need some advice please

[simply_slide]

So I would love to hear some methods as to how to get a near 100% success rate with sprouting young seedlings.
I use the paper towel method when is comes to germination and a DTW coco coir(zoomed-eco earth) with GH nutes for the duration of the grow.
My issue is I am only getting only a 1:3 ratio to sprout (not good at all).
I just need help getting the little ones to pop up.
Please help me out guys and gals! Much love!

 

[nomofatum]

100% vermiculite in a party cup. Flood it to transplant, will let roots free without harm. Seems easier to keep moist without mold issues. I use a tiny dose of nutes in the water.

 

[mainliner2]

small pot , basic potting compost, plastic bag over top , 45w blue cfl .

works everytime

apart from when it doesn't lol .... Dodgy seeds

 

[simply_slide]

I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong. I know there are about 5k methods to germ and plant, I'm just not sure why I'm not having any success with the paper towel and 1/4"-1/2" deep in coco. I'm putting a sandwich bag over them to maintain humidity and avoid dying out.

Maybe I'm not germing long enough? I usually plant the seed after it splits open and I see the little white from the root(still in its shell). Should I wait till the root is a decent length...?

 

[whitebb2727]

Forget the paper towel. Forget the bags. You don't need humidity for seeds it can actually cause them to rot.

Straight to medium in party cup. Water lightly and put in warm spot.

You want moisture but not soaked. Once sprouted don't water to much.

You are better to start in a starting mix in a cup.

 

[mainliner2]

yeah forget the towel shit ..... There's absulutly no need

straight to the pot and medium

 

[pilsung]

soak seeds first in small glass of RO or spring water with a drop or two of b vitamins and a couple drops of sea weed complex for 24 to 36 hours on top of the fridge or sitting on top of a shop light.
i like to use root cubes. i'll cut one in half so i use one cube for two seeds, place the seed to just be inside the root cube and put the root cube in a small container, like a party cup or 4" x 4" plastic pot, half filled with medium and than cover cube with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. put those containers in a dark plastic tote with lid on and set back on fridge or light. check every 24 hours. when one sprouts let it kick off the seed shell and get the first leaves fully open before removing and putting under light. (i'm having a brain fart for what the first set of leaves is called, typical for me.)
tap roots are very delicate and very sensitive. why risk harming it or confusing it's gravitational alignment before planting it?
any time i haven't gotten near 100% germ rates i am pretty close to positive there was something wanky with the seeds.
good luck, hope this helps.

 

[redeyedfrog]

Skip the towel

 

[whitebb2727]

Seeds by nature sprout. Fresh seeds need no soaking. The only time I soak seeds is if they get older than 5 years.

Store in dry cool place with dry rice and they will last a life time.

The less you do the better.

 

[*BUDS]

Straight in jiffy pots that were soaked in warm water. Keep the ambient temps close to 80 at all times and you wont have problem.

 

[*BUDS]

100% vermiculite in a party cup. Flood it to transplant, will let roots free without harm. Seems easier to keep moist without mold issues. I use a tiny dose of nutes in the water.

RW cubes or do this if its hydro.

 

[whitebb2727]

View attachment 3350967 Straight in jiffy pots that were soaked in warm water. Keep the ambient temps close to 80 at all times and you wont have problem.

That's how I start autos. Then gently remove bottom and plant to final home.