From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ironton, ohio

Started about a dozen tomatoes a few days back, I’ve had great germination but nearly all of them didn’t shed their seed coat. Am I the only one that struggles with this? Is there anything I can do to help prevent this? Thanks in advance in the meantime I’ll search the message boards and google.

4/16/2025 8:36:41 PM

On a cliff in the desert

Take an eyedropper and put a couple of drops of water on the seed coat until the cots emerge from the seed shell.

4/16/2025 8:56:23 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

Spit on them,the enzymes will take care of them,try planting them a little deeper next time.

[Last edit: 04/16/25 9:07:31 PM]

4/16/2025 9:05:57 PM

Grittyville, WA

A bit more depth or compaction of the starting mix and they should put their arms up and surrender, no helmets.

4/16/2025 11:58:00 PM

San Diego, CA

Hawk tuah, spit on that thang!

[Last edit: 04/17/25 12:47:11 AM]

4/17/2025 12:40:01 AM

Colorado

Lol Saswampo. I have learned to plant a bit deeper I had a lot of problems in the past. It still happens tho. The advice on here is good.

4/17/2025 8:09:19 AM

Ironton, ohio

Thanks folks, best of luck to everyone.

4/17/2025 8:30:17 AM

Syracuse, NY

I imagined I heard of maybe a tiny amount of vegetable oil
applied, butt again, I may have imagined it - also, hand lotion. Water will dry up. Couple hours and use tweezers. eg

4/17/2025 7:48:44 PM