Germinated seed problem? Help please?

I germinated 7 of my best seeds I ordered from attitude using the paper towel method, it worked great they all popped. I planted when there was between 1/8 and 3/4 inch taproot on all of them. I didn't use my humboldt blend figured it was too hot and it was the weekend so I went out and got some NK seedling mix from walmart it think it was. I filled up Dixie cups after drilling holes lightly pressed the compost down and filled up with water and it sat on top for awhile (knew there was gonna be a problem). Anyways just brushed it off and squeezed cups and they drained and soil felt moist so I planted the seeds using clean but not gloves on my hands, holding them very delicately. Then planted them about 1-2 to an inch down then misted the soil. Turned on my 2ft 4 bulb t5ho and dropped it down 2" above the cups. Returned 16 hours later compost appeared very very dry so I misted them. Came back 6 hours later still have dry and nothing... (Bear in mind previous bag seed half assed grows I've never had problems so wtf, figures one time I spend money on seeds they mess up) i lightly brushed the compost and I checked on them after the24 hours and they appeared no growth slightly white roots while 1 popped above soil and then absolutely no growth... So I'm like wtf so they need time without lights to pop then so I shut the lights off and have been misting the compost since and it's been 2-3 days and still nothing sprouting :/ so I germinated my last 6 seeds in the paper towel and tried using the humboldt mix this time with many more drain holeswhile wearing gloves..Much better I feel like.. It's holding moisture and water but also draining if you know what I mean so I planted those and but ziplock bags over then like a Humidity dome in a dark cabinet waiting for them to sprout and then transfer them to the room with the light..


Any tips suggestions or anything on if I should put these 6 under a light while waiting for them to pop or wait til pop then place under light


Also what to do about the other seeds? Should I layer a mix of humboldt on top it seems to hold moisture better? Because they dried out then I had to water hem and the water sat on too and I was afraid to drown them. Or should I transplant them into new cups with humboldt? Are they ok with lights off until sprouted?

Your overthinking it.... just be patient. If they are good seeds, they will pop.

It was hard to follow what you are saying, but my guess is you are drowning them. Stop misting them, they just need moist not wet, well drained soil. Definitely do not dig them up and transplant them.

Also, very important is your temps. What are they? 74-80ish is best IMO.

When I plant seeds (direct sow method) I don't water them at all for about 3-4 days after sowing. I also use solo cups and use a heat mat.

Less is more when waiting for them to break the soil. Have some patience, they should be fine.

Okay I just really feel like the compost if garbage it's not like the ones I planted in the humboldt mix that are moist and do not need misting these are either super dry or Retaining the water on the top layer.. About the lights okay to leave off until sprouted?

TyBeezy said:

About the lights okay to leave off until sprouted?

Click to expand...

Sure as long as they are not providing any needed heat.

Make sure you don't use any nutrients in your soil or water for at least a week after they have sprouted, don't want to stunt them. Good luck mate and have Patience

Okay great thanks guys

When germinated seeds first go into dirt it is the most stressful thing a plant can do. After poking your hole place the seedling into the hole so that the seedcap is still visible. Pack soil around it for support but leave the very top visible instead of covering with dirt. I have lost too many s'lings at this point because the soil had a big chunk of organic material, usually a chunk of wood, that prevented the s'ling from reaching towards the light. So I also hand-sift the soil going into the solo cup to avoid that problem. Finally, I leave my beans in the baggie an extra 24 hours after the roottail first pops out. I like the white rootlet to be about an inch long at this point. Give the seedcap a place to expand to and you will be fine. Good luck, BigSteve the OG.

Update on the plants 3 of the new ones in my humboldt mix with bags have germinated but the other ones planted 2 days before these have not.. Should I go ahead and transplant these dont want them to die

I just use potting mix... no point wasting money on garbage you won't really need. keep it simple stupid

Its safer to use jiffy pots on heat mats.