- 1). Read the growing instructions on the seed packet. You will find germination time, lighting requirements, seed depth, plant spacing and any special planting needs on the back of the packet. As a general rule, seeds should be planted to a depth 3 to 4 times the size of the seed, but this does vary. Most seed requires light to germinate, but there are exceptions to this rule, too. If in doubt, check with a good gardening book for details (see Resources below).
- 2). Plant vegetables with fine seeds--like carrots, cabbage, onion and lettuce--directly in the garden soil. Cover lightly with soil and mist daily with the fine spray setting on your garden hose to keep the soil evenly moist. Boost germination time by covering with floating row cover. Row cover warms the soil and assists in maintaining moisture levels.
- 3). Soak large seeds, like peas and legumes, in a bowl of tepid water for 24 hours prior to planting. These will more than double in size as they absorb the water and get a good boost in germination time. Plant in the garden following the planting depth and spacing guide.
- 4). Place cucumber, zucchini, summer squash, pumpkin or winter squash seeds on a damp paper towel and fold to cover the seed. Place in a plastic storage bag and set in a warm location. The top of a water heater or TV provides gentle bottom heat and speeds germination. Some will sprout overnight, while others may take a few days. Plant in garden soil using care not to disturb the tender young root. Cover and firm the soil gently and keep evenly moist. Seedlings will emerge in a few days.
- 5). Scarify seeds with hard coats, like morning glories, by cutting or filing a tiny notch in the seed coat to allow water to enter the seed and prompt germination. These seeds normally undergo the affects of nature, like freezing and thawing, that crack the coat to promote germination. Seeds harvested and stored for commercial use benefit from a little help from you.
- 6). Start warm season flowers or vegetables in flats inside 4 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Cover with plastic wrap or grow in a windowsill greenhouse available wherever gardening seeds are sold. These often come pre-filled with seed starter or peat pots, and have a plastic cover to function as a greenhouse. These speed germination by maintaining even moisture and creating a warm, humid environment.