{"id":951,"date":"2014-03-05T13:26:17","date_gmt":"2014-03-05T17:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growagoodlife.com\/?p=951"},"modified":"2023-12-03T14:19:16","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T18:19:16","slug":"presprouting-seeds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growagoodlife.com\/presprouting-seeds\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pre-Sprout Seeds for Faster Germination"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering whether your garden seeds will sprout? You can eliminate some of the wait time by germinating seeds before they are planted. Learn how to germinate seeds in a paper towel with this tutorial.<\/p>\n

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One of the most frustrating things about starting vegetables from seeds is waiting for them to emerge from the soil. Germinating seeds in a paper towel is a great method for the impatient gardener, because it lets you see your seeds sprout before they are covered with soil.<\/p>\n

I had pepper seeds that were several years old. I hated to throw the package away without checking to see if they were still good. I checked the viability of the seeds by doing a seed germination test<\/a> using a damp paper towel in baggies.<\/p>\n

About half the old seeds sprouted, a 50% germination rate, and the rest were duds. I planted the sprouted seeds and watched the seedlings carefully to see if they would grow. I didn’t expect much from them, but they did grow into healthy transplants that were eventually planted into the garden.<\/p>\n

After experiencing how easy it was to see which seeds germinated using paper towels, I decided to pre-sprout more of my indoor vegetable seeds. Now, I routinely germinate tomato seeds, peppers, eggplants, Swiss chard, cabbage, melons, cucumber, broccoli, squash, cilantro, spinach, and kale on damp paper towels before planting.<\/p>\n

How to Germinate a Seed<\/h2>\n

The seeds of all plants are dormant or inactive until the conditions are right for their germination. A seed begins germinating once it is exposed to warmth and moisture.<\/p>\n

First, the seed absorbs moisture and oxygen, which triggers the embryo to wake up. Next, it begins to swell as it breaks down the seed coat, absorbs larger amounts of water and oxygen, and sprouts roots or radicle, followed by the shoot that forms into the stem and foliage.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Pre-Sprouting Seeds<\/h2>\n

Normally, you sow a seed into a growing medium, such as damp seed starting mix or peat pots. You plant the seed, cover with soil, water, place in a warm spot, and wait for the seed to sprout and break through the soil surface.<\/p>\n

The paper towel method of starting seeds lets you germinate the seeds first, and then you can place the sprouted seed with the root into a seedling container to grow. You can see the seed and don’t have to wonder if it is doing anything under the soil. Other advantages of pre-sprouting your seeds include:<\/p>\n