[CH] Starting seeds
byron bromley (byron.bromley@gsd-co.com)
Sat, 26 Aug 2000 21:20:15 -0400
I use a Jerry Baker method, That for me appears to work better than any
other system ( my opinion based on over 50 years of trying and 8 years of
use)
Make a cup of tea, any old cheap brand works fine,
Let it steep for 4 min, dump it or drink it, Make second cup using same tea
bag. Let it steep for another 4 min.
Objective is to get the tannic acids from the tea.
Mix this second cup with a qt of water.
Cut a chunk of paper towel to fit like on a a small saucer.
to be able to fold in 1/2.
Moisten paper towel with tea, place seeds on towel. Flop other 1/2 on top,
Make sure that it is nice and moist.
Take another saucer or wrap an place over top of dish, then place in fridge
over night. This is to prevent dry out.
2 points, The tannic acid helps break down the seed coat. The fridge helps
break the dormancy cycle.
At this point, soak some sterile seed start medium with a10% 4-12-4, 3-12-4
or an organic 3-2-2 (approx) Or a couple tbsp of composted cow manure tea in
a gal of water.
I don't like 5-1-1 as the P number is not high enough.
Plant seeds next PM, Place seed tray on a heating pad, a steed start heating
pad, a hot water heater or on back of fridge on top.
For the techies, Ideal seed start temp is 86F(30C)
FYI I have started chiletepins listed as a 3 to 5 week germination time in
about 7-10 days.
Lord Byron