Germinate Your Own Seeds in These 10 Simple Steps

You can buy "ready made" plants in a gardening store, but it can be much more fun as well as being cheaper to grow them yourself from seed.

Supplies

Seeds you are wanting to grow.

Hydrogen peroxide.

Soil or paper towel or rooter plugs.

Spray bottle.

Heat mat.

Light source.

Step 1: Timing When to Start.

Look up the hardiness zone of the area you live in to help plan when you should start your seeds.

Step 2: Read Instructions

If you already have your seeds in hand, check your seed packet for germination times and read the instructions on when the plant should be transplanted.

Step 3: Select Seeds

Select the seeds that look most viable. You want to pick seeds that aren't cracked or look like any mold has grown on them.

Step 4: Sterilize Seeds

Sterilize the seeds by making a diluted hydrogen peroxide and water solution. Add add 1 ounce of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide to 1 pint of water.

Step 5: Choose Medium

Choose a medium of choice to germinate the seeds in. Common ones are soil, paper towel or a starter plug like Rapid Rooter (I chose the latter).

Step 6: Hydrate the Medium

Spray the medium with a spray bottle with water. You want the medium to be moist. Too wet and you'll drown the seed, too dry and it will desiccate.

Step 7: Heating Mat

Put a towel on a heating mat. Then put the seeds on the mat. This will help them germinate by increasing the temperature. You want it between 70-80 degrees if possible.

Step 8: Keep Medium Hydrated

Throughout the germination process you'll need to make sure that the growing medium stays slightly moist. You'll probably have to spray it with water every few days.