gently with a fine emery nail file, do NOT file close to the point or the point. Soak in room temp or slightly warmer water for 4-8 hours, then put between paper towels (I use two above and two below) cut to exactly fit box and moistened to drippy in a waterproof clear plastic box (old candy box) and put it where it stays at 87-88f. I check at 12 and 24 hours carefully and make sure all condensation hits the paper towels again... add a few drops if needed. As soon as I put seeds in I prepare the pots with soilless potmix to soak and warm; when I have roots, I plant to the pots GENTLY. I may have to help seedcases a little (BE GENTLE you will feel horrid if you break a root off or rip off a cot leaf! breaking off root, seed is finished) This way I don't have to dig through dirt to see what's starting.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=102150 is the seeds in the box covered by and on top wet paper towelling... the picture after shows the box 24 hours later, you can see where I filed some edges... as well as the one after that... #20 shows one planted and you can see the day I filed the seed (late on the 10th) and the day I planted the sprouted seed VERY carefully and helped the seedcase off the last little bit, prying it gently with fingernails and sliding it off gently.

4/17/2009 10:59:51 PM