This is four years old but in case someone views it now,l was able to buy lidded condiment containers at the local Walmart.Great idea! Thank you so much,l agree on your points why this better than paper towels/baggie.l have seeds that need light to germinate so l put them in my homemade brightly lit grow box.Success!
If you're running late in planting, start in the petri dish. You can gain back 2-3 weeks in lieu of soil planting and watering every day to keep soil from drying out.
@@mewmew1218 No soil is necessary. Seeds contain everything they need for several weeks. They just need moisture to soften the coating and begin their life.
I followed these instructions and experienced some success with some seeds, and very minimal success with other seeds. I eventually decided to put in 3 layers of paper towel, then put the containers on a heat mat. That has worked amazingly well with seeds that didn’t germinate on a single layer. I’ll use this method going forward. Still, you got me started on the right track Luke!
I’m a fan of the paper towel in baggie method. For kiddos, we tape the baggie on a sunny window. Kids can easily observe their and their classmates’ baggies. They get so excited when the seeds germinate.
I was given one small Seminole pumpkin this fall. I saved the seeds (from the farm which had grown it for almost 100 years) and hoped to include it in my garden. BUT, although there were hundreds of seeds, many were flat as can be and I didn't think were viable. I saved them though, as that just might be the way they grew. I divided them into two piles, the fatty's and the flatty's. With your cool method, I can now try some of the flatty's and discard them if they are not viable, saving only the fatty's for my garden. Thanks so much!!!!!!
@Melissa Sullivan thanks Melissa. I sub Epic Gardening and really enjoy his lessons. I also started seedlings from flatty's and even more from the fatties. I have several Seminole pumpkins to harvest shortly. So excited.
@@lpmoron6258The fatties produced a LOT of babies and they produced many squash. Seminoles are not as big nor as sweet as other types but they grow so well down here in Florida. The seeds were 5 years old to begin with and I was so happy and amazed. I also stuck some sprouted eyes from one sweet potato into tiny bottles of water. In just 3 days they had roots and some were only 1/2 inch big when I put them in the water. Most were 1" or taller and have many roots now. They will go in the grown after this lastest cold weather and then I get to watch the deer eat them up. LOL
Use small pebbles instead of paper towels in the cups and it is called on the rocks method! No worry about the roots getting tangled in the paper towel.
started using this method after two attempts of germinating some older seeds straight in soil, can't wait to see the results, got my cups at walmart 50 for like 3$!
@@Liahchasing honestly, it was decent, most of the fresh/good seed germinated and started growing in the cup, i xplanted em and left the "dead" ones in the thing, after about an extra week i threw em in the soil to biodegrade since they were dead, a few days or whatnot later, i have 3 extra plants haha...
The biggest benefit in my mind is your not waiting 1 - 2 weeks or longer wondering if those plants are going to pop up. You see them germinate in real time. Then once they germinate and you plant them you already know they are growing and going to pop up soon.
@ilikebacon Lol, received this while actually making fake bacon and eggs on a cake! (Normally I use the egg holders to form flower petals for cakes.) Tooo coincidental....
Hi, Luke. Didn't know this method had a name... -- and here, I thought I was just being "cheap" with both space and seeds! Glad to see this PETRIE DISH method being shared with your viewers. Yes, it works... and No, you are not wasting valuable growing space on seeds that fail to germinate. Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA
Kate I'm up in Stanwood North of Seattle, do you have an out door winter garden? New to PNW gardening, and with all the rain I'm having all kinds of moss and mold issues.
Great idea, I use my strawberry container that I save after I eat the fruit and do the same thing, no need to spend money on containers, thanks for sharing 🌱
Yes yes yes! People, please don't buy MORE plastic things on Amazon. These are readily available at taquerias at the salsa bar and at millions of other take out places. Just clean then and reuse instead of throwing away.
This is one of those genius ideas that would have saved me a few issues over the last couple of years. I had been repurposing plastic cupcake trays from the bakery to start seeds, but there's always that risk of tipping the tray and mixing the seeds (been there, done that...multiple times.) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
If the roots have dug into the paper towel, I wouldn't hesitate to plant the paper towel along with the seedling rather than try to disentangle it. If necessary use scissors to cut it up to separate different plants.
A better method I have discovered is to use clean play sand or any clean washed sand and use any container with a clear top and spray the sand down don't overwater just a good wet spray drop any seeds and sprinkle some sand on seeds moisture light spray and a few days pop! Use a small spoon to scope the seedlings and put into grow medium direct from container!
I started some seeds as a test to see if the seeds I saved last season where viable, As of today my jalapeno have 100% germination and my large red bell pepper is at 75% Germination. By the way I used 4 seeds per cup. I have to say this is now my permanent method of starting my seeds, Thanks for the technique.
@@blueconversechucks hot peppers are notoriously difficult to germinate-- they take longer than sweet peppers. Also both require 80-90 degrees, did you use a heat mat?
@@cherylanon5791 thanks! Okay yeah. I didn't put them in a warm place. I will try this again in a couple of years when I live in a place I can garden again. I had so much fun harvesting hot peppers from the seedlings I bought!
I would dig a little hole in the soil just a bit deeper than the germinated seed, place it in, and then carefully push the soil back with my fingertip to cover it.
Did you encounter a problem with this step? In my experience these Petri dish germinations adapt to the soil pretty readily. Just moisten the soil first, stand them up in the soil and cover the roots. Then keep the soil moist daily for two to three weeks. I recommend misting with a spray bottle since watering can be a little rough on them when they are very small.
This was brilliant!! Thank you 🙏🏼 I ran out and bought some condiment containers from the dollarstore and 3 days later am transplanting to cells. I also bought a 24 cell bead case from the dollarstore, lined each cell with wet paper towel and used it to germinate- also worked amazingly 😁 #gamechangers
I cant believe I missed this video of yours. This is extremely valuable information. I just picked some up from Target for only $3 for a pack of 50. This is literally the best money I ever spent. Thanks for saving me time, money and headaches!!!!!!
Ive always put seeds in a paper towl then folded it once or twice, put some ro water on the paper towels(not drenched) then put into bag with the opening not shut to promote some airflow then put it in a dark warm place. ive had allot of success doing it that way. Ill definitly try out the "petri dish method" one of these days though since that method would benefit certain seeds more than others
I have been using this method for about 10 years only with one BIG difference. After I have the seeds in the cup and put the lids on I 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓. That way when the roots sprout they grow down and away from the paper towel. If you don't flip them over the roots grow down into the paper towel and are almost impossible to remove. Your demonstration works ok with larger seeds but smaller seeds with finer roots will get stuck in the paper towels.
I absolutely love this trick! Gonna use this soon to start seeds for my indoor garden. Thanks for another excellent video and Happy New Year from Northern MI!
Bradley Nagy, gardening up here has always been a challenge with the late and then early frosts. Loved living in Anchorage where you golden from May to September!
@@kenmiller8499 oh absolutely! And with this crazy start of Winter so far, I'm expecting it to run over into Spring. I'm glad I have my indoor garden to keep me sane lol
I love this idea! I have so many of these cups from before WFH when packing my lunch. This is is go to be wonderful for my succession planting. As a new gardener, I need all the help I can get.
I gave this a go this year with pepper and tomatoes. I really worked well. I was able to save time and seed. For the first time I've got 100% germination, without having empty cells that I would normally have to re-seed. Thanks for the info!
I just stacked plastic hummus (or yogurt) tub lids on top of each other - with paper towels cut to fit. Worked great for small seeds that I'm checking frequently. There's just enough of a gap to permit the seed to grow a bit.
You can plant as soon as you see a sprout “tail” popping out. I’ve planted later than that too such as when the sprout comes completely out of it’s seed casing but that’s makes it a little harder to plant due to taking up more space in the planting hole. Either way should be successful, though!
thank you soooooo much Luke ! I've never been a fan of germinating in pots because of wasted space. I was going to do the ziplock bag method but you just rocked my world with this Petri dish method. an absolute game changer !!! thank you.
I’ve been doing this method for a very long time! I got sick of digging in the baggies myself and I use taco dip trays from the grocery store and just label the seeds.
Here in Indonesia we use a simple method using a synthetic chamois, lay your seeds out fold over the chamois, wet and place a piece of card over the top and shazam. I tend to put all sorts together in a line of each and put the planting out label under each row of seeds so I know what is sprouting. Just an idea and it works, easy to check on and remove that which is ready to plant. Going to give this idea a punt also.
I saw this method used to start cactus seeds. Knew it would also work for other seeds. Always trying to go to the next level, I purchased a medium large plastic container not more than 1 1/2 inch deep with a clear or light colored top. I want to try germinating multiple seeds on round cotton swabs. I'll write the name of the seed on a small mini blind in pencil.and place under the round as a label. I am going to use organic rounds but I think if you presoak the non-organic rounds, there should be no chemical/bleach to interfere with germination. I always gain tips from you and from reading the comments of other viewers. Continue sharing. Thanks
This is absolutely genius! I had just got some of these the other day and I was going to use them as mini soil pod pots. I just started some seeds in them after watching your video. It is so fast and simple that I started a few other things before I came back and wrote this comment and it wasn't even 15 minutes! I've got a soil sample, a baggie sample, and now this petri sample! Love it!!
I keep the apple clamshells and start in peat pots in them, closed. Makes a little greenhouse and works well, then just stick them in the ground when ready.
I actually wet it first because I have historically put too much water in. I started this way two years ago and haven't changed. The only way I've successfully germinated 95% of the seeds I try.
@Ronda Corkhill I tried it, but they seem to need to be watered daily. Do you place the plastic pots on a heat mat? Also, at what stage do you place the germinated seed in soil...do you wait until only the root has sprouted or when the seed leaves (cotelydon) has sprouted as well?
@@robertavillella6485 I put them in my grow (laundry) room. You can put them on a mat but if the room reaches 70 degrees, you should be good without the heating mat. Do the pots have lids? Need to keep the condensation in the cup.
I loved this idea Definitely a game changer Went right out and got me some of these cups, and dove right in THANK YOU FOR YOUR CREATIVITY in gardening!!!!!!!
Have just ordered some of these little pots had some some success with my delphinium seed in the freezer bags but only with the cherry blossom delphinium not so good with my white ones look forward trying your new method withe these pots , I live in the Scottish Borders and in my 60s I love propagation my plants and growing my own seeds and cuttings , happy gardening from a Scottish lass.
@TRIPLE G good luck but mushrooms are not the only thing that like high nitrogen substances you will likely find white mold or trichodermia trying to colonize as well in fact its hard to name everything
Thank you for this! I am LOVING your channel and in the process of watching all the videos. Apologies if you answer this in subsequent videos, but I have questions 1) you mention to place these in a warm and dark location, could you elaborate? Warm like room temperature? And dark, like a cupboard? 2) how deep do you plant them once they are germinated? 3) how long do you let them germinate?
I just tried this with sugar snap peas (1st time). I started out putting them in a damp coffee filter (based on numerous comments) in a ziploc baggie. They ended up rolling out of the filter so I put them in a take out container with a lid and covered them with a little bit of water (no paper towel or coffee filter. I kept them wet but not too wet and just put it on a table. No special lights or heat mat. They all sprouted. I just tried again with flower seeds but I used toilet paper (I thought it would be easier but was messy) and folded it over the seeds and put them in a take out container with a lid and kept them moist, spritzing with a spray bottle. Again no heat mat or lights and had a pretty good germination rate. I like Luke's method with the condiment containers and will try that next as a space saver. Oh, with the peas since they are cold hardy I planted them directly in the garden. The flowers I put into small nursery pots after they sprouted and put on a heat mat. As soon as I see them emerge I will put them under lights then when I see true leaves. I will separate them into individual pots. Sorry this is so long but I didn't know how much info you needed and I didn't see that anyone answered your question. I hope this helps, I'm new at this too but if you have any other questions I'll help as best as I can.
Me again, I planted mine the same depth as I would plant the seed (whatever the seed package says). I can't say that's absolutely correct but that's how I did it. I can let you know if that works when/if the seedlings emerge =]
I like to use a growing media instead of paper towels, but I have always used the clear deli cups instead with massive success rates. If you use seed start mix, fill the cups with the mix and plant, then leave the cups with the lid on a seed mat. I've sprouted 15 year old seeds doing it, but it works remarkably well for all plants.
@@stephaniestrait3583 yep, it works well for very small seeds that can't be exposed during germination or allowed to dry out. I used it for cardinal flower this season.
Do you sell hoodies or T's? My friend I'm in Zone 6 also and I started using extra space on the farm and at home to put raised beds in after years of buying retail plants. Now that I have 1,500 seeds germinating 76 varieties of fruits, veggies, ornamentals, flowers, and others I'm realizing what an absolute blessing and blast it's been to learn and grow plants and myself right along with you getting better and learning every season. I always share your methods and tips with our local gardening clubs where Ive enjoyed an appreciated role since joining. I give produce and plants to strangers, all my many neighbors, my local food bank, and provide seasonal products to the clubhouse chef at the golf clup across the road. I can't thank you enough or put a number on pounds of produce or value added under your tutelage.
I've been doing a version of this for years. I actually line up my paper towel squares on a tray and cover each one with a plastic jar lid (mayo or peanut butter). Great for seeds that require darkness. For seeds that require light I use a clear plastic lid (deli container). Easy to water - I remove all the lids, pour a bit of water in the tray and tip it until all the paper towel is wet and then replace the lids. (I mark what type of seed is in each location on a piece of paper that I keep under the tray.)
Any plant that tends to drop seeds that will germinate with no help from the gardener. Since they can't bury themselves they have to be able to germinate without being covered. Like chives. If you don't remove the chive flowers in a timely fashion, you will have hundreds of baby chive plants the next year.
YAY! I did done sumpin good, without being told!!! I used sandwich meat container (about 5x7, and about 1 1/2 in tall) I did 1 with regular orange carrots, 1 with rainbow mix, then, because some seeds grew into the towels, I put the 2 paper towels side by side in a 3rd bucket. Now, between 3 buckets, I have about 50 seedlings about an inch tall!
Your best bet is a cheap 2 foot fluorescent tube. You don't need a very intense or bright light light for small seedlings. Some people recommend LED, but those are expensive and can't be replaced if they go out. You can find T5 fluorescent lights on Amazon or at the hardware store. T8 will also work fine and tend to be cheaper plus they run cooler. Some are even modular so you can hang 2 or more as you need them. I start with two and then add two more once the seedlings get a few inches tall.
Thank you! I love this idea! I had so many yogurt containers full of dirt all over my living room last February and so many of them stayed empty. My first time starting seeds indoors. I think this method will lead to much more success and take up way less room! Can't wait to try it.
This works great! I have saved so much space already in my trays - previous years I have had poor pepper germination and there was so much wasted space and effort with no pepper plants to show for it. I will use this pre-sprouting method every year for my pepper from now on! Thanks!
You can weed out the ones that you don't want to reproduce . When I worked in a Commercial Greenhouse there were these Plants without a home . That were allowed by us workers to live under the Tables . You would find the most unusually large plants of strange species that were not ment to be that big .
Luke never started seeds out side of soil or Hydroponics, at the end of the video is when you would plant it? Is this quicker then just starting in soil? Or just to make sure it sprouts? Thanks for the videos.
An even bigger benefit is that it gives several weeks' start when running behind in spring planting. We use the method every year as we have too much to plant for such a short period of time. 👍🏼👍🏼
I loved the bag way using a mix of water w peroxide to kill germs. There’s something so satisfying seeing them sprout so quickly. But the containers are a perfect idea, and are at smart n final too!
You could use those cotton rounds for makeup maybe? I've been using the ziplock bag method, but usually fold the seeds in and wet before inserting the bag and then plant within a day or two. But I definitely want to try this now!
Cotton makeup rounds not good since the emerging roots will get tangled in the cotton. You could cut each little root out of the cotton but it's likely to break the root. Use coffee filters on top of paper towel, or even just coffee filters.
I am such a visual learner. Thank you so much for these videos. I would love to see the next step in the video. What point do you put them in dirt? How do you put them in soil to make sure they continue thriving. Mine are not doing well after putting them in seed starting soil.
I just used paper towel method to root red bell pepper seeds after I ate the bell pepper. Most of them sprouted even though I was told they likely wouldn’t ;). I just planted them in starter soil so I’m not sure how many will actually grow but I’m excited about the prospect. I will try your method next as it does seem easier to me. I have tons of those dressing containers for brining my lunch to work. Love it!
These are awesome! I recently bought a set of 100 off Ebay for $8, and the ones I got stack together and lock, where the cup on top actually locks into the lid below. I am going to start some seeds in them this week to try it out. The paper towel method has always been a big pain and hit or miss as far as success.
I have used the paper towel method, and what I do is fold once to stabilize seeds for placement, and then once the first seed cracks, I open the baggie and exhale my CO2 into it, it plumps the bag so the seedlings aren't as squished as a flat bag.
I will not use the baggie method anymore since I never found it to be that great...I have started some seeds in a shallow plastic container that I bought some sliced ham in with the lid it came with, the container is about 2 inches high....I have this on a heat mat with the lid on so I am hoping to get some results soon. Great video, you do a great job explaining it.
I switched from bags to a travel pillbox/ medication planner case some time ago ...it has 30 little separate boxes and a cover which blocks out the light if needed =}
Thank you so much! I will try it. It looks promising. I tried with plastic bags but non of them sprouted so i bought a small heating mat & checked today . Some of the seeds sprouted. So tiny from rosemary seeds. Love doing this in my small apartment because I can't garden outside.
I've started re-using clamshell containers from the supermarket. I put an unbleached coffee filter on top of a paper towel. I've found that a coffee filter alone starts to dry out too quickly. In addition to that, I like to remove the seeds and put them in seed starting mix as soon as I see the embryonic roots begin to emerge, and it's often hard for me to see the white root against the white paper towel. The brown coffee filter makes them much easier to see. Coffee filters are more resistant to having roots burrow in them, but they're not completely resistant to it. That's why I like to remove the seeds as soon as they germinate.
Ask family and friends to save the condiment containers for you. It may take awhile to amass enough, but you’d be diverting plastics from the landfill, without buying into the system that produces them. I do this with milk and juice bottles for winter sowing. I’ve diverted more than 100 containers from the landfill in the past year alone.
This is really coming together. We’ve got the seeds, soil, most of the supplies and fixtures. We have kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, peppers cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and hyssop. It can be a good year in the garden.
Try coffee filters instead of paper towels... works great and sprouts don’t get entwined in them like paper towels.
...And remember that a nice bunch of coffee filters can be purchased at the dollar store!
Thanks for this
If I use coffee filters it must be 2 or one?
invisible bullet just 1
Debbie Danner thank you!!!
This is four years old but in case someone views it now,l was able to buy lidded condiment containers at the local Walmart.Great idea! Thank you so much,l agree on your points why this better than paper towels/baggie.l have seeds that need light to germinate so l put them in my homemade brightly lit grow box.Success!
If you're running late in planting, start in the petri dish. You can gain back 2-3 weeks in lieu of soil planting and watering every day to keep soil from drying out.
Oh beautiful! This is so good to know! I’m behind.
Thank you so much! So, I also need soil not just water?
@@mewmew1218 No soil is necessary. Seeds contain everything they need for several weeks. They just need moisture to soften the coating and begin their life.
@@jeanmuehlfelt7942 Thank you. It's suprising that u actually replied 2 years later .
I followed these instructions and experienced some success with some seeds, and very minimal success with other seeds. I eventually decided to put in 3 layers of paper towel, then put the containers on a heat mat. That has worked amazingly well with seeds that didn’t germinate on a single layer. I’ll use this method going forward. Still, you got me started on the right track Luke!
I’m a fan of the paper towel in baggie method. For kiddos, we tape the baggie on a sunny window. Kids can easily observe their and their classmates’ baggies. They get so excited when the seeds germinate.
I was given one small Seminole pumpkin this fall. I saved the seeds (from the farm which had grown it for almost 100 years) and hoped to include it in my garden. BUT, although there were hundreds of seeds, many were flat as can be and I didn't think were viable. I saved them though, as that just might be the way they grew. I divided them into two piles, the fatty's and the flatty's. With your cool method, I can now try some of the flatty's and discard them if they are not viable, saving only the fatty's for my garden. Thanks so much!!!!!!
@mary w I got a good laugh. I like your classification of the two types of the same seeds....the flatty's and the fatty's
@Melissa Sullivan thanks Melissa. I sub Epic Gardening and really enjoy his lessons. I also started seedlings from flatty's and even more from the fatties. I have several Seminole pumpkins to harvest shortly. So excited.
So some of the flatties sprouted?
@@lpmoron6258The fatties produced a LOT of babies and they produced many squash. Seminoles are not as big nor as sweet as other types but they grow so well down here in Florida. The seeds were 5 years old to begin with and I was so happy and amazed. I also stuck some sprouted eyes from one sweet potato into tiny bottles of water. In just 3 days they had roots and some were only 1/2 inch big when I put them in the water. Most were 1" or taller and have many roots now. They will go in the grown after this lastest cold weather and then I get to watch the deer eat them up. LOL
Just saw this video a couple days ago and now I have basil growing!!! This is my favorite new method!! Thanks
Use small pebbles instead of paper towels in the cups and it is called on the rocks method! No worry about the roots getting tangled in the paper towel.
@Pink Salt no but you might risk breaking the fine roots when you try to remove them to plant up.
@canteras sv yes or vermiculite
Could you use perlite instead? Thanks
started using this method after two attempts of germinating some older seeds straight in soil, can't wait to see the results, got my cups at walmart 50 for like 3$!
Shisui Kami Costco and sams club sell at larger bulk..fyi
Dollar tree 100 for $1
What happened
@@Liahchasing honestly, it was decent, most of the fresh/good seed germinated and started growing in the cup, i xplanted em and left the "dead" ones in the thing, after about an extra week i threw em in the soil to biodegrade since they were dead, a few days or whatnot later, i have 3 extra plants haha...
@@shisuikami8204 thanks for replying helped much
The biggest benefit in my mind is your not waiting 1 - 2 weeks or longer wondering if those plants are going to pop up. You see them germinate in real time. Then once they germinate and you plant them you already know they are growing and going to pop up soon.
Excellent point about plants NEED room to develop upwards.
The close up of your hands always makes me want to watch Mr. Bill.
I did this at the start of this year with cups i saved from restaurants,i washed them! I to like it more then the plastic bag method!
As a guy with big hands, I love this method!
Words of wisdom and new method for me (even at 76YO)😎
I use an egg holder to do the same thing :)
Excellent idea!
@ilikebacon Lol, received this while actually making fake bacon and eggs on a cake! (Normally I use the egg holders to form flower petals for cakes.) Tooo coincidental....
Thank you. Great idea. I am going to do that today.
short, wide jar.
add a small amount of perlite.
add water. seeds sit on top of perlite.
makes for easier removal.
I’ve got a ton of seeds started on the top of my fridge in baggies!
Hi, Luke. Didn't know this method had a name... -- and here, I thought I was just being "cheap" with both space and seeds! Glad to see this PETRIE DISH method being shared with your viewers. Yes, it works... and No, you are not wasting valuable growing space on seeds that fail to germinate. Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA
Kate I'm up in Stanwood North of Seattle, do you have an out door winter garden? New to PNW gardening, and with all the rain I'm having all kinds of moss and mold issues.
@@markpnw8745 I'm in Montana rockies and our temps only vary about 10° most times. Try the Kracky method. Works great!
Great idea, I use my strawberry container that I save after I eat the fruit and do the same thing, no need to spend money on containers, thanks for sharing 🌱
Peg Innam great idea!!
Agree, use what we already have. I've held on to numerous lunch meat plastic containers, will try to using those.
@@rebeccaw8872 that's what I use and they are perfect . I use saran wrap for the lid and poke a few holes for breathability.
Peg Innam i save cake, pie cupcake with lids. That way you have your humidity....
Yes yes yes! People, please don't buy MORE plastic things on Amazon. These are readily available at taquerias at the salsa bar and at millions of other take out places. Just clean then and reuse instead of throwing away.
This is one of those genius ideas that would have saved me a few issues over the last couple of years. I had been repurposing plastic cupcake trays from the bakery to start seeds, but there's always that risk of tipping the tray and mixing the seeds (been there, done that...multiple times.) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
If the roots have dug into the paper towel, I wouldn't hesitate to plant the paper towel along with the seedling rather than try to disentangle it. If necessary use scissors to cut it up to separate different plants.
A better method I have discovered is to use clean play sand or any clean washed sand and use any container with a clear top and spray the sand down don't overwater just a good wet spray drop any seeds and sprinkle some sand on seeds moisture light spray and a few days pop! Use a small spoon to scope the seedlings and put into grow medium direct from container!
I started some seeds as a test to see if the seeds I saved last season where viable, As of today my jalapeno have 100% germination and my large red bell pepper is at 75% Germination. By the way I used 4 seeds per cup. I have to say this is now my permanent method of starting my seeds, Thanks for the technique.
I have not gotten any of my jalapeno seeds to geminate. I don't get it.
@@blueconversechucks hot peppers are notoriously difficult to germinate-- they take longer than sweet peppers. Also both require 80-90 degrees, did you use a heat mat?
@@cherylanon5791 thanks! Okay yeah. I didn't put them in a warm place. I will try this again in a couple of years when I live in a place I can garden again. I had so much fun harvesting hot peppers from the seedlings I bought!
This is such a great idea! Could you do a quick demonstration of how to take the germinated seed and place in soil? Thank you!
U just pick up the germinated seed and place it in the soil as long as the roots are in the soil u should be good
I would dig a little hole in the soil just a bit deeper than the germinated seed, place it in, and then carefully push the soil back with my fingertip to cover it.
Did you encounter a problem with this step? In my experience these Petri dish germinations adapt to the soil pretty readily. Just moisten the soil first, stand them up in the soil and cover the roots. Then keep the soil moist daily for two to three weeks. I recommend misting with a spray bottle since watering can be a little rough on them when they are very small.
@@TTV3500 about 2 knuckles deep
@@TTV3500 depends on the plant, bury it to the crown (where the roots and mainstem meet)
This was brilliant!! Thank you 🙏🏼 I ran out and bought some condiment containers from the dollarstore and 3 days later am transplanting to cells.
I also bought a 24 cell bead case from the dollarstore, lined each cell with wet paper towel and used it to germinate- also worked amazingly 😁
#gamechangers
I cant believe I missed this video of yours. This is extremely valuable information. I just picked some up from Target for only $3 for a pack of 50. This is literally the best money I ever spent. Thanks for saving me time, money and headaches!!!!!!
Ive always put seeds in a paper towl then folded it once or twice, put some ro water on the paper towels(not drenched) then put into bag with the opening not shut to promote some airflow then put it in a dark warm place. ive had allot of success doing it that way. Ill definitly try out the "petri dish method" one of these days though since that method would benefit certain seeds more than others
I have been using this method for about 10 years only with one BIG difference. After I have the seeds in the cup and put the lids on I 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓. That way when the roots sprout they grow down and away from the paper towel. If you don't flip them over the roots grow down into the paper towel and are almost impossible to remove. Your demonstration works ok with larger seeds but smaller seeds with finer roots will get stuck in the paper towels.
With this method, do I need to put them under a grow light or a heating pad?
I absolutely love this trick! Gonna use this soon to start seeds for my indoor garden. Thanks for another excellent video and Happy New Year from Northern MI!
Bradley Nagy, where in n mi? We’re in Kalkaska
@@kenmiller8499 just a bit farther up in Petoskey, but I lived in Kalkaska about 20 years ago
Bradley Nagy, gardening up here has always been a challenge with the late and then early frosts. Loved living in Anchorage where you golden from May to September!
@@kenmiller8499 oh absolutely! And with this crazy start of Winter so far, I'm expecting it to run over into Spring. I'm glad I have my indoor garden to keep me sane lol
Good idea. Now I want to see how you plant then in the growing area.
I love this idea! I have so many of these cups from before WFH when packing my lunch. This is is go to be wonderful for my succession planting. As a new gardener, I need all the help I can get.
I was just wondering what i was going to do! I can only fit 150 starts under my grow lights and YOU JUST GAVE ME A PERFECT RESOLUTION
I gave this a go this year with pepper and tomatoes. I really worked well. I was able to save time and seed. For the first time I've got 100% germination, without having empty cells that I would normally have to re-seed. Thanks for the info!
I just stacked plastic hummus (or yogurt) tub lids on top of each other - with paper towels cut to fit. Worked great for small seeds that I'm checking frequently. There's just enough of a gap to permit the seed to grow a bit.
Could you elaborate on when do you pull the seed for planting into soil. Do you wait for leaves or plant as soon as you see a root?
You can plant as soon as you see a sprout “tail” popping out. I’ve planted later than that too such as when the sprout comes completely out of it’s seed casing but that’s makes it a little harder to plant due to taking up more space in the planting hole. Either way should be successful, though!
thank you soooooo much Luke ! I've never been a fan of germinating in pots because of wasted space. I was going to do the ziplock bag method but you just rocked my world with this Petri dish method. an absolute game changer !!! thank you.
I’ve been doing this method for a very long time! I got sick of digging in the baggies myself and I use taco dip trays from the grocery store and just label the seeds.
Here in Indonesia we use a simple method using a synthetic chamois, lay your seeds out fold over the chamois, wet and place a piece of card over the top and shazam. I tend to put all sorts together in a line of each and put the planting out label under each row of seeds so I know what is sprouting. Just an idea and it works, easy to check on and remove that which is ready to plant. Going to give this idea a punt also.
I saw this method used to start cactus seeds. Knew it would also work for other seeds. Always trying to go to the next level, I purchased a medium large plastic container not more than 1 1/2 inch deep with a clear or light colored top. I want to try germinating multiple seeds on round cotton swabs. I'll write the name of the seed on a small mini blind in pencil.and place under the round as a label. I am going to use organic rounds but I think if you presoak the non-organic rounds, there should be no chemical/bleach to interfere with germination. I always gain tips from you and from reading the comments of other viewers. Continue sharing. Thanks
I love this method. At what point do I put the sprouted seed in my grow medium?
Thanks for teaching. My grandfather taught me these methods in 1973.
That's also how I store my seed collection. I never thought of using them to start germination. Thank you!
Now that is a great addition to a playbook...
I've been told not to store seeds in sealed plastic. There's enough moisture to support seed killing mold. Store in paper bag.
@@michaelpowell4202 it's ok if you thoroughly dry the seeds first. I wash mine and dry them for a couple of weeks
This is absolutely genius! I had just got some of these the other day and I was going to use them as mini soil pod pots. I just started some seeds in them after watching your video. It is so fast and simple that I started a few other things before I came back and wrote this comment and it wasn't even 15 minutes! I've got a soil sample, a baggie sample, and now this petri sample! Love it!!
Can you transplant rise seedlings directly to soil?
I keep the apple clamshells and start in peat pots in them, closed. Makes a little greenhouse and works well, then just stick them in the ground when ready.
My wife said they are in most craft stores and big box craft areas. Just got my seeds from you last week, cant wait to try this out.
Great idea! I have also bought packages of the little condiment containers at Dollar Tree as well as Walmart. And I have also seen them at Sam's.
This method is working great! I’ve managed to sprout most of the varieties within a few days.
I actually wet it first because I have historically put too much water in. I started this way two years ago and haven't changed. The only way I've successfully germinated 95% of the seeds I try.
@Ronda Corkhill I tried it, but they seem to need to be watered daily. Do you place the plastic pots on a heat mat? Also, at what stage do you place the germinated seed in soil...do you wait until only the root has sprouted or when the seed leaves (cotelydon) has sprouted as well?
@@robertavillella6485 I put them in my grow (laundry) room. You can put them on a mat but if the room reaches 70 degrees, you should be good without the heating mat. Do the pots have lids? Need to keep the condensation in the cup.
@@robertavillella6485 I've heard you plant when the 2nd set of leaves come on
I loved this idea
Definitely a game changer
Went right out and got me some of these cups, and dove right in
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CREATIVITY in gardening!!!!!!!
What a great idea Luke! What plants/seeds would you start in Jan with this method?
Phung KTK - I was wondering the same. Excellent video! 🌱
Peppers!
I'm in Zone 9b. I started tomatoes and peppers.
Have just ordered some of these little pots had some some success with my delphinium seed in the freezer bags but only with the cherry blossom delphinium not so good with my white ones look forward trying your new method withe these pots , I live in the Scottish Borders and in my 60s I love propagation my plants and growing my own seeds and cuttings , happy gardening from a Scottish lass.
Walmart has them in the paper plate area
Thanks for the info about walmart
@TRIPLE G good luck but mushrooms are not the only thing that like high nitrogen substances you will likely find white mold or trichodermia trying to colonize as well in fact its hard to name everything
Smart and Final has them too.
Wendy’s ...Arby’s,...McD’s,....
Dollar Tree has them - 10 for $1.00!
Thank you for this! I am LOVING your channel and in the process of watching all the videos. Apologies if you answer this in subsequent videos, but I have questions 1) you mention to place these in a warm and dark location, could you elaborate? Warm like room temperature? And dark, like a cupboard? 2) how deep do you plant them once they are germinated? 3) how long do you let them germinate?
I just tried this with sugar snap peas (1st time). I started out putting them in a damp coffee filter (based on numerous comments) in a ziploc baggie. They ended up rolling out of the filter so I put them in a take out container with a lid and covered them with a little bit of water (no paper towel or coffee filter. I kept them wet but not too wet and just put it on a table. No special lights or heat mat. They all sprouted. I just tried again with flower seeds but I used toilet paper (I thought it would be easier but was messy) and folded it over the seeds and put them in a take out container with a lid and kept them moist, spritzing with a spray bottle. Again no heat mat or lights and had a pretty good germination rate. I like Luke's method with the condiment containers and will try that next as a space saver. Oh, with the peas since they are cold hardy I planted them directly in the garden. The flowers I put into small nursery pots after they sprouted and put on a heat mat. As soon as I see them emerge I will put them under lights then when I see true leaves. I will separate them into individual pots. Sorry this is so long but I didn't know how much info you needed and I didn't see that anyone answered your question. I hope this helps, I'm new at this too but if you have any other questions I'll help as best as I can.
Me again, I planted mine the same depth as I would plant the seed (whatever the seed package says). I can't say that's absolutely correct but that's how I did it. I can let you know if that works when/if the seedlings emerge =]
Use tweezers to move the seeds. Great ideas!
I like to use a growing media instead of paper towels, but I have always used the clear deli cups instead with massive success rates. If you use seed start mix, fill the cups with the mix and plant, then leave the cups with the lid on a seed mat. I've sprouted 15 year old seeds doing it, but it works remarkably well for all plants.
mantisman230 do you still place these under grow lights?
@@stephaniestrait3583 yep, it works well for very small seeds that can't be exposed during germination or allowed to dry out. I used it for cardinal flower this season.
mantisman230 perfect thank you!
Thanks for sharing....I’m gonna have to try this because I had a problem with fungus gnats last year which wiped out my seedlings😊
Try adding boiled water to the starter mix. This will kill off any eggs in the starter mix. HTH
Do you sell hoodies or T's? My friend I'm in Zone 6 also and I started using extra space on the farm and at home to put raised beds in after years of buying retail plants. Now that I have 1,500 seeds germinating 76 varieties of fruits, veggies, ornamentals, flowers, and others I'm realizing what an absolute blessing and blast it's been to learn and grow plants and myself right along with you getting better and learning every season. I always share your methods and tips with our local gardening clubs where Ive enjoyed an appreciated role since joining. I give produce and plants to strangers, all my many neighbors, my local food bank, and provide seasonal products to the clubhouse chef at the golf clup across the road. I can't thank you enough or put a number on pounds of produce or value added under your tutelage.
I've been doing a version of this for years. I actually line up my paper towel squares on a tray and cover each one with a plastic jar lid (mayo or peanut butter). Great for seeds that require darkness. For seeds that require light I use a clear plastic lid (deli container). Easy to water - I remove all the lids, pour a bit of water in the tray and tip it until all the paper towel is wet and then replace the lids. (I mark what type of seed is in each location on a piece of paper that I keep under the tray.)
Which seeds need light?
@@Klink52, usually any plant that self-seeds in nature. In general I treat any tiny seed that way.
@Liz Szalma What do you mean "self-seeds"? Thanks
Any plant that tends to drop seeds that will germinate with no help from the gardener. Since they can't bury themselves they have to be able to germinate without being covered. Like chives. If you don't remove the chive flowers in a timely fashion, you will have hundreds of baby chive plants the next year.
How do you know how deep to plant if you do it that way
YAY! I did done sumpin good, without being told!!! I used sandwich meat container (about 5x7, and about 1 1/2 in tall) I did 1 with regular orange carrots, 1 with rainbow mix, then, because some seeds grew into the towels, I put the 2 paper towels side by side in a 3rd bucket. Now, between 3 buckets, I have about 50 seedlings about an inch tall!
Once the seed sprouts do you plant the seed with the sprout up or down? Do you have a follow up video?
Do you have a video on lighting ? I want to start my seeds inside this year, could you recommend lighting for sprouting.
Your best bet is a cheap 2 foot fluorescent tube. You don't need a very intense or bright light light for small seedlings. Some people recommend LED, but those are expensive and can't be replaced if they go out. You can find T5 fluorescent lights on Amazon or at the hardware store. T8 will also work fine and tend to be cheaper plus they run cooler. Some are even modular so you can hang 2 or more as you need them. I start with two and then add two more once the seedlings get a few inches tall.
This the best way to germinate seeds. Thanks Luke you always give the best advice.
Hey, this really IS a game changer! I did the baggie method and wasn't a fan. Thanks for sharing this!
could you please show how you then plant the sprouted seed in soil.
Thank you! I love this idea! I had so many yogurt containers full of dirt all over my living room last February and so many of them stayed empty. My first time starting seeds indoors. I think this method will lead to much more success and take up way less room! Can't wait to try it.
This works great! I have saved so much space already in my trays - previous years I have had poor pepper germination and there was so much wasted space and effort with no pepper plants to show for it. I will use this pre-sprouting method every year for my pepper from now on! Thanks!
Excellent tips. Thank you so much! OT but you have such delicate-looking hands! You look like you couldn’t possibly be a gardener and yet, you are!
I got some containers at the dollar store, and can’t wait to try this method.
You can weed out the ones that you don't want to reproduce . When I worked in a Commercial Greenhouse there were these Plants without a home . That were allowed by us workers to live under the Tables . You would find the most unusually large plants of strange species that were not ment to be that big .
Luke never started seeds out side of soil or Hydroponics, at the end of the video is when you would plant it? Is this quicker then just starting in soil? Or just to make sure it sprouts?
Thanks for the videos.
No time saved, just confirms the viability of the seed.
An even bigger benefit is that it gives several weeks' start when running behind in spring planting. We use the method every year as we have too much to plant for such a short period of time. 👍🏼👍🏼
Check out the Kracky method. May be your answer!
BRIILLIANT IDEA! I have some older seeds to try with this method! Thanks Luke👍🏼
I loved the bag way using a mix of water w peroxide to kill germs. There’s something so satisfying seeing them sprout so quickly. But the containers are a perfect idea, and are at smart n final too!
You could use those cotton rounds for makeup maybe? I've been using the ziplock bag method, but usually fold the seeds in and wet before inserting the bag and then plant within a day or two. But I definitely want to try this now!
Did u tried the cotton rounds?
Cotton makeup rounds not good since the emerging roots will get tangled in the cotton. You could cut each little root out of the cotton but it's likely to break the root. Use coffee filters on top of paper towel, or even just coffee filters.
Luke at MI Gardener: SUPER GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will be using my noosa yogurt containers. Thx
I guess I missed something. Do you place these seeds under a grow light or in a warm dark place? Hope someone sees this and can answer.
Thanks
I am such a visual learner. Thank you so much for these videos. I would love to see the next step in the video. What point do you put them in dirt? How do you put them in soil to make sure they continue thriving. Mine are not doing well after putting them in seed starting soil.
Try the Kracky method.
I just used paper towel method to root red bell pepper seeds after I ate the bell pepper. Most of them sprouted even though I was told they likely wouldn’t ;). I just planted them in starter soil so I’m not sure how many will actually grow but I’m excited about the prospect. I will try your method next as it does seem easier to me. I have tons of those dressing containers for brining my lunch to work. Love it!
These are awesome! I recently bought a set of 100 off Ebay for $8, and the ones I got stack together and lock, where the cup on top actually locks into the lid below. I am going to start some seeds in them this week to try it out. The paper towel method has always been a big pain and hit or miss as far as success.
Do you prefer the clear containers or can you use the black ones with clear lids??
Thanks Luke. That looks like a great idea. I'm thinking it's about time to get my Peppers started
I have used the paper towel method, and what I do is fold once to stabilize seeds for placement, and then once the first seed cracks, I open the baggie and exhale my CO2 into it, it plumps the bag so the seedlings aren't as squished as a flat bag.
Definitely going to try. I save condiment containers and have been putting saved seeds in them. Had not thought of using for germinating. Thanks Luke.
Nice video, hope he's got more videos to come.
George George check out his channel, he has tons!
Greetings, so you do place them in sunlight since they reach for light or do you still place them in a dark environment? Thank you
I will not use the baggie method anymore since I never found it to be that great...I have started some seeds in a shallow plastic container that I bought some sliced ham in with the lid it came with, the container is about 2 inches high....I have this on a heat mat with the lid on so I am hoping to get some results soon. Great video, you do a great job explaining it.
Dollar Tree carries them too!
I switched from bags to a travel pillbox/ medication planner case some time ago ...it has 30 little separate boxes and a cover which blocks out the light if needed =}
OMG BRILLIANT !!! I must immediately run to the dollar tree!!!
@@missvanity6371 🤣💚
Thank you so much! I will try it. It looks promising. I tried with plastic bags but non of them sprouted so i bought a small heating mat & checked today . Some of the seeds sprouted. So tiny from rosemary seeds. Love doing this in my small apartment because I can't garden outside.
I've started re-using clamshell containers from the supermarket. I put an unbleached coffee filter on top of a paper towel. I've found that a coffee filter alone starts to dry out too quickly. In addition to that, I like to remove the seeds and put them in seed starting mix as soon as I see the embryonic roots begin to emerge, and it's often hard for me to see the white root against the white paper towel. The brown coffee filter makes them much easier to see. Coffee filters are more resistant to having roots burrow in them, but they're not completely resistant to it. That's why I like to remove the seeds as soon as they germinate.
I use the paper towel /zip lock method. Just blow it up before sealing the bag. The carbon dioxide makes the seeds grow faster too.
I have done this to sprout Moringa seeds. Can you show us how to transplant those, please?
Do you close the lids? Or do they need ventilation? I notice with the ziplock method some folks seal them & others don't. What's best?
Close the lids but check on them daily to give them a little fresh air & make sure to spray more water on them if the paper looks like it’s drying out
Definitely gonna use this method next year. Thanks for sharing!
Can you provide info or link to the containers. Any commentary on avoiding plastics etc?
Ask family and friends to save the condiment containers for you. It may take awhile to amass enough, but you’d be diverting plastics from the landfill, without buying into the system that produces them. I do this with milk and juice bottles for winter sowing. I’ve diverted more than 100 containers from the landfill in the past year alone.
This is really coming together. We’ve got the seeds, soil, most of the supplies and fixtures. We have kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, peppers cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and hyssop. It can be a good year in the garden.