Re: more beginner seed questions

Dear Amy,
     Starting seeds is my very favorite part of gardening and something I
spend a lot of time on.  I'm definitely still learning all the time, though.
I think you have just learned something that I realized lately, which is that
some seeds germinate so fast that it isn't worth using the paper towel method
for them.  I start loads of stuff on paper towels (I don't roll them up, I
just fold the towels into quarters and put the seeds in the final fold, a la
Norm Deno at Penn State) because of lack of space, but have started keeping
notes on what not to bother with.  I check my baggies every day when they're
at room temperature, maybe weekly if they're in the refrigerator.  To be
perfectly honest, if your sprouts are long white threads, I would throw them
out and start with fresh seed.  I doubt that they'll do well.  I could be
wrong! and I would be happy to know if they succeed.  The other problem I have
sometimes if they get too big on me in the paper towel is that the root goes
through the towel and often can't be gotten free without breaking.  I believe
that you want to get those seeds out just as soon as you see that germination
has started.

     The paper towels will get a little ratty the longer they're in the bag.
They're slowly decomposing after all.  You should see the ones I have that are
a year+ old!  As far as the seeds decomposing, generally they start looking
slimy and/or moldy.  I'm often not 100% sure whether the situation is hopeless
myself, so I end up keeping stuff that undoubtedly should be pitched.  I have
had seeds germinate after a year or more, however, so I'm cautious.

     I have only once had damping-off, with some lavender seedlings.  Just be
sure your containers and mix are clean and good air circulation definitely
helps.

     I hope all your seedlings will prosper and I hope I didn't tell you more
than you wanted to know.  Seed-starting is such fun.

Vivien Bouffard

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