Whats the best way to keep seeds from sprouting up with their shells still on? I have burried some 2 inches deep and they still came up with the shell on.
I find when i have to remove the shell myself the plant is weaker snd sub-par over all compared to properly sprouted plants.
I have seen seedling die from not kicking the shell. The question I have is are your plants weaker and sub-par because you pulled the shell, or was the shell stuck because your seedlings were just weak and sub-par?
In my experience, pulling off the shell is a 50/50 proposition even when done carefully after softening the shell with water. I give them about 48 hours to kick it, and then I go in and remove the shell. Wish I could tell you what the best amount of time is to wait before removing the shell, but I don't know. Totally agree that it is best for the plant to kick it themselves, but know this does not always happen.