From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Corryton, TN

With this second batch I started with 40 seeds each from the same 3 melons as before. This time I was not as particular about the seeds that I got out of the seed bags. Some were slightly smaller or larger than the average. With the last test I tried to get very uniform seeds. I soaked the seeds in water for approx 20 min @ 85 degrees. 20 of each went into separate zip-lok with 1/2 sheet damp paper towel prepared as before. This time I put the seeds between the folded layers in one bag and on top of the towel in the other and I blew air into both as before. My thougt was that it would be easier to tell if and when the seeds had sprouted if they were not between the layers. Just was not sure about germination rate of the seeds on top. I started checking them @ 24 hrs this time and then every 12 hrs.
No seeds showed signs of sprouting @ 24 hrs.
@36 hrs under towel #'s sprouted 17,9,8; on top 10,10,13
@48 under 0,2,2; top 2,1,0
@60 under 0,0,0; top 2,2,0
@72 under 1,0,0; top 0,0,0
@84 none
I'm leaving them in another day or two to just watch. I will cut into each before trashing to confirm that it had a chance. With only 1 seed difference these techniques appear eaqual.
What I learned was to really keep an eye on them starting @ 24 hrs. I'll be sure to plant seeds in a pre-warmed damp media and container

2/10/2010 6:57:07 PM

formerly RGG

Dave, I know we all appreciate the information. I have been motivated to purchase an incubator.I found a small one on eBay that is perfect for seed. And it uses only 24 watts of electricity. It is made by Boekel & I think it was designed for growing cultures in test tubes. It has a thermostat and a clear window and should be great for seed germination. The seller was asking $100 or best offer & I offered $80 and was accepted. The seller has more & if anyone else needs one of these you might offer less than $80 & be accepted. I know last year I went through a lot of seed to get a few plants & I'm sure I'll have a lot better results this year.Well, thanks again for doing the leg work & sharing your results with all of us.

2/10/2010 7:23:23 PM

sevierville, Tn

Thanks again Dave, great info.

TD, got a link ?

2/11/2010 11:56:54 AM

Corryton, TN

Glad to help

2/11/2010 12:20:40 PM

formerly RGG

SMP, Sure:http://cgi.ebay.com/BOEKEL-Mini-Incubator-1-CU-FT-Rear-Heated-260700_W0QQitemZ180456589643QQihZ008QQcategoryZ26233QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3911.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7779148067820751094

2/11/2010 6:18:06 PM

formerly RGG

SMP, here is another link. These are 2 different sellers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140381656815

2/11/2010 8:39:50 PM