Baggie and Coffee Filter Germination Method For Seeds
This is one of the methods I have used for germinating seeds, except for tiny seeds. Pepper and tomato seeds are ideal to germinate in this manner. Why do I use this method most often? The seeds germinate quicker, resulting in a huge time saver. Some varieties of “super-hot” peppers can typically take 30 days to germinate. I often see results in as little as 3 days for some seeds using the baggie method. Being able to see faster germination results in getting a head start on the growing season. Below, I’ll be sure to walk you through how to create your baggie method. This method is also beneficial for germinating older seeds or seeds that are difficult to germinate. Older seeds are still good, but you must use more since the germination rate can be lower. By using the baggie method, I know just how many sprouts I have to plant.
Materials Needed
- Sandwich size Baggie (the kind you can zip closed)
- Coffee filter (small size is fine)
- Seeds of Choice
- Spray Bottle of Water
- Marker/Pen
- Labels (Optional)
Directions
- Using the scissors, cut your coffee filter in half. 1 small coffee filter can be used for 2 baggie setups.
- Use your spray bottle to wet half the coffee filter.
- Spread your seeds out on the wet half. Now, fold the filter in two.
- Give your filter a few more sprays of water. Be sure the filter is entirely wet.
- Slide the filter into your bag and make sure the filter is flat.
- Seal up your baggie.
- Use your marker/pen to write the kind of seed in the bag and the date on a label and stick it to the baggie. Alternatively, you can write on paper and tape to the baggie or write directly on the baggie with a permanent marker.
- Place your baggie of seeds in a warm area. I typically put the seeds on the end of a table in a room around 70 degrees. You can set the baggie on the refrigerator if you don’t mind. You should check for progress each day. If the filter starts to dry out, open the bag and give a spray or two of water. You want to avoid too much moisture in the bag; your seeds can rot or get mildew.
- Once germinated, carefully plant them in seed starting mix, root end down, and cover with a light layer of creating mix.
I explain the Double Cup Method of Growing Seedlings if you are interested in what I do after my seeds have germinated.
Genius idea! I would have never thought about this 🙂