The paper towels are the ones that are about 2/3 full size, then cut in half. Seeds are put on that half sheet, which is then folded over two times, and dampened. The paper towel and some sort of identification then go into the little snack baggies. That should provide enough moisture for germination. In just two days, I have my first rooting activity in my own seed saved of Golden Treasure Peppers! And treasures they are. I am so glad that variety chose to be the first out of the gate.
Started 4/9/2014:
Malabar Spinach from my own 2013 seed
Peppers: Cubanelle, Golden Treasure, Poblano, and Sweet Banana
Tomatoes: Black Krim, Bloody Butcher, Brandywine Pink, Cherokee Purple,
Chocolate Cherry, Glacier, Dr. Wyche, Jubilee, Ox Heart, Rutgers, and
Sungold Cherry
Started 4/10/2014:
Flowers: Cardinal Vine and Spanish Flag - both from my own seed and both to
attract Hummingbirds
Peppers: Green Bell, California Wonder mixed, Cayenne, Chuska, Golden
California Wonder, and Jalapeno
Squash family: Buttercup, Butternut, Cucumber Poinsett, Delicata, Luffa Gourd,
Marina Di Chioggia, Mesa Acorn, and Swan Gourd
Tomatoes: Big Red, Early Girl, German Johnson, and Marglobe
The seeds planted were about 10 to 12 per paper towel, yet I only want about two plants from each variety mentioned. I expect to get what I need, and certainly hope to have extras of lots of things. Let me know of any interest and stuff to trade.
These towels were planted from seeds on hand, some dating back to as far as 2009. The paper towel method allows to see what germinates without wasting time to try to set out dozens of six packs. What I am missing from my current seed stock and need to correct is seed for cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash.
Please use the side bar to this posting to see more on "Paper Towel Seed Germination".
That's an interesting way of finding out which seeds are still viable :) What have you planted outside? By the way I have a new URL and my blog has changed from blossomhideaway.blogspot.com to homegrowndelight.blogspot.com. Please update your reading list and sidebar. Stop by when you have a chance. Have a great week! :)
ReplyDeleteI see you have your favorite group of tomatoes. I tried a couple of new ones this year, hopefully they do well for me. I like the idea of germinating the seeds before you plant. I should have done that with the summer squash I planted. I only got one showing so far but it is still early so they may still sprout.
ReplyDeleteI grew German Johnson a few years back and really liked it. I need more land George!!
I am ALL for pre-germinating. It's so disheartening to sow a bunch of cell-packs and then only have a few seedlings come up. And since you can't see what's going on in the soil, there is that ever present hope that something is actually happening so I think you tend to wait longer. Next thing you know, you have lost a couple of weeks and have to start over anyway! Much better to know in a few days if the seeds are viable or not.
ReplyDelete