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Growing seeds on paper towels.

ThedarkoneThedarkone Posts: 68
in Problem solving





Is is this the right way to do it or do they need to be covered.?
its my first time trying it.
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Posts

  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
    When I stratify fruit seeds to get them to shoot, I fold the kitchen towel in half with the seeds sandwiched inside, then wet it. ThIs is then encased in a piece of plastic sleeve. Thus, the seeds are in contact with moist tissue on all surfaces. The plastic sleeving prevents drying out.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Covered - you need to keep the humidity up as drying out at any stage during germination will kill them.  I only ever do this to test seed viability as small seeds like that will root into the tissue and be difficult to plant (unless you cut up sections and plant the tissue, too, perhaps?)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ThedarkoneThedarkone Posts: 68
    Just heard about it and thought I would give it a try. This way I can see the whole process. Cover with cling film?
  • ThedarkoneThedarkone Posts: 68
    Do I keep it moist by spraying it?
  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    Paper towel sandwich wrapped in tin foil, sitting on top of your heating/hot water tank insulation. Works every time for me, I find cling film etc sticks too closely.

    Don't confuse your seed sandwich with your actual lunch sandwiches, or you'll go hungry and have mouldy towels  ;)
  • ThedarkoneThedarkone Posts: 68
    What about a ziplock bag?
    thats all I have.
  • ColinAColinA Posts: 392
    We grow mustard and cress using this method on the window ledge all the time, just need to top up water every morning
  • ThedarkoneThedarkone Posts: 68
    edited June 2020
    Right. Thanks a lot fellow gardeners. I have decided to use the paper folded in two just to be on the safe side. And I have put them into a sealable bag.
    the reason for this is that they kept drying out on the window sill. No, actually I think I will give both ways a go to see which is more efficient.
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    Keep us updated.........
  • ThedarkoneThedarkone Posts: 68
    Will do.
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