How to Germinate Seeds

To grow plants in your garden, the first key is get to them to germinate from seeds. It is not difficult to germinate most seeds, but you need to know the proper technique and planning to enable you get a more successful and efficient at germination.

To germinate, seeds need water and oxygen. So to get your seeds to germinate, you need a light, loose soil that will not get soggy, compact, or get crusted. You also need a free flow of water and air.

Seeds need to be covered with 2 – 4 times their thickness of soil, except for seeds that require light to germinate. Sow your seeds shallowly during the wet spring and deeper in the warm dry summer. It is also important to soak large seed overnight. And plant them singly.

Cover the small seed barely, and sprinkle fine seed on the surface watering them by misting. Flat seeds should be planted edgewise and break off winged seeds or plant them with their wing uppermost. Do not sow too thickly, because it wastes seeds. Although some kinds sprout best if crowded. Also neither makes sure the soil is neither moist, soggy nor dried out.

You can label the pots to identify them. Seeds do not look like a mature plant for some weeks after they germinate.

Use a clear plastic to cover the seeds. Clear plastic will seal the plant in the moisture and humidity, helping the seeds to germinate.

Do not over water the plants, as too much water with make the seeds to rot. Also plant more seeds than necessary because not all the seeds will germinate.