Friday

Tips for these hard to germinate seeds....

Starting seeds the traditional way usually includes a seed starting mix made up of equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. When mixed together with a little water, this mixture will hopefully support the growth of your new seeds. The risks are too much water, too little water and even seed rot if the soil is too wet. Here is how you can start to germinate seeds in more efficient manner.

Hydro Soil is the perfect medium to grow seeds, especially those difficult to start seedlings.
Biodegradable and non-toxic.

 
You will need:
  • Hydro Soil (-flavorless, dye free prepared gelatin works also)
  • Water Sterilized containers such as baby food jars or small yogurt containers
  • Sheet of clear plastic or piece of glass
  • Powdered cinnamon

Prepare dry hydro soil per instructions. Pour at least 2 inches of the mass into sterilized containers and push at least 3 seeds in each gelatin filled container.  Place your containers in a warm, sunny spot and cover with clear plastic or glass.

Be mindful of mold forming. To reduce the danger of mold, you can use boiling water to hydrate the dry soil crystals, but be sure to let it cool down before you plant any seeds.  If you see mold, just dust with a little powdered cinnamon to keep the mold in check.

Once your seedlings have sprouted and are about an inch or two tall, transplant them (with the hydro soil) into the seed starting mix.
It will continue to provide moisture for your seedlings as they grow and you have less risk of injuring your new seedlings.

You can also use regular baking gelatin instead of hydro soil, this works also.

Gelatin is made from animal bone and therefore has high level of nitrogen and other minerals.
It will continue to "feed" your seedlings as they grow and you have less risk of injuring your new seedlings.


Hydro Soil Source
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1 comment:

  1. Wow that is something i needed badly. Cinnamon i already use as fungicide to prevent damping off but gelatin is something new. Will try to find a source in my area though. Thanks for sharing this practical and useful tip.

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