Speed Up Seed Germination with This One Simple Method

Use this one simple method to help speed up seed germination.

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It happens every year.

I prep the seed starting trays, plant the seed ever so carefully and then trust it will grow into the beautiful plant it is destined to be.

No. Not really.

I’m digging that sucker up every other day (or every day) to see what’s happening.

Yes. I am a really impatient gardener.

To help ease my anxious gardening heart I learned a new, faster method of starting seeds.

Germinating seeds in paper towels speeds up the germination time by several days.

Placing the paper towels into sealable plastic bags creates the perfect little greenhouse while allowing you to clearly see which seeds germinated without having to dig them back up.

This is a great way to quickly check the germination rates of old seeds while also giving seeds a kick start sprouting.

And it is pretty cool watching the seed grow. All of that action that is usually hidden below the soils surface is now in plain view.

How to germinate seeds in paper towels

Here’s what you need:

• Paper towel (I’ve even used coffee filters in a pinch)
• Spray bottle
• Seeds
• Sealable plastic bags (sandwich or snack bags are the perfect size)
• Marker (to label the bags)

Here’s what you do:

1. Fold several seeds up inside a piece of paper towel and spray lightly with water, just enough to dampen it. (You don’t want it dripping wet. This will cause your seeds to mold.)
2. Place the paper towel inside a labeled plastic bag and place it in a warm, sunny place.
3. Check on it every couple days and keep an eye out for sprouting.

When to plant the seeds

Once you see a root forming from the seed it is time to plant! Plant the seed in nursery pots or seed starter trays with loose potting soil root side down.

Gently cover the seed/seedling root with soil and place in a warm, sunny location. Consider using grow lights if you don’t have a window with direct sunlight.

What are you growing in your garden this year?

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Mention @thehomesteadmother or hashtag it #onceuponahomestead