The process of seed germination does not always go as the gardener would like. Sometimes the first shoots can be seen in a few weeks, but sometimes the seeds do not sprout at all.
To ensure a successful start, it is important to use effective methods to speed up germination.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, spoke about seed germination.
Let's look at 7 secrets that will increase the likelihood of seedlings appearing and speed up the process.
Choosing the Right Seeds
It all starts with choosing quality seeds. Preference should be given to certified seeds from reliable manufacturers.
Make sure the seeds are fresh and not expired. How full the seed is plays an important role.
You can check this by throwing seeds into a glass of water. The full ones will sink to the bottom, the empty ones will float on the surface.
Shell breach
Some seeds have a hard shell, which slows down the germination process.
Before planting, you can lightly scratch the top layer or soak it in warm water for a few hours to soften the shell. Some people use hydrogen peroxide for soaking. It softens the shell.
Germination conditions
Learn the optimal conditions for each type of seed. Some require specific temperatures and humidity.
Create a germination scheme, taking into account the characteristics of each type of crop. As a rule, warmth and moderate humidity are required.
But if peppers and tomatoes sprout perfectly at a temperature of 25-30 degrees, then some cold-loving crops simply rot in such conditions.
Preparations for germination
Use special preparations for stimulation. The hormones contained in them promote active growth.
This is especially useful when growing finicky seeds.
If you don’t have a store-bought product on hand, you can use aloe juice or water in which willow branches have stood for several days for soaking.
Regular watering
The emergence of seedlings directly depends on humidity. Often, summer residents cannot wait for seedlings to emerge simply because the watering regime is violated.
When the seed has absorbed moisture and is ready to sprout, it dies from drought. A slight delay in watering can completely destroy all crops. And with excessive moisture, the seeds often rot.
Experienced gardeners often use a spray bottle to water their crops. It allows you to evenly wet the top layer of soil. With regular watering, water accumulates at the bottom, and the top layer dries out.
Using heat mats
Heat mats provide the optimal temperature for seed germination. Place them under your seed tray to speed up germination.
Mini greenhouse
Use a transparent cover, such as film or glass, to create a greenhouse effect.
This improves thermal conditions and stimulates faster germination of seeds. When building a mini-greenhouse, the soil does not dry out, its own microclimate is formed inside, and high humidity is maintained.
By following these seven life hacks used by experienced gardeners, you will create optimal conditions for successful seed germination.
Remember that patience and attention to detail play a key role in this process, because the further successful growth of seedlings depends on successful germination.
Earlier we talked about why it is not possible to grow strong cabbage seedlings .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
