How to Germinate Plant Seeds

Germinating plant seeds prior to putting them in the ground will ensure that the seeds getting planted are ones that will grow.  This will save you time, since you will not try to grow seeds that are not going to sprout.  In addition, the seeds can be germinated up to a week prior to planting time, which means that window of perfect planting time will not be wasted.

Things you will need:

• Paper towels


• Baggies


• Seeds

1. Wet two paper towels under the faucet.  Squeeze the paper towels, being careful not to tear them, to get rid of excess water.  The paper towels should be moist, but not dripping with water.  Make sure the entire paper towel is wet.


2. Lay one paper towel out on a flat surface.  Smooth out the paper towel so it is lying flat out.  Do the same with the other paper towel, then place the second paper towel on top of the first.  You should have two layers.


3. Place the seeds that you are germinating in the middle of the wet paper towels.  Place about 10 seeds at a time; too many and they will crowd each other.  Spread the seeds out so they are in one layer.


4. Fold the right or left side over the seeds, making sure the seeds are all covered with the flap.  Push down gently with the palm of your hand.  This makes sure the paper towel is making contact with the seeds.  The moisture is important for germination.


5. Fold the other side over the flap from step four.  Push down again with your palm.  The moist paper towel needs to touch all the seeds.


6. Bring down the top of the paper towel over the seeds, then bring the bottom up and fold it over.  This should form a little packet with the seeds in the middle.  Push down gently on the seeds one more time.


7. Place the paper towel seed packet into a plastic baggie.  Take care so the packet does not tear or bunch up.  Ensure the packet is lying flat inside the baggie, and leave the top of the baggie open to allow for airflow and circulation.


8. Repeat steps one through seven for any additional seeds, putting no more than 10 seeds in each packet.  Use a different baggie for each packet.


9. Put the baggie with the seeds in a warm place that will stay a steady temperature of 70 to 75 degrees.  The warmth will encourage the seeds to begin to sprout.


10. Check the seeds in about three or four days.  The viable seeds will show signs of swelling, and you should see small shoots coming out of the seeds.  Discard any that have not begun to sprout.  The seeds are ready to be planted.