Quote Originally Posted by n00b
I started germing a new crop several weeks ago. Now I'm using the paper towel method to get them started, but I have noticed three things myself. I am assuming they are related to temps, but maybe something else (central heat keeps temps right around 70 all the time during cold seasons and I usually keep the house around 75-78 during summer with the central air.)
1. Seeds are not germinating at the same 95-97% success rate that I had before late fall/winter set in
2. Half of the seeds that did germ didn't pop through the soil after moving them from the paper towel to the soil medium (this really blows and I have been VERY careful not to touch the tap root or handle with my hands at all)
3. The ones that did pop through the soil are having a harder time shedding their seed shell (had to manually assist one so far and may have to step in with another one too)
Yes...been there...done that.

I found that maintaining 80-85 degrees F. is a big help. I usually heat up a closet, now.

Good soil temperature is critical