how to germinate store bought seeds

1. Can you plant seeds from store-bought produce?
2. What is the fastest way to germinate seeds?
3. How do you plant packaged seeds?
4. Will seeds from a store bought watermelon grow?
5. Should soak seeds before planting?
6. Do seeds need light or dark to germinate?
7. Can you put seeds straight into soil?
8. Will 20 year old seeds germinate?
9. How many seeds should I germinate?
10. How many seeds do you plant in one hole?
11. Why do Burpee seed packets say not for human consumption?
12. How long does it take to grow watermelon from seed?
13. Can I plant melon seeds?
14. Do you have to dry melon seeds before planting?

Can you plant seeds from store-bought produce?

Sprouted garlic should be separated into cloves and planted with the fat end down. For anyone who has wondered if it's worthwhile to plant the cloves of store-bought garlic that are starting to sprout, the answer is a yes, but a qualified yes.

What is the fastest way to germinate seeds?

One easy way to make seeds germinate faster is to presoak them for 24 hours in a shallow container filled with hot tap water. Water will penetrate the seed coat and cause the embryos inside to plump up. Don't soak them for longer than 24 hours because they could rot. Plant the seeds immediately in moist soil.

How do you plant packaged seeds?

Create a band of seeds by raking or troweling out a band at least 5 inches wide and as long as you'd like, digging down to about four times the thickness of a seed. Sprinkle the seeds randomly and generously throughout the hole. Cover the seeds with soil and water the soil.

Will seeds from a store bought watermelon grow?

If you're up for a challenge, or just curious, and decide to use seeds from a store-bought watermelon (or are using seeds from an open pollinated heirloom watermelon), you'll need to dry the seeds before you plant them. ... Once they're dry, you can plant them!

Should soak seeds before planting?

Soaking seeds before planting helps you to break down the seed's natural defenses against what it expects from Mother Nature, which then allows it to germinate faster. Another reason is that while Mother Nature actively assaults seeds, she also gave those seeds an internal gauge to help them know when they should grow.

Do seeds need light or dark to germinate?

Most seeds germinate best under dark conditions and might even be inhibited by light (e.g., Phacelia and Allium spp.). However, some species (e.g., Begonia, Primula, Coleus) need light to germinate (Miles and Brown 2007). Don't confuse seed light requirements with what seedlings need. All seedlings require sunlight.

Can you put seeds straight into soil?

Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it's an easy process that yields great results. ... Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.

Will 20 year old seeds germinate?

Do seeds go bad with time, or can you plant them no matter how old they are? The answer is, yes, seeds will eventually go bad and no longer germinate, but it can take quite a long time.

How many seeds should I germinate?

In general, two to three seeds should be planted per hole. Seeds do not have 100% germination rates, so not every seed planted will sprout. Overseeding holes, cells, or pots will help ensure that the number of plants you desire will grow (or more!).

How many seeds do you plant in one hole?

Don't exceed three seeds per hole. If more than one germinates, snip off extras at the soil line also. This prevents disturbance of the seedling roots on the one you'll continue growing out when thinning. Don't add more than one large seed to a hole.

Why do Burpee seed packets say not for human consumption?

Not for human consumption means they haven't been inspected as well as the packaging location. Plus the levels of toxins allowed could be different.

How long does it take to grow watermelon from seed?

Watermelons need a long growing season (at least 80 days) and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow. Soil should be 70 degrees F or warmer at planting time. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and keep well watered until germination.

Can I plant melon seeds?

You can start to sow your melon seeds from mid-April until the end of May. To start with, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours to encourage germination and to penetrate the seed. ... Water the seeds lightly whenever the soil looks dry being careful not to over-water them and leave the seeds to germinate.

Do you have to dry melon seeds before planting?

Fresh cantaloupe seeds need to be dried and properly stored for future sowing. Spread the seeds on a sheet of newspaper or paper towels and set them in a warm, airy place to dry. To prevent mold and mildew growth on the seeds, stir them every day to ensure the whole seed is exposed to circulating air.