Gathering Germination Materials - Checklist

What you need to sow:

• I strongly recommend using straight vermiculite for a germination substrate. I have tried many different substrates - soil, seed starting mix, custom mixes of turface and biochar and earthworm castings - but vermiculite is the best. Since it is an inorganic, it prevents growth of algae, mold, fungus, and pests like fungus gnats while being ph neutral and still holding moisture at just the right levels. Basically, it's a sterile inorganic that holds water - perfect for germinating, where nutrients and decomposed organic matter just lead to issues.

• Purified drinking water or distilled is fine

• Containers must be at least 4 inches tall and of a material that can be easily punctured on the bottom at a later date to add drainage holes in. I like cubic containers with near vertical walls for maximizing space when placed together such as on a heat mat. The best options I have tried have been found free or recycled from various food or takeout packaging. For sizing considerations, I recommend 4 to 6 seeds per square inch of soil surface area.

• To seal the containers. Don't use lids - they are not airtight and will allow gradual moisture evaporation and contamination.

• For labeling

• Must be capable of producing a fine mist

but strongly recommended:

• To sterilize and oxygenate the seed.

• To sterilize the sowing container, tools, and work surfaces

• For sifting an extra fine layer of vermiculite to pad the sowing media surface with.

Now that you have everything you need and your grow area set up, you can go ahead and sow your seeds!