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Location

Message

Date Posted

Pennsylvania

How many of you use that seed starting method that you take off the whole seed coat instead of just filing it? Does it work better, and how hard is it to do?

3/14/2009 11:50:20 PM

Leamington, Ont.

I have been doing it since '05. I'm not sure that it is better or worse, but since I suck @ germinating these seeds I find it alot easier and faster to get them to germ. I can usually get the to sprout in approx. 24 hrs and then get them into pots.
The trick is to be really careful around the tip (for lack of proper name ;)

3/15/2009 12:54:11 AM

San Diego

I use it, have for many years. Works good for me and I can tell if the seed is any good instead of not knowing in dirt for a long time. I would recommend it.

3/15/2009 1:44:35 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

That's 'extreme sprouting' and I don't unless that seed is 8 or more years old, and you have to be very careful. I don't always have good luck with old and fragile future cots so I don't like peeling the whole case.

I blotter start after soak and file in the 'sproutenator' then transfer to prepared gallon pot of soilless potmix after it gives me a root. That way I can see if the seed is viable within a few days usually. (from file and soak to putting between two moistened paper towels and in the plastic box to be warmed) Replacements can be in the soak within three days which means if I have to I can get three rounds of sprout in 10 days and not be too far behind if I need to push backups.

3/15/2009 2:04:54 AM

Webster, NY

I have used it when I see some of the black fungus on seeds. If you start the seed with the black seed on it, the fungus spreads and you have the possibility of losing the plant. If I remove the seed coat before starting the seed, then the plant survives. Granted, this is not a real scientific study. Twice plant have not survived when I tried germinating with the fungus on. 3 times they have lived.

3/15/2009 6:47:48 AM

Lexington, Ky

This method requires LOTS of practice

3/16/2009 7:05:16 PM