Maximizing Seed Germination Rates: A Step by Step Guide for Gardeners

Starting your own seeds is an exciting and cost-effective way to grow your own plants. But what happens when more than 50% of your seeds don't germinate? In this blog post, we'll discuss how to increase your germination rate to over 97% with these simple steps.

The first step is to check the viability of your seeds. Every seed packet has a year printed on it, in which the seeds can be germinated and grown. For small seeds like lettuce and carrots, it's best to use fresh seeds from the same year. For bigger seeds like tomatoes, peppers, and watermelons, you can still use seeds that are up to three to four years old. It's always best to use fresh seeds, and also, check the germination rate on the package.

Next, to make sure all your seeds are viable, you can create a test tray in December. Fill each row with a different type of seed, at least four seeds of each type. This will help you determine which seeds are viable and which ones are not.

Growing Medium

The growing medium also plays a crucial role in germination rates. I have found the best growing medium to be 70% potting soil, 20% coconut coir, and 10% compost. Potting soil is light and helps the roots grow, coconut coir retains moisture, and compost provides enough nutrients for seeds to germinate and start growing into seedlings.

When filling your trays, mix the potting soil, coconut coir, and compost in a toad, put your tray inside, and scoop the mixture onto the tray. This will ensure that your germination rate increases substantially.

Create The Right Temperature

Seeds like warmth to germinate and grow into seedlings. The best way to provide warmth is by using heat mats that maintain a constant temperature of 70°F (21°C). This temperature is perfect for seeds to germinate and seedlings to grow. If you have your house at 70°F, you don't need heat mats.

Maintain Moisture and Humidity

Moisture is important for seeds to germinate. The best way to create humidity is to use a humidity dome. However, not all vegetables require a humidity dome. Leafy greens and cold-hardy vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage love humidity. Summer vegetables like tomatoes, okra, chilies, and eggplant do not need humidity to germinate.

Water Regularly

If you're using heat mats, make sure to water your seeds every two days as the heat from the mats can dry out the seeds quickly.

Use a Clear Container

If you're starting leafy green seeds, use a clear spinach container to lock in moisture and create humidity for the seeds to germinate. This will result in over a 97% germination rate.

Keep The Seeds Near a Window

If your house is already at 70°F and insulated, you don't need heat mats. Make sure to keep your seeds near a window to provide natural light as they grow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with the right temperature, humidity, moisture, and light, you can successfully germinate seeds indoors. This video is sponsored by Survival Garden Seeds, which offers non-GMO, heirloom, and open-pollinated seeds for long-term storage.

These tips will help you achieve a high germination rate and successful seed starting!