Seeds and Germination

It’s one of nature’s wonders, how life can be stored so conveniently. Picked up and moved, mixed. And bringing forth the life stored inside can feel like magic unleashed. Germination. It’s no wonder that many find themselves transfixed on the absolute best way to germinate. From the simple paper towel method, to floating in water, they each give the grower a sense of control. They are able to verify life before they place it in the dirt. Many believe that these methods improve the number of viable seeds. This, however, is fiction.

Keep It Simple, Silly

In nature the seeds fall off a mature plant as it dies in the late fall or winter. In spring the seeds come to life with the rain, quickly shooting up as a main stalk ready to tower over any competing plants. Only when there is no light competition do you see the wide bushes and mighty side branches the plant is capable of. And how does this have anything to do with germination? Because the simplest way, covering lightly with soil and watering, is as close to natural as you can get without a prechill. When the seed cracks and the taproot is exposed, it doesn’t need sunlight or nutrients to do what it needs to. Not at the start at least. All of that energy and nutrients are stored in the cotyledon, or those first baby leaves. Only after working to propel the seed above the soil where it can absorb light and begin to photosynthesize does it begin to really root out.

The difference comes in the relationship the root builds with the soil as it grows after germination. When the seed cracks in soil the plant is exposed to the beneficial microbes it contains. This helps the plant get a head start on life and gives it an extra crutch. When a plant is germinated from soil it will often explode out of its shell! Not literally, but it is also not uncommon to see the first set of leaves peeking out before the helmet is off.

Try it before you buy it!

Go ahead! Using Fox Farms Soil and Nutrients: Light Warrior, or another high-quality seed starter of your choice, throw a freebie on top, water it, and watch it germinate. If your seed starter is not already inoculated with mycorrhizae, or you would like an extra boost, Great White has provided us with exceptional results.

Maybe it’s just the druid magic. Or the gnomes. Our germination rate is darn near perfect. Y.M.M.V.

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