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!
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 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
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.
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.
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...
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!!!
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.
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 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 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!!!!!!
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.
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!!
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 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 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!!!!!!!
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
@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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
So thrilled to find this video. As I am new to planting from seed and my first try was not very successful, I can not wait to try this method. Many many thanks 👏👏👏👏👏
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 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
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.
got a bunch of the condiment containers at the dollar store for making jello shots for a party & had a bunch left over - so I'll definitely be trying this!
wow. I've been growing from seed for a very long time and hadn't seen this method before. I planted a few varieties of seed with this method a few days ago and two of the varieties have already sprouted. I'm going to plant more this way. thanks!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 =]
GENIUS! I use the paper towl method and its a pain in the you know what trying to take them out and plant them. Never thought about using condiment containers. So easy and cheap. This is the kind of studf I subbed to your channel for! Thank you.
Love this idea! I have the same problems as you have had with the baggies. This is perfect timing for me because I live in Florida and was going to start starting seeds next week!!!!! THANK YOU!
Thanks you! I tried the ziploc method last year and was very frustrated. I already have some condiment containers and will try this method this year. Great idea!
Love this...I already have these cups....excited to get something started but to early here...last frost date April 15th. Just dreaming of all I want to plant this year.
Thank you very much, I am trying to start seeds from Aji Amarillo from Peru and I was using the baggy method, much better than anything, however, after seeing your video I am inclined to try these containers...
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 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.
Thank you! I figured that when you made that one video and mentioned these that you also made a whole video about these! I have all my herbs sprouted almost, this is super exciting.
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!
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!
Just saw this video a couple days ago and now I have basil growing!!! This is my favorite new method!! Thanks
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
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.
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.
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
Excellent point about plants NEED room to develop upwards.
The close up of your hands always makes me want to watch Mr. Bill.
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!!!
As a guy with big hands, I love this method!
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!
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!
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 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
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!!!!!!
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.
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!!
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 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
Thanks for teaching. My grandfather taught me these methods in 1973.
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.
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!!!!!!!
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
I’ve got a ton of seeds started on the top of my fridge in baggies!
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
This method is working great! I’ve managed to sprout most of the varieties within a few days.
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
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!
Hey, this really IS a game changer! I did the baggie method and wasn't a fan. Thanks for sharing this!
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!
BRIILLIANT IDEA! I have some older seeds to try with this method! Thanks Luke👍🏼
Definitely gonna use this method next year. Thanks for sharing!
Words of wisdom and new method for me (even at 76YO)😎
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
you are so right .. this is a game changer .. thank you for sharing it with us
Thank you for sharing your idea.
Frigging genius!!! Great video.
Omg this is amazing!! I’ve had success with the baggie method but WOW this will be much easier!! Thanks Luke❣️
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
Good idea. Now I want to see how you plant then in the growing area.
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!
Thank you enjoyed it. Gave me a idea to use containers as start cups.
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.
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.
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!
Thanks Luke. That looks like a great idea. I'm thinking it's about time to get my Peppers started
Great info! Definitely has advantages over the paper towel method, didn’t think it was possible! Thanks for sharing!
So thrilled to find this video. As I am new to planting from seed and my first try was not very successful, I can not wait to try this method. Many many thanks 👏👏👏👏👏
Awesome idea! I like to test my seeds that I have saved from last summer. Happy New Year Everyone!
I really like this method petri dish!!! I will use this for my students....Thanks!!!
I've been using the bag method for years, I'll definitely try this method.
Luke at MI Gardener: SUPER GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 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
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.
That was so cool! Thank you! I’m excited to try this. 🎉
I got some containers at the dollar store, and can’t wait to try this method.
got a bunch of the condiment containers at the dollar store for making jello shots for a party & had a bunch left over - so I'll definitely be trying this!
wow. I've been growing from seed for a very long time and hadn't seen this method before. I planted a few varieties of seed with this method a few days ago and two of the varieties have already sprouted. I'm going to plant more this way. thanks!
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!
Thank you! This a wonderful idea for the class room.
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!
This is BRILLIANT!
I love his idea!! I’m using half pint jars since I have so many.
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!
Excellent information, thanks for sharing.
This is where I got my containers 100ct for just $6 - amzn.to/2QwidWo
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.
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 =]
EXACTLY what I needed, thank you!
GENIUS! I use the paper towl method and its a pain in the you know what trying to take them out and plant them. Never thought about using condiment containers. So easy and cheap. This is the kind of studf I subbed to your channel for! Thank you.
So excited to see results.
Been doing this for years x
Genius! I love this idea!! 💡 ❤ thank you for sharing!! 🌳 🌼
Wow! Game changer is right! Can’t wait to try this
This is fantastic. There is nothing more disappointing than wasting precious space on seeds that never germinate. Love the idea. Great video!
Love this idea! I have the same problems as you have had with the baggies. This is perfect timing for me because I live in Florida and was going to start starting seeds next week!!!!! THANK YOU!
Thanks you! I tried the ziploc method last year and was very frustrated. I already have some condiment containers and will try this method this year. Great idea!
That color looks great on you!! 😀
Love this...I already have these cups....excited to get something started but to early here...last frost date April 15th. Just dreaming of all I want to plant this year.
Thank you very much, I am trying to start seeds from Aji Amarillo from Peru and I was using the baggy method, much better than anything, however, after seeing your video I am inclined to try these containers...
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.
Use tweezers to move the seeds. Great ideas!
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.
Thank you! I figured that when you made that one video and mentioned these that you also made a whole video about these! I have all my herbs sprouted almost, this is super exciting.
Nice video, hope he's got more videos to come.
George George check out his channel, he has tons!
Fantastic idea...can't wait to try it...thank you for sharing.
Found mine at the Dollar store & very excited to use them this year. Thank you for sharing :)
Thank you for this great tip
short, wide jar.
add a small amount of perlite.
add water. seeds sit on top of perlite.
makes for easier removal.
I’m going to give this a try. I’ve got my seeds and when it get a bit closer I can start them. Thanks Luke.
Nice :) Very cool method. I love your watering can!