How to Start Seeds--Pre-sprouting Method

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By kalikat
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Pre-sprouted squash seed

Want to get an even quicker jump on your spring garden? Try pre-sprouting your seeds prior to planting. Pre-sprouting is a great way to start hard shelled seeds like beans and squash and it can be an invaluable experience in teaching children about seed germination. It's also a great way to check if saved seeds are still viable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Seeds
Paper Towels
Plastic Bag
Waterproof Marker
Spray bottle filled with water
Tweezers (nice but optional)

Step 1

Gather your supplies and find a nice waterproof surface to work on in good light.
Step 2

Place seeds on one end of the paper towel, leaving space in between to allow room for emerging roots.
Step 3

Wet seeds and lower portion of towel with spray bottle.
Step 4

Roll paper towel starting at seed end and spray again to dampen.
Step 5

Place seeds in plastic bag and seal. Place seeds in a warm location, out of direct sunlight. I like to use the top of the refrigerator.
Step 6

Check seeds in three days and each day after that to see if they have sprouted. When taproots and have emerged, pot them up in growing medium. Do not wait until seeds have become enmeshed in towels to transplant.
Step 7

Pick up seeds with tweezers by the hard shell portion. Do not grab seeds by the roots. Some tearing of the fine hairlike feeder roots may occur when pulling seeds from the towel. This is OK, more feeder roots will grow in their place.
Step 8

Make holes of the desired depth required for each seed in moist growing medium with a pencil or dowel. Pick up seed with tweezers and place seed, root end down, into each hole. Cover lightly with soil. Top portion of seed should lie just below the soil surface. Place container in a sunny windowsill and water as necessary.