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Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

Something that was running around in my mind tonight as I was soaking seeds was since the seeds float, would the seed soak work better if something was set on the seed to completely submerge it. Any thoughts?

4/29/2004 1:16:39 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

It probably makes little difference if the seeds float but I didn't like it either. So I took the lid from a smaller jar top, drilled holes in it, & screwed it to a piece of dowell. Now the seeds are trapped beneath the "mesh" during their soak.

This thing also makes for quick & simple retrieval.

An old fasioned tea-ball would work just as well but the Mrs wasn't well for that idea.

4/29/2004 6:23:40 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

I used to use a paper towel on the very top and the screw the lid on but switched to my "jar germinator" method...check out my diary.

4/29/2004 7:07:55 AM

ipswich, ma usa

Put them in a baggie, fill to the very top, push out air bubble and seal. Cheap and it keeps the seeds fully submerged.

John (5150)

4/29/2004 8:21:40 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

good idea....

4/29/2004 9:23:28 AM

Syracuse, NY

yo SOUTHERN, ---the Jarminator.....LOL!

and yes, very good idea on the airless ZipLoc bag, John!

also, two glasses, exactly the same, the bottom one with
H2 O2 or water in it, and the other glass set into the bottom one...makes a glass "sandwich", from which air bubbles can escape---i dunno what would happen with the other, totally-sealed methods---BOOM! errr, splat! eric

4/29/2004 7:40:12 PM

Commack, NY

JOhn, that's EXACTLY how ive been doing mine for years!

Scott

4/29/2004 9:21:21 PM

Deer Park WA

It makes little difference if they float or if you even soak them at all, tried it everyway you can imagine as long as the planting medium is moist and warm I found germination rates are fairly consistant.

4/30/2004 1:49:36 AM

Syracuse, NY

indeed, there is a great deal to be said for experimentation. my thought, though, is that if the seeds
are being soaked for 24 hours, probably at room temperature,
that could also be 24 hours in the actual seed-germination
environment---i should soak some seeds of my own and compare how long it takes for them to sprout with the soak-time added on, as opposed to how long it takes for some to sprout without soakage, just for kicks. in the past, i have just filed and plugged-in my main, top seeds for the year and haven't soaked them, and they have been up and running in the course of 3-5 days. beyond that, i worry!
indeed, i should have experimented more this past winter! eg

4/30/2004 12:48:24 PM

Joliet, IL

as for the floating, wrap the seed in a paper towel
and place in indidually marked plastic cups of water.
the wet towel around the seed keeps it under surface
level or at surface level with even soaking.

4/30/2004 10:07:02 PM

Key West, FL

I just flip mine over halfway through.

4/30/2004 11:46:56 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

I'm tellin' ya'..the "jar germinator" never fails :0)

5/1/2004 1:57:00 AM

Webster, NY

I just let mine float. I usually have no problem germinating the seeds.

5/1/2004 6:34:47 PM

wilmington,ma.

There going to be buryed soon! Give them a chance to float!!It works for me.

5/1/2004 7:55:27 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

I took Steve's advice and used the tea-ball. Worked great. Thanks all!

5/1/2004 10:45:57 PM