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Location

Message

Date Posted

North Ga

What type of file works best? Wood, Metal, Fingernail? Coarse, Fine? Also can this be done several months prior to germinating? Thanks for the help.

11/9/2001 1:21:33 PM

Commack, NY

i usually use a finger nail file. but i've never done it several months in advance. it only takes like 5 minutes anyway

11/9/2001 1:46:25 PM

North Ga

Scott,
Thanks for the reply. I've read that I need to practice this procedure and I'd hate to ruin good seeds at planting time. If I did some now and they turned out good I don't want to just toss em'. I guess I could germinate them just to see how I did though. (Rambling on, sorry) Or as our illustrious leader says "Let's roll on"
Thanks again,
Pappy

11/9/2001 2:15:43 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

i used to file, but it was time consuming. now i just set the fence on my table saw for 1/2 the thickness of the seed coat and run them through...lol...geeesh, off-season boredom
-induced replies to legitimate questions ! pappy, experiment with not-so-valuable seeds, say green ones !
i think filing the long edges of the seeds allows the new leaves to break through easier. i've been using a finger nail trimmer on the pointed end of the seed to expose the seed cavity to water and air. when soaking the seed initially, squeeze it under water to expel the air and draw in water. this process has worked well for me the last two years to improve germination rates. good luck.

11/9/2001 8:31:02 PM