Using gel for seed germination

I don't know if there is a generally agree upon name for this product, but I'm talking about the powder that absorbs water and forms jelly-like crystals. Two tablespoons of the powder will expand into a gallon of jelly-crystals. Anyway, I've been trying to use it to grow plants from seeds that I can transfer to the garden. Unfortunately, I haven't been doing very well. In fact, of the last 50 seeds that I planted in the stuff, nothing has developed, even though I am using a heating pad.

I would like to hear from people who have some experience with this product. I still think this product has potential, but I must be doing something wrong. Does anyone have any tips?

Any reason why you can't use seed starting mix or potting mix for your seeds? The moisture crystals are meant to be mixed with potting mix to hold water and release it back into the soil as the soil dries out, I don't think they'd be appropriate for growing things in all by themselves.

I am a big proponent of the polymer water crystals, but all of my attempts of rooting or starting plants in those alone have failed miserably.
Seeds want nourishment and something more firm to put roots in.

Sidney

ecrane3:

You may be right, but I like to see for myself. So far, I have no success to report. As to why, well, that's the human thing to do: always look for something better, always challenge the established truths.

Sugarweed:

I haven't found many sellers of the gel who advocated using it to get seeds started. The one who is a believer said that I should poke the seeds into the gelatin crystals with a match stick, but I don't have the patience for that. The crystals don't take long to disappear, anyway. I have used the solid gel to grow small plants with success, though I can't remember the details. I didn't use it to germinate seeds, though. I haven't tried it again with seeds but only because of the cost. The granules are much cheaper. I like experimenting and trying different things, but I feel that I haven't played the game correctly if I have to spend too much money. My projects have to be reasonable in cost.

I agree,
I also detest the soilless mixes they sell plants in. If they ever get dry you must sit them in a tub of water to re hydrate.
I use a lot of MG moisture control potting soil. It has polymer already inn it and slow release fert. too.
Sidney

Experience, no, but opinions, yes. Are there channels in the gel to let air reach the seeds and roots?

In that way most seeds are just like people: you can't hold them completely under water if you were looking forward to enjoying their company for more than a few minutes.

No air, no life.

I thought of this analogy between seedlings and people:

Not enough air, both suffocate very rapidly.

Not enough water, and they die of thirst - in a few days.

Not enough food (NPK), and they slow their growth and then starve over a period of weeks.

Missing micronutrients - a vitamin deficiency can have subtle effects and take months to make you really sick.

Corey