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Hinckley MN

I'm doing some germination experiments over the winter. unfiled seeds had zero percent germination, while I got 80% germination from filed seeds.

I file the seeds, soak the seeds in 1/3 peroxide, 2/3 water, pat them dry, dust with captan and plant in peat pots with a storebought germination mix. The pots sit in a tray which sits on a heat mat.

I was amazed at how one seed foamed like crazy in the peroxide, and the other did not. after examining the seed coats post germination, I think I need to file more off the edges.

12/27/2011 10:57:48 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I did a bunch last winter and am doing some currently to make sure my cross germinates.

Did you keep the temps set at 85-90? My heat mat hits ~20 degrees above room temp, so sometimes I use a book as a buffer to make sure soil temps at seed level don't go above 90.

12/27/2011 12:05:10 PM

Hinckley MN

If anything, it is probably too cold in the attic. one of my pumpkins had really ugly seeds and I was testing to seed any would germinate. they did very well at 60 degree air temp on the heat mat. I probably have them too wet, too. I won't start my competition seeds up there though. They get a table in front of a big window, but my wife didn't want them out in the living room for christmas, go figure.

12/27/2011 5:15:42 PM

South Hero, VT

I get nearly 100% germination rates putting the heat mat in a large cooler and plug the mat into a thermostat to keep the temp constant.

I also warm the pots before planting the seeds, and I use a thermometer to check on the accuracy of the thermostat.

12/27/2011 6:38:46 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

To clarify, the soil medium should be around 85-90. All 3 of mine had come up when I got home from work today (put them in Friday after filing\soaking). The air temp is around 65 in the back room the seed chamber is in, so the thermometer in the soil at seed level stays close to 85-87.

After many trials last year with all different sizes and color of seeds, one thing I noticed was to avoid over wetting before over drying. Too wet can rot seeds faster than if the medium is too dry. You want the soil moist, but shouldn't be able to squeeze any water out of it if you grip it. It was a looooong winter last year. lol

12/27/2011 7:49:40 PM

Mount Vision, NY

I got 100% last year using a GQF Hovabator incubator set at 89 degrees. It's one of the fan driven ones. I filled the water trays so the potting mix wouldn't dry out to quickly. I filed the seeds, soaked them overnight (diluted Neptune's Harvest fish/seaweed) and planted them in prewarmed peat pots the next morning. Using the same set up for long gourds wasn't quite as successful. So I need to play around with germinating them this winter.

12/28/2011 6:21:17 AM

Hinckley MN

That's a great Idea! I have an incubator that I don't use much. I might need to rig a styrofoam spacer to accomodate 5" peat pots. I think I need about an inch above the pots for the plants to emerge.

12/28/2011 11:51:20 AM

Hinckley MN

So i have a still air incubator. I think it would be similar to the germination boxes others build as far as temperature control. maybe I should spring for the fan kit. I see at least two more germination tests in my future!!!

12/28/2011 1:37:36 PM

Mount Vision, NY

Personally, I'd go with the fan kit. The difference in temperature control is like night and day from a still air. I think an incubator is one of the best ways to go.

12/28/2011 3:19:34 PM

Hinckley MN

If I build a spacer to get more height in the incubator, I'll definately need the fan kit. I think the Hovabator has a goose egg expansion ring option for added height. but mine is a little giant brand.

12/28/2011 7:14:11 PM

Mount Vision, NY

Ben, I'm not sure of the height difference between the LG and the GQF, but I don't use the expansion ring. There's no need. As long as you can fit your pots in without hitting the heating element you should be fine. Once I see the first signs of soil moving/germination, I move the pots under full spectrum lights and they pop right up and take off.

12/29/2011 6:05:42 AM

Hinckley MN

the newer GFQ with the more rounded corners is about 2 inches higher, which is about what I need. If I were buying one, this is what I would get: http://incubatorwarehouse.com/egg-incubators/hova-bator-incubator-circulated-air.html it is $70 but will hold nine 5 inch pots

12/29/2011 11:50:52 AM

Mount Vision, NY

That's the same one I have except mine has the full plexiglass top which isn't really needed. That is actually a good deal. I'd say well worth the $70 as you'd have it for many seasons. Another plus is that they are easily sterilized.

12/29/2011 5:51:08 PM

President - GPC

Wrap thoZe potZ in aluminum foil to allow for even distribution of heat in the peat pots.... Proven ...

12/29/2011 6:07:44 PM

Mount Vision, NY

Thanks Wiz, I like the sounds of that idea and I'll give it a go this time around.

12/29/2011 6:12:50 PM

Hinckley MN

I got 100% germination in half the time with the incubator. Thats how I'll do in this April.

1/2/2012 3:41:23 PM

Mount Vision, NY

Way to go Ben!

1/2/2012 3:46:57 PM

Massachusetts

http://www.dnjreptilestore.com/reptibator.html

1/2/2012 4:15:40 PM

Mount Vision, NY

Scott, the only thing I'd say against that is that it appears to be a still air incubator. If it was fan driven it would be just the ticket. Looks to be a good size.

1/2/2012 4:19:25 PM

Madera, CA

Thanks guys, I never thought about using an incubator.

1/2/2012 11:31:05 PM

Massachusetts

sandy, i use a small fan, it has vent holes, i like it , has room for 4 pots, i just like the temp and humidity control, egg incu's work great also, just don't use the egg turner!!! lol., scott

1/3/2012 11:42:11 AM

Mount Vision, NY

Scott, you use the Reptibator? How do you use the small fan with it? I'm always eager to learn! The humidity control is a nice feature.

1/3/2012 4:38:33 PM

Massachusetts

i put it a little far away, too close and it affects the temp, there are vent holes in mine that allow some circulation, it takes a bit to get it right, but i have great germ rates with it, kida pricey though! but i like the controlled atmosphere...

1/3/2012 4:57:05 PM

Mount Vision, NY

Nothing like a little innovation, eh?

1/3/2012 6:15:28 PM

Madera, CA

What humidity is best for germinaton?

4/17/2012 11:28:25 PM