Problems germinating seeds

[jerry]

My aquaponics system is up and running but I am having a hard time germinating seeds to transplant into it.

I have tried many approaches both inside and outside a greenhouse.

Direct seeding into the pots that will go into the aquaponics system.
Seeding into 2" pots.
Seeding into plug pots.
Putting the pots on a heat mat.
Soaking seeds.
Putting seeds into the refrigerator (especially spinach)
Getting all new seed.
etc etc

Nothing seems to work well. My last failure was direct seeding a packet of Maui Onions from Hamakua Seed into a raised bed in my greenhouse. Nothing came up.

I will keep trying but any advice would be appreciated.


Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com

[Larry T]

First a few seeds do require cold for a day or two but not many. Then I put them in a baggie with a damp soft paper towel and seal it in about 3 days you will see little roots. I move them into a growing medium before the roots get into the paper. I am in HPP an no heat is required but in FF I don't know. Do not set out in the rain they will drown and wash away. Seeds don't need light plants do.
Maui Onions will disappoint you, greens but no bulbs. Start with lettuce and work up from there.

[peteadams]

My experience with the Maui (day-neutral) onions is that the seed needs to be very fresh. Older seed seems to lose viability quickly. But otherwise simple seeding into a container and keeping it moist works for us.

White Cloud Nursery
www.whitecloudnursery.com

[Royall]

Are you planting the seeds too deep?

Royall

[OpenD]

Are you planting the seeds too shallow?

It's important to follow the seed company's instructions on planting depth.

Getting an experienced gardener to look at what you are doing may be the quickest way to resolve the issue. My guess is that it is something simple but systemic that you are doing wrong.

[Scott_S]

I think Pete is right, the age of the seeds seems to be a huge factor in germination.

[jade]

Make sure that you do the starts indoors or in a covered area. Birds and mice/rats love seeds.

[OpenD]

Something I have done to check viability of previous year's seeds is to sprinkle some on a moist paper towel, cover with another piece, place inside a plastic bag and place somewhere dark, like inside a cabinet, where I can check on them every day for signs of life.

Here's a handy chart on normal seed viability. I've gotten decent results from 4 year old tomato seeds, but as you can see, onions have the shortest viability of all... http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/...seedv.html

[rasman]

First of all, what type seed besides onion and spinach? What type of medium are you using besides the direct seeding?
1) start root crops @ full moon
2) start other seeds at new moon
I've stopped buying bagged soil for the most part, but do grab a bag of Foxfarm's Ocean Forest now and then for real touchy kine stuff.
I start 'em in shallow trays with a translucent or clear plastic or cellophane to keep in moisture until they sprout up. I use this method for almost everything and it works well. Of course I live in Mt. View near forest reserve and get plenty moisture, sometimes too much!

[OpenD]

I planted some Aina Ola (supposed to be only so-so) onion seed a few days ago, already have sprouts up, made me think of this thread...

Got an email ad from Charley's Greenhouse Supply, made me think of this thread...

Here's their top tips on Seed Propagation, minus the product placement...

1. Planting in Pot-Paks or Flats is fast and convenient.
2. Sterilize any containers to be re-used to prevent disease.
3. Always use a sterilized Seed Starting Mix to prevent damp-off disease.
4. Mix fine seeds with fine sand or milled Sphagnum Moss. Scatter over starting mix.
5. Soak larger seeds in hot water overnight to speed germination before planting.
6. After seeding according to package directions, spray with fine mist thoroughly.
7. Cover to reduce evaporation and help maintain humidity. Don#146;t let seeds dry out!

Review these... perhaps you can figure out what is going wrong.