Problems with Germination

[Forwhat420]

I disagree with this. After planting your seed, you should drench the soil completely, then not water again unless the part of the soil that holds the seed starts to look dried out. Be careful to gently water though, so you don't dislodge the seed.

Just curious, why would you not saturate the soil with water?

Hey there Opie,
You are right you can drench the soil. I really don't have a problem with it. I just said it because he has a problem with mold growth. It just depends on how fast the soil dries out. Personally in my seedling/vegging area, when I drench the soil it takes too long for mine to dry. So I just tend to water directly where the seed was placed enough to give the seed what it needs to germinate. Then by the time it gets its first set of leaves another just enough watering.
For my particular situation this works out well. Giving the seed just enough prevents any possiblity of mold, without a fan (less electricty going), and prevents overwatering, which all of us have done in the beggining:jointsmile:
Other than that those other "germination" methods are just playing games. Weed seeds fall of the plant into the soil in its most natural state, so why not just place it into the soil? The only time I germinate is when I have seeds that over a couple years old.
To do this I do just like stinky, placing them in a small glass tube, giving them just enough water to collect around the bottom of the seeds, being sure not to close the top completely so that they recieve air. (If you close the top completely it will give off a nastily intresting smell). Sometimes replacing the water. I use Aquafina because it is perfecly balanced about 6.0

WOW THIS BUD IS GOOD. imp: sry for the ramble

[Garrett]

Alright thanks guys, ill try theses methods and let you guys know how it goes.

:jointsmile:

[Opie Yutts]

What if i soaked my seeds for 24 hours in a glass then put them in a small container in a dark place till they came up?
Many people do this and have good success. However, I find no need for the extra step, since they will be soaked in the dirt.

Should i place plastic wrap and rubber band on top?
No, unless you like battling mold.

Do i need a fan hitting the soil and keeping it dry
Follow my steps above and you will not get mold. If you are worried about it, after watering, spray the soil with Serenade or some other anti fungal and repeat every other day or so. A fan is important for several reasons, though I have had several success stories with out them. If you have very low humidity and at least a little air flow throughout the grow area you may find that you can get weed without a fan. However if you can keep your plants gently rustling in a breeze they will be much stronger and healthier overall. Some studies indicate that your plant will grow twice as well if you have a strong breeze on it at all times.

[Opie Yutts]

temperature temperature temperature 78*

I've read in a few places that higher plants in general like a soil temp of around 92 degrees for proper germination rates. They will sprout at much lower temperatures, but both lower and higher temperatures drastically start to decrease both quantity and rate of germination. That's why I usually put a heat mat under my germinating seeds. They usually pop in 24-48 hours, maybe double that without a heat mat. While soil temps should be around 92, environment temps should be around 82. (Ultimately your looking for leaf temps of 80, but you need a laser thermometer to measure that [<$35U.S.].)

[Opie Yutts]

[quote=Forwhat420]Hey there Opie, You are right you can drench the soil. I really don't have a problem with it. I just said it because he has a problem with mold growth. It just depends on how fast the soil dries out... I just tend to water directly where the seed was placed enough to give the seed what it needs to germinate. Then by the time it gets its first set of leaves another just enough watering.
Ah, I see. That makes sense if you don't want to use a fan. I guess I never really thought of trying that.

Other than that those other "germination" methods are just playing games. Weed seeds fall of the plant into the soil in its most natural state, so why not just place it into the soil?
Darn tootin'. Each to his own, and you gotta do what you gotta do, but for me the KISS method is a goal, and all that other stuff is just extra steps. It makes no difference if you keep em warm and moist in a paper towel, or glass of water, or dirt, or jo mamma, they will sprout if they're good seeds.