New Grower germination method- paper towel or direct into soil

[Fog]

Hey every one

Im waiting for my first pack of seeds to arrive and just wanted to get peoples opinion on whats a better germination method,
the paper towel or straight into the final pot any advice or opinions would be great

Thanks fog

 

[Waximus]

Hi, Fog
For a long time, I was putting my seeds in paper towels, and got good results-maybe one failed seed per 20-25 popped.. Then..... I started dropping my seeds into shot glasses, with a couple teaspoons of water. Usually, the seeds pop within 24hours-48 max- and into the coco or soil they go. 100% success rate.
Now, if using shot glass, make sure the room temp isn't too cold-that can keep a seed from popping. But, since shot glassing it, I've been most happy
Hope that helps!

 

[Chester]

I generally go straight to soil but I think I'll try Waxi's shot glass technique w/ the next grow ... as soon as I see the seed swell and pop I'll put it in the soil about 1/4" deep and spray it to keep it moist ... I put it in soil now about 1/4" below the surface and have had nearly 100% success ... but I like Waxi's idea better cause if it doesn't pop you know it before wasting a week ...

 

[opi8250]

The shot glass method works wonders for me Just like waxi said, usually about 24 hours and their ready for the dirt. Usually I leave the glass on my modem, or the hood on my fish tank for warmth. Works great!

 

[Fog]

Thanks for the feedback waximus & chester
I think I will try waximus shot glass idea, like chester said if it dosn't pop your not wasting time but hopfully they all pop

Thanks fog

 

[Waximus]

Thanks for the feedback waximus & chester
I think I will try waximus shot glass idea, like chester said if it dosn't pop your not wasting time but hopfully they all pop

Thanks fog

Exactly! Now, I've had a couple seeds that took 3 days to pop in a shot glass, but any longer and I'd call it a lost seed
And, @Chester
Thank you for the generous rep! ANOTHER benefit of shot glass germination!! lolol

 

[BR549]

But what's the advantage? I'm approaching my first grow and curious myself. What advantage is there to paper towels or shot glasses over just dropping the seed in the dirt?

 

[Ronin]

Here you go Fog.
Here's my germination method.
Good luck with your grow.

 

[autox42]

The advantage is not wasting resources on a seed that isnt going to germinate

 

[oldschool]

Interesting topic,
For my first auto seeds I followed the guidelines of the seed supplier where I ordered from. They have a replacement guarantee based on following their method on how you germinate. Starts with a pill bottle lined with fine sandpaper. Lightly shake seeds for about a minute, then into the glass of RO or distilled water for 12 to 18 hours max. then into the paper towels. Sprouts to be planted in medium once tap root is 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
This is pretty much a method I use when working with old photo seeds to try and get them to pop.

Not saying this method is right but sure covers all the bases.
I had a bad experience with my first batch but had documented the process and they replaced my entire order. Only 30% had popped.
My bad experience was using a heat matt with the paper towel between plates. It got too warm! When I asked my friend about the heat matt he said, Oh, I forgot to tell you that particular matt gets real warm.

Lets smoke another bowl! Lol