seeds Germinating seeds

This method was posted by Neil from the Hippy Seed Co. and referenced by TheHotPooper on another posting. It involves nothing more than placing a plastic container inside of another which is filled with water, adding a submersible aquarium heater and an airstone for water movement. I have the heater set at 86 degrees Farenheit and I also utilize an external thermometer with a probe to measure the temperature. I placed 24 Douglah seeds (taken from pods which I purchased from SilverSurfer) into Gen Hydro Rapid Rooters. I set this up on Jan 11th and placed the seeds into the plugs on the 12th. Within 4 days, I had seeds germinating. Great results I'd say.

I utilized an Alita 3.75 inch circular airstone

Cell tray filled with Gen Hydro Rapid Rooter plugs

An overall pic with the cover off

I have the container placed on one of my grow shelves which is lined with Permaflect. I keep one of the 4' fluorescent lights on to help with controlling the temperature. I was concerned with the growing media getting saturated with water from the condensation but I have not had any problems as of yet. Hope the pics help with anyone wanting to experiment with this idea. I have not had any issues of any mold forming on the plugs. The one discolored plug is just a discoloration in one of the plugs.

Very cool set up. Might be expensive to do for lots of seeds but for the majority starting an average amount, it looks like a great method.

I got great germination rates and times this summer when I tried RR (didn't need to use a heater - the room was in the mid-80s or higher most of the time!). But for reasons I have yet to discern, the toms were all leggy, even when under a 600 watt MH bulb. Plus, at $30 for 100 plugs, they are a bit pricey.

One thing to consider - either paint the outside container or put a towel or sheet around it. It doesn't take long for algae to grow. Of course, it won't hurt anything but it looks like crap!

Mike

Excellent advice. I'll throw a cover over the opening.