100% germination, yes without the paper towel method

[Vortex]

I never liked the paper towel method. Primarily, b/c of the "nursery like" environment i had to maintain. The around the clock monitoring got/gets very laborious when i had to check for the paper towel drying out every three hours. I felt like i was taking care of a colically baby, especially during the 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 AM schedule. Keeping the towel moist/wet as well as a temperature of 75 - 80 degrees only added to the alertness that i had to maintain to prevent drying. Out of desparation, i realized that this is not a how normal seed germinates. I also noticed, that very often I would see seeds that were slow or no movers, adding to my consternation of losing seeds - losing $$$. Since I do more than recreational, it did make sense to that I was regually losing seeds (profits) on a "I hope they germinate." Now, (with my third grow - two autos and a photoperiod,) I have changed my method which has allowed me to have 100% germination in a quicker time, with also, what I believe to be stronge plants.

I now create the netted pots with clay pebbles. I then put the Rapid Root starters in the clay pots. I then put the pots in the veg side of my Bloom Box. I soak the seeds for 15 hours, to break or begin to break the shell. After 15 hours I take the seeds and drop them into the hole of the Rapi Root pod and put a small clay pebble on top of the hole. With everything in place I turn the 18/6 lights on, AND THAT IS IT. Within two and 1/2 to three days - BANG! 100% germination. See pictures below. Try it, you may sleep more soundly at night.





 

[bboyfromwayback]

I’ve soaked my seeds 24hrs then pour them into their medium for years. Never touched. Rarely get a dud. The paper towel method never worked for me and seems harmful

 

[User420111]

See pictures below. Try it, you may sleep more soundly at night.





I think I will try it. Why not, been doing the paper towels thing for years. Learn something new every day I say

 

[GroBuddy]

You know you seal paper towel in a misted ziplock bag thatll stay moist for a week, checking it constantly messes up germination. Only takes 24 to 48 hrs. I prefer that method because it can take up to 2 wks to sprout from soil a day to 3 is more likely however growing perpetually I like to know I have a viable seed before putting into soil. If seed wasnt viable I'd have start another putting that one weeks behind other plants. If seed isnt viable I can pop another leaving them in paper towel for a couple more days. Some may even sprouted Cotyledons waiting that long. Just plant with those leaves barely above soil. That's rare just if anyone ever runs across that no worries. Absolutely nothing wrong with starting directly in medium, that's how nature intended

May want to lower light they already getting leggy

 

[SoOrbudgal]

I still use this method with both auto and photo seeds. I blow up the baggie after i've placed seeds on warm wet towel and place it on a warm service. I do check it after 24hrs and again after 48hrs .