Germination of your seeds

14-16 Hours is an adequate time to soak your seeds to ensure high germination rates

Put 1 piece of paper towel down on a plate.  Pour the seeds and water on the paper towel making sure the seeds are spread out a bit.  Use the second piece of paper towel to cover the seeds like planting and using soil.  Drain any excess water off the plate.

** NOTE: Many seed banks feel this is an unnecessary step.  We find it to be very helpful.   Use a 1 quart plastic bag and slide the paper towel medium in without the plate.  A one quart bag will be more than enough to germinate 20+ seeds

After the seeds and medium are placed flat in the bag, use the zip loc opening  and close almost all the way.  Upon closing the last bit, breathe into the bag putting a nice amount of CO2 into the bag and seal it up.  This will give the seeds ample air to germinate nicely.

Place the newly sealed plastic bag in a dark, warm room or closet.  Dark and warm cupboards will work as well. Staying dark with consistent temperature is key.

The seeds will take anywhere from 2-5 days to germinate.  Some may take as long as 7 days.  The seeds will develop a 1/2 inch (2cm) tail or taproot.  

There is a germination photo below to show you what it should look like when ready for the next steps.  Check on the seeds daily as some will germinate after 24 hours and you don't want the taproot to get too big before going to next medium.

once you have that taproot and are ready to plant.  Use planting soil with no nutrients added to it for the first 3 weeks.  Let the seed use the natural soil nutrients to build a strong base.  

Taproot goes down and immediately get lighting on it.  18/6 is standard indoor growing although 24-0 is also used to aggressively grow.

Hydroponic growing does allow you to add nutrients to the initial water source.  Suggestions are very light add to get the natural nutrients into the plant immediately.  Various hydroponic nutrients outline very specifically week over week.  OUR Grow Project area talks about this in more detail.

EITHER NATURAL LIGHTING OUTSIDE OR LED LIGHTS CAN NOW BE USED.  LED LIGHTING - 18 HOURS ON / 6 HOURS OFF