Sowing is a process of planting seeds into the soil.
Seeds germinate when the conditions are right for their variety -- the environment must be at the right temperature and moisture and oxygen must be present.
Some seeds will germinate easily by simply planting them in the soil, but others may need help from gardeners to germinate on schedule.
Here are top 3 most popular methods for seeds germination.
1. Paper Towel Method for Seed Germination
The paper towel method is very simple. All your need is a square of paper towel, water, and a plastic Ziplock bag or cling wrap (and, of course, seeds).
- Rip off a square of decent quality paper towels (something that can hold its shape when moist and not fall apart).
- Wet the paper towel and then squeeze it, so it's moist but not dripping.
- Place your seeds on the paper towel and fold them over.
- Put a folded paper towel in a Ziplock bag or cover in cling wrap.
- Place on a sunny window sill.
- Check progress in 3–5 days.
2. Rock Wool Seed Germination Method
Rockwool is often used for house insulation to reduce noise and prevent mold. Visit your local nursery or hydroponics store and pick up some small Rockwool cubes, either with holes or without.
- Soak the Rockwool in water for a few hours, longer if desired.
- Make a hole with a toothpick or knife.
- Drop the seed into the hole and push it down to the bottom.
- Place the Rockwool on your window ledge and play the waiting game.
This method works great for a hydroponics system where you can use the Rockwool throughout the process.
Otherwise, separating the young plant from the Rockwool can be tough.
3. Regular Seed Germination Method
This is the regular method, and it involves simply mixing some high-quality potting mix with compost.
- Mix 2/3 quality potting soil with 1/3 compost.
- Add the seeds on the top, then cover with a light layer of soil.
- Gently pat down the soil, so the seeds don’t move around.
- Water occasionally if required.
- Wait until seedling bursts out; this can take quite some time. It took 2–3 weeks for my mint plant to show up.
There are a few necessary precautions, which need to be followed while sowing the seeds.
- The seeds should be disease-free.
- Seeds must be planted at correct distances from each other.
- Seeds should be sown such that all the crops should get an equal amount of light, nutrients, and water.
- Seeds should be sown at correct depths. They should neither be placed at the top of the soil so that it is blown away by wind and animals, nor should it be sown too deep into the soil such that it does not germinate.
For specific conditions like water, sunlight, soil etc, please search your seeds in search box at header and visit the product detail section.
