coffee filter method

what is it? the coffee filter method for seeds?

I assume you mean for starting seeds? You want to dampen a paper coffee filter and lay your seeds on it, spread out a bit. Then place it in a ziploc baggie and place it in the dark or in a light window depending on what the seed needs. Once the seeds sprout, you pot them up. I hope that is what you meant.

oh--that sounds easy enough--but how do i know if a seed needs dark or light?--does the coffee filter hold moisture well? is that why it is used? have you tried it? thanks for taking the time to answer

Her's a link to a thread on this subject.

Paul

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/757998/

Thanks Paul! :)

There are several germination databases online that will tell you the needs of particular seeds. This is a good one. http://www.backyardgardener.com/tm.html

Coffee filters work well because they hold just enough water. You don't want a puddle in the bottom of the bag, just enough moisture to open the seed covering.

I have had 100's of ziploc germination bags taped to sunny windows on more than one occasion. LOL

Some seeds require dark for germination while others need light. some need to be placed into the cool box of the fridge to let the seeds pretend they have came through winter so it is time to germinate, others need a bit of heat to germinate as they come originally from a warm/hot climate, so it is hard to be specific without knowing what kind of seeds you are wishing to grow.
I work on the assumption that if a seed is really tiny (like dust) I dont cover it, if it is larger, say like small bead, it needs covered or it will dry out too fast before germination, however, IF you buy packets of seeds from the stores, they usually tell you to either cover the seeds of let in light. go along to your library or book store and search for books for beginners on germination as it truly is a fascinating part of gardening and these books normally show you step by step of how, when and what soil etc is best, once you learn the basics, your off and running as you then adapt your own methods, so good luck, I hope you dont give up as it is really fun. WeeNel.

well i don't plan to give up since i am now the proud owner of lots of seeds!! it does sound interesting and fun too--thanks for all the good ideas--i am also learning about winter sowing using small hot house enviornments--will the fun ever end!!!

Good for you Plantolinda, you are learning all about the wonders of nature when you see what a tiny little seed can grow into, the fun never stops and before you know it, you will be wondering where all these tiny plants can be stored, then repoting them will I find, be very therapeutic in the winter months and early spring, if your a beginner, the only advice I can offer you is, dont overcrowd the seeds at sowing stage as you will get plantlets that grow too leggy trying to get light and this is the biggest cause of the fungal disease called damping off where in a matter of a few hours, the whole tray/pot of seedlings just collapse and rot, also dont go too mad as these tiny seeds will give you hundreds of little plants that need thinning out and therefore need storage, space/protection till they can be planted out into the garden next spring, remember the days are shorter and cooler over the winter months so you need a lot of room in a light (daytime) coolish area to water, protect and general care for the plants as they grow larger. when it is time to thin and pot into larger containers, always lift the seedlings by the leaves as if you touch the tender stems, they bruise very easy and will get fungal disease, dont pot on till the seedlings have at least 2 sets of true leaves for winter sowing as they will chill and droop due to temp differences. Lastly, I would suggest you get to the library or book store to find an easy amateurs book on germination as they will give you lots more advice and all the different methods for reproducing your favourite plants and they dont all need to come solely from seeds, you can take root cuttings, leaf propagation and so many other methods if you have a greenhouse and some heat, it really is very pleasing and I find it all helps to keep me sane over the long dark winter months that we have here in the UK, best of luck and hope you continue to have fun and a wonderful plant display next year. WeeNel.