Old Reviews Best media for starting old seeds?

[D3pthCharg3]

Hello All, as the title asks what do folks think is the best media for starting old seeds? Are we trying to go sterile here or take advantage of natural living media? I'm tempted to go p/u some coco, I have been using ProMix Organic, this morning I saw what appeared to be nematodes in the area where the seeds were sown...feasting. I have seen this before, digging up a partially germinated seed to find it covered in nematodes (I'm guessing) Thoughts?

Any secret techniques? I've been going through older seed stock (10+yrs) with varying success. Trying to use them before lose them.

Thanks and blessings

 

[automan2]

I purchase way more seeds than I can grow and sometimes see a bit delay in germ with older seeds.
My germ method , straight to properly prepared medium, hasn't changed in years so I just add a little more patience at times.
Although we all want to think we're buying fresh seeds, at times I'm sure some seeds are rushed and may not be as stable etc.

I use bio bizz light mix, moistened and on a heat mat...after years, I've had a few miscues with older seeds but the ones that germ are usually well worth the wait. Some may soak seeds, some do fertility chants, but my most trusted method is old school. Plant and wait.

 

[CannabisMingus]

I'm not sure what a different starting media than you normally use would help (seriously). Maybe try this mix (non-seriously):

1 part desiccated mashed potatoes
1 part kitty litter (lightly embarrassed)
1 part goat dung
1 part of that stuff in that bag at the back of your storage closet that you can't remember what it was but you think you are supposed to put it on plants
1 part annoyance

Mix well. Make sure after it pops you pour 17 gallons of CalMag on it.

 

[Olderfart]

I don't think the medium is that big an influence on germination success with old seeds. What likely does make a difference, imo, is scratching up the seed to help moisture penetration of the shell, and, likely, adding application of gibberellic acid to your normal germination routine. I scratch them all new or old. I doubt that it ever hurts, and suspect that it helps some weaker seeds get started. I have not tried gibberellic acid, but understand that others who know a hell of a lot more than I do about this stuff use it successfully on very old seeds.

Good luck with it.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

5 plus year old seeds require special treatment. As the seeds age the outer shell becomes denser making it harder for water to penetrate and stimulate the growth. A slight scuff on a piece of super fine sand paper or the striker on a match book will cut into the surface of the shell. The idea is to make sure the seed gets enough water inside before it drowns. A few minute rinse in H202 will sanitize the outside of the seed. Then proceed as follows:



Old TimingMan germinated 40 year old seeds using this method:



“ Old TimingMan

I wish there was a easier way but so far my best luck has been scuffing them in a sandpaper tube, letting them set in a H2O2 bath for an hour while plunking them down every 15 minutes, and then using the GA3 - gibberellic acid at a rate of 500 PPM in distilled water with temps at the 80 degree mark from soak to sprout.”

 

[D3pthCharg3]

Thanks @Mañ'O'Green this is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thanks and blessings my new friend. I have been seeing 'wigglers' in my soil, which I have come to determine is not nematodes but is indeed fungus gnat larvae. This is what got me wondering about media earlier/above. As @CannabisMingus stated, I don't think the media matters...moreso the technique (as well as avoiding fungus gnats). Continuing forward I will give this practice a go. Thanks everyone.

 

[CannabisMingus]

(as well as avoiding fungus gnats

I usually soak a half cup of mosquito dunk (bt) in my regular watering 2 or 3 times during veg and once in flower. Seems to do the trick as a preventative. Also, I started using 2-3 layers of jute burlap as a "mulch" which helped too. Easy to remove, forms a dry top layer that discourages gnats, and surprisingly effective at retaining soil moisture. IMHO, YMMV, etc.