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Waterloo, Nebraska

I have failed with all of my germination tests. I have tried on top of the water heater, on a computer monitor and in one of those little store bought plastic greenhouses with a light. I have tried sterilised soil, wet pater towels, wet coffee grounds and clear polymer growing media. I have gently filed the edges and soaked the seeds for varying amounts of times. The temperature is 82 degrees in the little greenhouse, and on my water heater. I am such a failure. I am running out of seeds. I have some seeds that I ordered from the Dill website, 3 seeds from a generous person in Omaha, and I ordered some from ebay. I have 2 Dills and 2 Omaha seeds left. The Ebay ones aren't here yet. I need help!!! I am afraid that I will run out of seeds before I get this germination thing mastered. I opened one failed Dill seeds. It was empty and stinky. But I know they all can't be duds. I must be doing something wrong. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. This is my first year trying this so my seed supply is very limited, and I have to get it right soon. My sugar pumpkin seeds are doing great, but my giants aren't.
Thanks,
Jody

3/29/2005 9:28:00 AM

Waterloo, Nebraska

Whoops I posted this in the wrong area. Sorry. I will repost it in the seed starting section.
Jody

3/29/2005 9:42:02 AM

Western NY

Starting them is a tricky balance between temperature and moisture. once you get a system figured out for you, it's pretty easy. I've germinated them as high as 95 degrees, but they will probably sprout in the low 70's, just a little longer. The moisture is the big thing. i soak them for about a half hour in warm water, then put the in between moist paper towels. the key is just to keep it a little moist. too wet and they will rot.

you've got mail.

Andy

3/29/2005 9:44:04 AM

Webster, NY

I put mine in the moist paper towels, then put them in a baggie, and then on a propagation mat with a folded towel inbetween. That keeps the temp about 80 and I usually get 100% germination (unless it's a really old seed).
Good Luck

Dave

3/29/2005 9:52:49 AM

Waterloo, Nebraska

Thanks for the advice!

Andy, you've got mail.

Jody

3/29/2005 10:29:13 AM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Are you guys saying that you get the seeds to sprout first, before you plant them in a pot?


Doug

3/29/2005 1:05:53 PM

Western NY

Doug - yes I do, but not everyone does it that way. I guess it enables me to know asap if a seed is goiong to grow or not. As soon as i see a little root starting to peek out, it goes in the pot. I usually get to see the root a day and a half from the time i start soaking them.

3/29/2005 1:20:21 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

I like your method Andy.
I've been presprouting my small pumpkins and squash for a couple of years now. I'm leaning toward doing this with A.G.s as well. My 20 % A.G. germination rate last year, is unacceptable.
Thanks!
Doug

3/29/2005 2:16:25 PM

Webster, NY

I get the seed to sprout, then put it in a peat pot, about an inch deep. When I see the first true leaf come out, I put it in the patch and give it protection from the cold.

Dave

3/29/2005 4:37:34 PM