Seed starting can be an intimidating task for some. And yet to someone who has never started seeds before, it may be the opposite.

What’s so scary about putting a seed into some soil?

But to those who have ever started seeds- and failed- it can be discouraging. Especially when you’ve invested a decent amount of money into some prized heirlooms– which sometimes only come with a handful of seeds per pack. That is why germinating at a high percentage is so important.

Now, there’s a multitude of ways in which you can start your seeds. Just Google “how to start seeds” and you will find them. But I’m not here to cover the countless different methods nor do I plan to get super in depth and overwhelm you. What I will do is share with you how I managed to achieve 100% germination with my seeds in just 2 days- nearly all heirlooms including tomatoes and peppers.

Yes, 2 days.

Shall we get started? Okay. Let’s talk first about what I use:

• Seeds from a reputable supplier {I purchased from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Territorial Seed Co.}
• Rapid Rooter tray w/plugs, as well as additional plugs if needed
• Plastic dome cover {or saran wrap}
• Heat mat
• Water

Typically, I’m all about showing you how to use what you have and get creative. But for tasks like seed starting, I take a little bit different stand. I would rather invest in things that I intend to use over and over again, if it means a successful start to something as important as our yearly food supply. So even though you can germinate your seeds in a moistened paper towel and make your own seed starting mix while planting in recycled plastic containers {my previous method, and yes it does work out okay}… this is what I do now and will continue to do in the future.

This method of seed starting requires NO soil and NO fuss over watering with a spray bottle or worrying about whether or not you’ve got too little or too much water for your tender seed’s environment. It’s much simpler. And cleaner.

Step 1:

The Rapid Rooter tray comes with an inner tray which holds all of the plugs, and an outer tray that it sits in. Gently lift out the tray with the plugs and fill the outer tray with 16 oz. of water {a pint size canning jar filled to its neck equals 16 oz. of water}. There should be about 1/4″ of water covering the bottom. Place the inner tray w/plugs back inside the outer tray.

Step 2:

The Rapid Rooter plugs- which are NOT made of soil- should be soaked in water prior to use. They act and feel like a sponge. I put mine into a 9″ x 13″ pan and poured water over them before placing them back into the tray. You can also soak them in a weak peroxide solution if you’d like. They come with a pre-drilled hole in the center. Place your seed into that hole {no need to cover with anything}.

• “Rapid Rooter’s breakthrough technology produces a unique matrix of composted materials bonded together with plant-derived polymers. Rapid Rooter plugs are manufactured using a scientifically controlled process that yields large populations of beneficial microbes in the media. These naturally-occurring microbes colonize young roots, helping plants resist disease while maximizing nutrient uptake. Rapid Rooter plugs are fortified with General Hydroponic micronutrients for abundant root growth. The optimal air-to-water ratio within the plug matrix results in explosive early root growth. Use Rapid Rooter for robust early rooting that supports explosive plant growth.” Source: General Hydroponics.

Step 3:

Place your tray with plugs onto your heat mat. The heat mat will increase the root zone temperature about 10- 20 degrees, which will aid in the success of germination, especially with heat-loving plants like hot peppers.

Step 4:

Cover the tray with a plastic dome cover sized appropriately to your tray {I used this one here found on Amazon with my 50-cell Rapid Rooter tray}. Height really isn’t that important since you won’t be using the cover with larger plants. Alternately, you can use saran wrap. Twice daily, remove the condensation from inside of the dome. Every 2 days, add another 16 oz. of water to maintain the 1/4″ depth in the bottom of the tray.

Step 5:

As soon as your seeds germinate, remove the dome and place under a grow light. You can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon around the newly germinated plants to act as an anti-fungal agent and help prevent damping off. This is the same reason why you want to remove the dome/plastic as soon as your seeds have germinated; too little airflow combined with too much moisture can lead to fungal problems.

If you have some of your seeds germinating while others are a little bit behind, you can remove the cover and then use saran wrap to cover the plugs that have not yet germinated. I had to do that in my 50-cell tray where all but my Anaheim chili peppers had sprouted.

Here is an overview of what I planted, the projected germination, and my actual germination- just for those who are curious:

Tomatoes:

Gold Medal {Heirloom, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 6-14 days; Actual: 2 days

Tsar’s Royal Gift {Heirloom, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds}

• Projected Germination: 3-10 days; Actual: 2 days

Large Barred Boar {Heirloom, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds}

• Projected Germination: 3-10 days; Actual: 2 days

Beaverlodge 6808 Slicer {Heirloom, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 6-14 days; Actual: 2 days

Nova {Heirloom, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 6-14 days; Actual: 2 days

Peppers:

Purple Star Hybrid {Bell Pepper, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 8-25 days; Actual: 2 days

Early Jalapeno {Hot Pepper, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 8-25 days; Actual: 2 days

Anaheim College 64 {Chili Pepper, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 8-25 days; Actual: 4 days

Onions:

Cortland Hybrid {Yellow Onion, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 6-16 days; Actual: 2 days

Noordhollandse Bloedrode {Heirloom Red Onion, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds}

• Projected Germination: up to 14 days; Actual: 3 days

Celery:

Redventure {Heirloom, Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 10-20 days; Actual: 3 days

Lettuce:

Marshall {Heirloom Romaine; Territorial Seed Company}

• Projected Germination: 2-15 days; Actual: 2 days

So there you have it, folks! My process for successful germination in starting seeds. Please note that in no way am I endorsed by any of the companies or products mentioned. I make no money from anything mentioned in this post. I aim only to share what I’ve found to be successful in my personal situation.

I hope you enjoy the start of a promising garden season!