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Location

Message

Date Posted

Bristol R.I. USA

I have been toying with trying to test some seeds out as practice. I just think its not needed at all. If you've been growing for a few seasons is it really necissary to have a test run.?

3/7/2012 10:13:29 AM

The bottom of New Jersey

Not unless you are bored and need something to do.

3/7/2012 11:06:46 AM

Oakland,Maine

The seeds from my pumpkin last year were not very impressive looking (smallish, thin, and a bit pale) so I decided to test germinate four random seeds before sending them off to be included in our club's seed packet. Four out of four germinated fine.

3/7/2012 2:02:24 PM

Colorado

I'm changing some microbials in my potting mix.I'm going to test run the new formula. I dont want to kill my 1647 wallace-thanks dick

3/7/2012 3:33:27 PM

Muddy Waters

I wouldn,t waste seeds practicing.3-5 days shouldnt matter that much with weigh-offs spanning from early Sept to mid October.If a seed is not up in 5 days start another one.If you want to practice use store bought seeds.

3/7/2012 7:06:42 PM

Petersburg, Mi

All depends. I think if someone is changing a process or want to see what a different process will do it would be worth it. I built a new germination chamber and I tried it out once already this year. Wasn't totally happy with some of the results so I have time to redo a variable or two and it will be ready to go for the growing season. My test seeds I used were from a pumpkin that was from a pumpkin that did not have the full growing season. I am not worried about wasting seeds that was the reason the seeds were harvested.

3/8/2012 8:43:35 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I highly recommend practice germinating if you have any doubts at all, it is better to test germ a few dozen then to kill your line up.
How would test germinating your own seeds be a waste?
Unless you feel comfortable germinating, test away so you dont make goofy mistakes and end up wishing you would have.

3/8/2012 9:00:25 AM

SW Ohio

I figure it doesn't cost me anything but a little time to test germ a few melon and pkn seeds each year. It alerts me to those little problems you dont think about such as your heat source needing replaced or your potting mix changing formulas.

3/8/2012 9:31:09 AM

Hampstead, NC 28443

If you are not test germing, you need to. The potting soil or starting mix you are using must be tested. I have been told stories from experienced growers who have recieved starting mix that had issues and ruined their best seeds. I have been told and have been folowing these guidelines: buy a new bag of starting mix, test germ 3-5 seeds of your seeds from last year or ones you will never use. If they germinate, tie this bag up and keep it safe from being open or used at all. If you will use more than one bag of mix, test each bag you will use. This method is way cheaper than finding out you have a bad bag of mix and not germinating 100s of dollars worth of seeds. I like to learn from others and a very wise HH from Iowa taught me this because they learned the hard way. Above all in this hobby, learn from other's mistakes and take the cheap route.

3/8/2012 12:19:32 PM

Hampstead, NC 28443

Additionally, I agree with Sue as well. You need to work out the details like heat and moisture. These things can make or break your germination process as well. When you can germinate every seed, everytime for 3-4 weeks prior to game time, you have spend valuable time in prevention mode. In this hobby, you must learn another thing. The time you spend at it is directly proportional to your success. Of course there are variables such as weather that we cannot control. If you have a plan to germinate on say May 1st, why not take measures to ensure your plan is solid so you start to eliminate the variables.

3/8/2012 12:24:17 PM

Piqua, Ohio

I treat my seeds with fungicide that farm crops are treated with. If you know any farmers they can put in contact with someone or use captan powder on the seed I found it works pretty good. soak in water peroxide solution a few hors before using fungicide and yes test some seeds if you have extra. If you need some let me know giantpumpkin@centurylink.net I have quit a collection and can't grow 'em all

3/8/2012 1:02:44 PM

Muddy Waters

I agree Scott,I wouldnt waste my good seeds,I might be germinating the silver bullet!That would be a waste Tom.So as Scott says use seeds you would never plant.I hate the culling of plants you might be culling the silver bullet.

3/8/2012 7:52:03 PM

Colorado

If youve been growing a couple of seasons-youll have plenty of seeds to practice on.

3/12/2012 11:03:25 AM

Rhode Island

its always good to make a practice run before the actual race. at least thats the way we feel about it.is it necessary for the experienced grower? probably not but? it feels good anyway ---lol

3/13/2012 9:18:01 AM