Here’s a simple and effective method for germinating seeds: We use organic, unbleached cotton balls! This process allows you to grow seedlings without soil. Also, a super fun activity if you have kids and want to show them how to sprout seeds.
Materials Needed:
- Seeds
- Water
- Organic unbleached cotton balls
- A clear container with lid
Instructions:
Begin by placing several organic unbleached cotton balls into your clear container. We like to use those take out sauce containers with lids. It’s doesn’t take up much space.
Add water to the cotton balls thoroughly but avoid soaking them. Make sure they are damp enough to provide moisture for seed germination without being overly wet, which could lead to mold growth.
Place one or two seeds in each indentation made in the cotton ball within the fibers of the cotton.
We like to cover it with a lid, to give it a greenhouse effect. That will help keep moisture and warmth.
Place your container in an area where it can receive indirect sunlight. Keep an eye on the moisture level of the cotton balls daily.
Depending on what you are growing, in a few days to two weeks, you should see sprouts emerging from the cotton balls.
Once your seedlings have grown, you can transplant them into your choice of growing medium. Gently remove them from the cotton balls. We make sure to keep part of the cotton on the roots to help retain moisture in their new environment.
In our experience, we transfer these seedlings into our DWC Hydroponic setup.
