Re: [gardeners] Seed Starting in Coffee Filters
Cheryl & Erich Schaefer (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Wed, 21 Jan 1998 15:32:27 -0500 (EST)
>Dear Group,
>
>As requested, we will describe our 'methode coffee filtre' ;- )
>
>It's certainly not all that mysterious. Instead of using paper towels (to
>put the seeds on while stratifying inside plastic bags) we are using the
>Melita type cone coffee filters. This year is the first time we are trying
>the filters.
>
>They appear to have the advantage of being harder and more durable than the
>paper towels. So far we have found that seeds that sprout do not tend to
>penetrate them, and it's therefore easier to move the seeds on to soil.
>
>We (so far) have found the cone type coffee filters to maintain their form
>better, which is to say; that when we peel the 2 pieces apart to get to the
>seeds (after a month or 2), the filter paper holds it's structural
>intergrity, and we don't have a hard time getting to the seeds. Paper
>towels seem to become 'one' with the seeds.
>
>We hope this explains it....if not, ask away. :- )
>
>Bill & Harvey
>SKID Plants Zone 6 CT USA
I've got a question, and anyone might add his or her two cents here. When
you don't know how a particular seed needs to be treated and can't find out
for one reason or another, is there a rule of thumb you follow for first
try, second, etc.? I've got some mystery shrub seeds from Italy that didn't
respond to the ordinary 1/4 in. deep treatment. TIA. Cheryl
Cheryl Schaefer
schaefer @epix.net
Zone 5 in the fabulous Finger Lakes of NY