Best way to germinate? Noob proof?

Germinate under CFL lights??

  • Yes

    Votes: 10 90.9%

  • No

    Votes: 1 9.1%
  • Total voters
    11
S. African grower

S. African grower

Well-Known Member
I need to know the best lab test method for germination.. A method that a noob can use and never break the tap root or run into problems .. I have been tasked with finding the 100% fool proof method to get 100% germination.. The problem with the paper towel method is that the taproot is very fragile and it's no guarantee you won't damage it when planting.. Same goes for the pre soak method except if you soak for 8 hours then into jiffy before the taproot pops it seem like the fool proof method?.. Any advice.. If there's already a journal with all this info please point me to its direction ;) thanks guys
 
NanoGadget

NanoGadget

Well-Known Member
No method of germination is %100 effective. If you want the highest chance of not damaging the tap root then you should plant the seed directly in the soil. As long as you don't plant it too deep or overwater your soil into mud it is really pretty foolproof. Personally the only time I don't start seeds directly in soil is if I'm running hydroponics, or they are older seeds that require some convincing to germinate.
 
Lordhooha

Lordhooha

Well-Known Member
S. African grower said:
I need to know the best lab test method for germination.. A method that a noob can use and never break the tap root or run into problems .. I have been tasked with finding the 100% fool proof method to get 100% germination.. The problem with the paper towel method is that the taproot is very fragile and it's no guarantee you won't damage it when planting.. Same goes for the pre soak method except if you soak for 8 hours then into jiffy before the taproot pops it seem like the fool proof method?.. Any advice.. If there's already a journal with all this info please point me to its direction ;) thanks guys
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Just as nature intended straight in soil. I use burpees 36 cell trays with the 10 day self watering junk with some rapid rooters or plain ole soil (pro mix bx)
 
hotrodharley

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
S. African grower said:
I need to know the best lab test method for germination.. A method that a noob can use and never break the tap root or run into problems .. I have been tasked with finding the 100% fool proof method to get 100% germination.. The problem with the paper towel method is that the taproot is very fragile and it's no guarantee you won't damage it when planting.. Same goes for the pre soak method except if you soak for 8 hours then into jiffy before the taproot pops it seem like the fool proof method?.. Any advice.. If there's already a journal with all this info please point me to its direction ;) thanks guys
Click to expand...
How are you planning to grow? Soil? Hydro?
 
S. African grower

S. African grower

Well-Known Member
Well this is not for me.. Its for an online website.. I personally find germination easy but there are people out there that panic or overthink and they ruin everything.. I've been tasked with making a brief journal for that target market.. Does anyone know a fact full journal like that I could maybe lend instead of reinventing the wheel?
 
chris42393

chris42393

Well-Known Member
I do the cup of water method. Hasn't failed me yet. Ive tried other methods and that seems to be the best one (for me at least). All you do is drop the seed in a cup of water, after awhile poke the seed to see if it goes to the bottom...after that just wait till the little tail comes out.
 
B

Blitz35

Well-Known Member
S. African grower said:
Well this is not for me.. Its for an online website.. I personally find germination easy but there are people out there that panic or overthink and they ruin everything.. I've been tasked with making a brief journal for that target market.. Does anyone know a fact full journal like that I could maybe lend instead of reinventing the wheel?
Click to expand...
You want to write a book with scientific facts on how to germinate a seed without ripping the tap root? one sentence, BECAREFUL when handling the seed! i mean seriously, its germinating..in a napkin or cup of water and in soil, if one can't find a way to do that first step, then don't bother growing plants! The only way to make sure you dont affect the tap root, is never having to handle it in the first place, and the only way to do that, is to put directly in soil! Not sure what kind of 'fact filled' journal you're looking for with something like this lol
 
S. African grower

S. African grower

Well-Known Member
Blitz35 said:
You want to write a book with scientific facts on how to germinate a seed without ripping the tap root? one sentence, BECAREFUL when handling the seed! i mean seriously, its germinating..in a napkin or cup of water and in soil, if one can't find a way to do that first step, then don't bother growing plants! The only way to make sure you dont affect the tap root, is never having to handle it in the first place, and the only way to do that, is to put directly in soil! Not sure what kind of 'fact filled' journal you're looking for with something like this lol
Click to expand...
There are many mistakes made during germination with first time growers.. Some over water some don't water enough.. Some water their jiffy while it's in the seedling trey,this could cause compact soil and decrease germination.. I know for a fact some seeds take forever to pop. Some would dig it up too early and damage it in the process.. Also it's best to use still water or atleast let your tap water stand.. Don't compress soil etc.. These things are simple to us who've been growing.. But I gotta find the best fool proof way for absolute noobs which I think is soak in still water for 8hr then into presoaked jiffy cups 1.5 to 2cm deep.. And the journal will cover everything from start to finish eventually.. Just on germination for now
 
ANC

ANC

Well-Known Member
S. African grower said:
I need to know the best lab test method for germination.. A method that a noob can use and never break the tap root or run into problems .. I have been tasked with finding the 100% fool proof method to get 100% germination.. The problem with the paper towel method is that the taproot is very fragile and it's no guarantee you won't damage it when planting.. Same goes for the pre soak method except if you soak for 8 hours then into jiffy before the taproot pops it seem like the fool proof method?.. Any advice.. If there's already a journal with all this info please point me to its direction ;) thanks guys
Click to expand...
The way you are going to start your seed or clones for that matter, depends on the media or system you will use to grow the adult plants...
I.e. it is better to root or germinate in a similar medium.... i.e. coco, soil, or hydro so that you grow the appropriate type of roots from the start.

I would say if you are planting in soil or coco, to moisten it before use, plant your seed, then cover the top of the pot with cling wrap and a rubber band so it doesn't dry out.
Never disturb the soil looking for a seedling's progress. The moment you start scratching in the pot is when you break off the taproot. It can take even 10 days for the seed to come out if it is cold. Be patient. In winter I just put one tablespoon of water over the spot the seed is in every morning.

I take it you are looking at ordering seeds. Prices are stupid hey?
 
Lordhooha

Lordhooha

Well-Known Member
S. African grower said:
There are many mistakes made during germination with first time growers.. Some over water some don't water enough.. Some water their jiffy while it's in the seedling trey,this could cause compact soil and decrease germination.. I know for a fact some seeds take forever to pop. Some would dig it up too early and damage it in the process.. Also it's best to use still water or atleast let your tap water stand.. Don't compress soil etc.. These things are simple to us who've been growing.. But I gotta find the best fool proof way for absolute noobs which I think is soak in still water for 8hr then into presoaked jiffy cups 1.5 to 2cm deep.. And the journal will cover everything from start to finish eventually.. Just on germination for now
Click to expand...
In a 36 cell burpee tray that self waters with rapid rooters it takes all of 48 hrs max for any of my seed to pop. If it's taking that long for you perhaps your doing it wrong.....
 
S. African grower

S. African grower

Well-Known Member
Lordhooha said:
In a 36 cell burpee tray that self waters with rapid rooters it takes all of 48 hrs max for any of my seed to pop. If it's taking that long for you perhaps your doing it wrong.....
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No certain strain just take longer... My gg4 sprouted in 12 hrs while pre 98 bubba took 5days under same conditions... I cannot expect these beginners that are most probably growing for the first time to invest in that burpee and nute. However cheap...but thanks for the info that is a great method
 
Capn-Crunch

Capn-Crunch

Well-Known Member
I soak my seeds for 24 hours
Put in light soil slightly moist in small solo cups planted about 1/4" deep
Cover with plastic wrap, put in a warm place
Mist daily as needed to keep soil moist
POP
 
S. African grower

S. African grower

Well-Known Member
What is happening to some of my Seedlings.. The temperature is 28degrees and humidity at 57% and the CFL lights have a fan blowing then so it's cool yet some seeds seem to be dying off .. It can't be the soil as it's all organic and other seeds are doing great . Any help would be appreciated guys.. Overwatering? I did give a lil too much last night but 1 Overwatering detrimental?
 

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S. African grower

S. African grower

Well-Known Member
S. African grower said:
What is happening to some of my Seedlings.. The temperature is 28degrees and humidity at 57% and the CFL lights have a fan blowing then so it's cool yet some seeds seem to be dying off .. It can't be the soil as it's all organic and other seeds are doing great . Any help would be appreciated guys.. Overwatering? I did give a lil too much last night but 1 Overwatering detrimental?
Click to expand...
The soil ph is 4.5 too low causing this?
 
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