Some indoor growers love to sprout seeds for their own consumption, and many growers do it on a commercial scale.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know to sprout seeds. We will discuss everything in detail so that beginners can sprout seeds on their own.
Sprouting is a natural process that seeds, grains, beans, and lentils undergo. If sprouting is done on seeds, it is known as seed sprouting.
In seed sprouting, the seeds are soaked in water. After a specific period, these soaked seeds put out their first shoot. Such seeds are known as sprouted seeds and are consumed when the shoots are young.
We can also say that the seeds are germinated by soaking them in water. Due to soaking, the outer layer of the seeds opens up, and a young shoot starts to come out of the seed.
Sprouted seeds are very beneficial because of their nutritional value. It is a very simple and easy process that beginners can also do.
You can sprout seeds at home, and many people prefer their own sprouted seeds because of the additional benefits.
Low Cost
The first benefit of sprouting seeds at home is the low cost. If you buy sprouted seeds from the market, it will cost you more.
After germination, these seeds increase their weight by 5-15 times, so you only need to take a small number of seeds, and you will have an excellent yield at a fraction of the cost you pay in the markets.
Fresh
By sprouting seeds at home, you get freshly sprouted seeds. You know the life of the seeds and can consume them just out of the sprouting jar or tray.
On the other hand, the sprouted seeds that are available on the market are stocked; they are not as fresh as your home production.
100% Organic
If you sprout seeds on your own, you know the exact ingredients and what they contain. There is nothing harmful or non-organic. You can trust your own yield.
The sprouted seeds available on the market have preservatives, additional chemicals, and some unwanted ingredients that you might not like.
Easy to Sprout Seeds
It is quite easy to sprout seeds in jar at home. It is not something you can’t do. So, there is no need to buy sprouted seeds. Within 5-10 days, your fresh sprouted seeds will be ready to be consumed.
Needs Minimal Space
Sprouting seeds does not need a lot of space. You can sprout seeds in a tray or jar. It is quite easy and does not require any massive investment. The seed sprouting kit is also very cheap and affordable.
Grow Whatever You Want
When you are sprouting seeds at home, you can grow whatever you want. You can sprout any seeds you like. There is no need to wait for the availability of seeds in the market. Just soak your seeds and follow the right steps and get the sprouted seeds within a week.
Shelf Life
Home-sprouted seeds can remain fresh for up to 4-5 days. But on the other hand, you can keep seeds bought from the market for only two days.
The simple answer is NO.
There are many types of seeds, such as chia seeds, broccoli seeds, leek seeds, sesame seeds, apple seeds, and orange seeds, but you cannot sprout all of them.
It depends on the constituents or substances present inside the seed. If there is anything toxic or harmful to humans, the seed cannot be sprouted.
For instance, apple seeds contain amygdalin. It is a cyanogenic glycoside that is made of cyanide and sugar. This glycoside turns into poisonous hydrogen cyanide. If apple seeds are taken in a large quantity and crushed, it can lead to death.
Similarly, there are many seeds, such as the seeds of citrus fruits and pears that also contain harmful substances. Thus, they cannot be sprouted.
Commonly, chia seeds, broccoli seeds, leek seeds, sesame seeds, linseed, radish seeds, sunflower seeds, fenugreek seeds, clover seeds, mustard seeds, and alfalfa seeds are sprouted for consumption. These have various nutritional benefits, and there is no harm.
Another important thing that must be kept in mind is that you cannot pick random seeds for sprouting. Although the seeds available in stores can sprout, they should be avoided.
The sprouting is intentionally stopped in such seeds so that they can easily be stored. Furthermore, these seeds could be treated with chemicals, and there can be various things that are not suitable for sprouting.
Secondly, the common seeds can contain bacteria and pathogens, which are harmful in the end. The seeds that are specially packed for sprouting are tested, and they do not contain harmful pathogens and microorganisms.
Therefore, it is better to get authentic seeds for sprouting. These seeds are easily available and are for the said purpose.
This is the most important part of the whole post.
Before getting into the process, you need to buy sprouting jars. These are the common mason jars; you can go with a quart or half-gallon jar, depending on the quantity of the sprouts.
The second thing you need is the breathable fabric; cotton is usually preferred. This fabric is to cover the lid of the jar and help in the sprouting process.
Moreover, do not forget to buy the seeds for sprouting. It is the main component of the whole process.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Everything should be ready for sprouting.
Once you have mason jars, clean them thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure the jars are well-cleaned. You can either use a clean breathable fabric or a sprouting lid. If you are using fabric, make sure to clean it.
Step 2: Rinse the Seeds
Before you sprout seeds, you need to rinse them properly. Rinsing seeds is quite important in the first place because it removes dirt, stones, debris, or other unwanted elements. Use cool water to rinse the seeds and rinse them thoroughly.
It is important to rinse the seeds in the first place because you can clean them easily before germination.
Step 3: Soaking the Seeds
Now, you need to soak the seeds in water. The soaking time can be 8-24 hours, depending on what you are sprouting. For seeds, it is generally 8-12 hours.
Moreover, keep in mind that in warm temperatures, the soak time is shorter than in cool temperatures.
The process of soaking allows the seeds to absorb water as much as they can. It helps in sprouting.
You might not notice any germination the next day or after the period because it is normal. The germination has already started, but you won’t be able to see it at this stage.
Step 4: Rinse & Drain
After soaking the seeds, the germination process starts. Now, the next step is regular rinsing and draining of the water.
It is necessary to do it three times a day to keep the seeds clean and prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
If you are using sprouting lids, you only need to drain the water and fill fresh and cool water. Shake the jar gently a few times and drain the water. Fill fresh and cool water again.
If you are using cloth, then you need to have a mesh to rinse the water easily. You need to do this three times a day.
Step 5: Final Rinsing
Before harvesting, you need to rinse the seeds again. It is necessary to clean them and remove all unwanted contaminants from the water.
Step 6: Harvest and Store the Sprouted Seeds
The final step is harvesting.
Depending on the type of seeds, you can harvest them in 5-7 days. Once they are ready, you can now store them for consumption.
Make sure to let the sprouts dry before storing them. You can use kitchen towels to dry them out. Once they are completely dried, you can put them in jars and store them in the fridge.
Home-sprouted seeds last about 4-5 days, but you need to keep them in optimal condition. Keep them away from the sunlight and in a cool environment, like a fridge.
If you want to sprout seeds for your personal use, and you don’t need a massive quantity, there is no need for a grow light. You can keep the jars in your room away from the direct sunlight.
But if you want to sprout seeds commercially, it is better to use grow lights.
Grow lights help in germination and make the process faster. Moreover, the soaking time of the seeds is also reduced. Thus, with the help of grow lights, you can get more yield in the shortest time possible.
For seed sprouting, you should use LED grow lights. The reason for using these lights is that they are efficient and emit minimal heat energy. These do not increase the temperature and provide the required light needed.
The brightness of LED grow lights can also be adjusted as required. These last for a long time and reduce the running cost. Therefore, they are the best option to sprout seeds at a faster rate and at a low cost. These can greatly increase the overall yield.
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]]>It is a disease that typically affects the roots of plants that grow in wet or damp soil.
Root rot can affect almost all kinds of plants and trees and is experienced by amateurs as well as professional gardeners.
Can your precious plants be saved? How can you treat them? We'll answer these questions in this article so, keep reading.
In this article, we'll explore:
Root rot, as the name suggests, is a condition where the roots of the plant begin to rot. This condition can occur regardless of whether you're growing indoors or outdoors.
Image Source: blog.leonandgeorge.com
However, it is much more common in indoor plants or houseplants, especially those that suffer from poor drainage as a consequence of overwatering. Because of the poor drainage and excess water, the roots don't get enough oxygen and begin to decay and rot.
This root rot disease can also be caused by the fungus in the soil which thrives in the wet and damp environment.
Since the initial symptoms of root rot occur beneath the surface of the soil, most people don't find out about the condition until it has severely affected the plant.
Root rot can stunt or stop the growth of the plant and cause it to die. This condition has similar symptoms to other diseases and infections, which is why it can be difficult (especially for beginners/amateurs) to figure out what is wrong with the plant.
If left untreated, root rot can spread to healthy roots. This is why it's important to take immediate action and treat the condition.
Root rot causes plants to have slow and stunted growth and it can immensely affect the overall quality and quantity of the crop.
In the next section, let's take a look at the causes of root rot.
As discussed previously, root rot disease can be caused by poor drainage, overwatering, or even heavy rainfall — these factors cause the soil to become waterlogged.
The soggy, wet, and damp conditions prevent the roots from getting oxygen from the soil. As a result, the roots can't sustain the plant and start decaying and rotting.
Potted plants that are grew indoors under LED grow lights in a canopy might also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining and aerated.
LED grow lights aren't the reason for root rot themselves — waterlogged roots, improper drainage or overwatering are the real culprits. In a grow tent, LED grow lights are used as replacements for natural light. They can be used to grow your choice of plants all year round.
Additionally, root rot can be seen in hydroponic farming systems where the water is not aerated enough. Root rot tends to spread through the nutrient solution and can quickly spread to other plants.
One can notice this because of the slime-y appearance of the infected roots and the slightly rotten smell that comes from them.
In a plant canopy, indoor plants are grown in pots or containers. Sometimes, these containers don't have drainage holes or don't have enough of them (such as decorative ceramic planters or plastic containers) and thus, are prone to root rot.
Similarly, plants that are grown in dense potting soil with poor drainage might also require special attention.
This is not to say that outdoor plants aren't susceptible to root rot. By providing proper drainage to the plants, one can prevent root rot to a great extent.
It must be noted that excessive watering is not the problem in itself — the problem is that the wetness creates an ideal environment for fungus.
Fungi species such as Pythium, Armillaria mellea, Clitocybe tabescens, Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia can also be responsible for root rot.
The fungus can come in contact with the roots through gardening equipment such as shears, pots, or shovels. It is also possible that dormant fungus present in soil thrives when it is exposed to the ideal environment.
Next, let's take a look at the root rot symptoms.
Root rot has similar symptoms to pest infestation and other diseases, which can make it harder for gardeners to diagnose it. A few symptoms that you might notice are:
Next, let's take a look at the treatment approach for root rot.
The treatment of root rot depends on the cause and how much it has affected the plant.
Upon inspection, if the growers find that the rot has spread through the entire root system, there are very few chances of the plant's survival.
However, if the plant still has some firm, white roots, it can be saved by removing the decaying roots and transplanting it to a new well-draining pot.
Image Source: Youtube
Here's how you can start treating root rot:
●Identifying root rot in the earlier stages is beneficial, as there are more chances that you would be able to save the infected crops. The first step of the treatment is careful inspection. To do this, uproot the plant and inspect the roots closely to understand their health status.
●One needs to be careful because root systems are pretty intricate and can be damaged if handled incorrectly.
●Gently clean the roots under running water and try to get rid of any soil that is attached to them. Chances are that the soil might be infected with fungus.
●Use clean shears or pruners to remove the infected roots. Fungal spores can be transferred through air, insects, and other organisms in the soil. Contaminated gardening equipment can facilitate the transfer of root rot spores.
●Infected roots look brown and mushy while healthy roots appear firm, white, and healthy. Make sure to not be lenient while trimming — root rot can spread easily if the roots are left attached, which is why it's extremely important to get rid of all the infected parts.
●Even if you're left with a small chunk of the root system, don't worry — get rid of a couple of leaves of the plant so that the roots can focus on regrowing the root system.
●In order to transplant the plant, it is recommended to throw away any leftover soil from the previous pot and replace the pot with one that has multiple holes at the bottom. Replace the soil with sterilized soil and make sure that you're working with clean and sanitized equipment.
●You can use rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution (nine parts of water with one part of bleach) to clean the gardening equipment and container.
●When repotting the plant, use a well-draining, aerated potting mix. Make sure that this mix is suitable for the variety of plants that you're growing.
●Generally, garden soil is quite dense and compact and doesn't pack enough nutrients for the plants. This is why it's important to use a potting mix that is specifically recommended for potted plants and contains lightweight components to improve drainage.
Finally, let's see how growers can prevent root rot disease in their gardens.
Find trusted stores to get your supplies:
Buy your supplies such as nutrient solutions and soil from trusted stores to ensure that the soil does not contain fungal spores.
Opened bags of soil stay good for about six months or so. If these bags are exposed to air and moisture, the soil might become soggy/damp and have mold/mildew problems in the winter season.
Clean up the garden:
Fallen leaves and debris can quickly accumulate on the surface of the soil. Before starting with a new batch of plants, ensure to thoroughly clean up the garden.
Make sure that you get rid of any dead plants at the end of the season since the fungus can feed on them and survive all through the winter season.
Go easy with the fertilizer:
If your plant is recovering from root rot, make sure to use fertilizer carefully. An excessive amount of fertilizer can add too much salt to the soil.
Dip the roots in a fungicide solution:
Before replanting the plant, growers can gently dip the healthy, firm roots in a fungicide for root rot to kill any remaining fungal spores. Some gardeners might even recommend the use of hydrogen peroxide to get rid of black root rot.
Rotating the crops:
Gardeners can switch the placement of the crops each season to prevent root rot. This can be done by growing non-host plants until the pathogens present in the soil die.
Conclusion:
Overwatering and poor drainage make it difficult for the roots to get the oxygen they require to sustain the plant. As the infected roots continue to decay and rot, they can infect healthy roots, even after you've made changes to the wet and damp environmental conditions.
Dealing with root rot disease can be a pretty daunting experience. The best way to go about is treating root rot as soon as you notice the symptoms and take all the necessary precautionary measures.
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]]>However, it is interesting to note that some plants do not require light for their seed-germination process.
For plants to thrive, they need three basic requirements, soil, water, and light. These elements are needed in the right amount to sponsor photosynthesis for sprouting seeds; light is sometimes not required for this process. The reason is, some plants do well in darkness than with sunlight.
This article will answer all your questions regarding the necessity of light for seed germination and much more; read till the end.
By basic definition, seed germination is the process in which seeds grow into fully mature plants. What happens during this process ends up influencing both the seed quality and that of the plant.
Remember that for this to happen, some environmental factors have to trigger the event.
So, how the seed grows is affected by how you plant it, the temperature around it, humidity, and much more.
Generally, plants can be classified based on the type of germination they undergo. The classification, in this case, is based on how the cotyledons are present (the first leaf the sprouted seeds get to produce). These two types include:
In epigeal germination, the cotyledon breaks out through the soil as a result of the elongation and rapid growth of the early part of the stem (hypocotyl). This type of germination is very common in plants like beans and castor.
While in hypogeal germination, the cotyledons remain buried within the soil as a result of the quick sprouting of the epicotyl (the part of the stem of the sprouting plant just above the cotyledon).
Image Source: plantscience4u.com
A seed germination diagram will best explain the already highlighted types of seed germination.
Let’s take a look at the seed germination stages now.
For a seed to properly germinate, it needs to go through this entire process:
Image Source: sciencefacts.net
1.The absorption stage:
This stage is also called the imbibition stage; it is where the dry seeds get to absorb water and swell. The result of this swelling causes the seed coat to break or rupture.
2.Oxygen Intake, Respiration, & Metabolic Phase:
As a result of the imbibition of water in the first stage, metabolic activity is triggered within the seed. Then, the process of aerobic respiration sets in because the seed initially does not have oxygen.
Also, at this stage of seed germination, the seed requires some level of energy to continue with the growth process. This energy comes by glycolysis.
Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose within the plant so that there can be a release of energy for vital functions.
Image Source: thoughtco.com
So, oxygen then begins to find its way into the seed, and respiration becomes aerobic. For most plants that thrive on land, the source of their oxygen is usually the air from the soil on which they are planted. The knowledge of this is what informs plowing and loosening of the soil before sowing.
For seeds that grow in water, they derive their oxygen from the dissolved oxygen in the water.
3.The Light Absorption Phase:This stage is a distinguishing phase for most plants as they have different responses to light for their germination. Some plants are photoblastic (they grow in the light), while others are non-photoblastic (they don’t need light to grow).
When seeds have absorbed water and oxygen, they tend to respond better to light, and if they are positively photoblastic, then just the right amount of light will provoke their growth. The reason for this is that these light-dependent plants contain a pigment known as phytochrome which helps with the light-absorption.
4.Utilization of the reserved nutrient during seed germination:
At the early stage of development, the cotyledons are responsible for storing food. When the process of germination proceeds, the stored proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are then digested to released energy for metabolism.
This energy is also required for cell divisions within the sprouting seeds via aerobic respiration.
The seedling/embryo can only absorb or digest food compounds in bits and so, enzymes help to break these nutrients down. These enzymes include proteases, amylases, etc. They make food usable and absorbable by the plants.
Other growing parts of the growing seedling get their share of the nutrients by the translocation of the soluble food materials by water. Examples of such parts are the plumule and the radicle.
5.Growth from embryo to seedling:
When food is evenly distributed throughout the plant, growth continues unhindered. Nutrients getting to the radicle makes for its rapid development into the root. It grows downwards, deep into the soil, and then starts to absorb minerals and water from it.
The next thing is the growth of the plumule. The plumule grows upwards after receiving nutrients and becomes the shoot. When it gets above the soil, it develops green leaves that eventually produce its food through photosynthesis.
For a seed to become a seedling and then a mature plant, here are the requirements needed:
1.Moisture:
You can't talk of seed germination without talking about water. Remember that the first stage of development for any seed is the absorption of water.
Some seeds are relatively dry, and for them to begin germinating, they need to absorb much water. Water helps with the following during seed germination:
2.Light:
Honestly, light is much a vital requirement for some plants as darkness is to others; it all depends on the nature of the plant in question.
Light serves as an external trigger for the seed germination process, and some plants would not sprout till light shines on them.
3.Temperature:
The temperature required for a seed to germinate fluctuates between 25-30°C. Not all seeds will require this temperature to grow, while others will require much more. However, the range of temperature considered to be optimal is between 5 to 40°C.
Temperature also determines the seed germination time for some plants since some seeds are planted outdoors and are left to thrive on their own.
4.Air/ Oxygen:
Oxygen is needed for energy and metabolism; it is essential for seed germination. Aerobic respiration is the primary and initial respiration mode undertaken by plants before they can eventually produce their nutrients.
The role of oxygen also determines how certain seeds are planted; when some seeds are buried too deep within the soil, they don’t thrive.
Most plants are phototropic, which means that they move in the direction of light. All plants require light to grow their root, and if they're deprived of this, their roots become leggy due to their strain for sunlight.
There is, however, a variation in the amount of light required for each plant.
For plants that require less light during their adult life, they won’t require as much light as compared to others. When seedlings are overly exposed to heat and sunlight, they’d dry up or die.
When it comes to seed germination, some seeds need light, while others don’t. This knowledge helps us decide when to begin growing seeds indoors or even outdoors.
If you've thought of growing your plants indoors, then you need to be aware that plants that require light to sprout may greatly benefit from led grow lights.
Among indoor plant growers, LED grow lights have become popular for many reasons. One of which is the numerous benefits it confers. Here are some of the benefits.
Longer Lifespan:
LED grow lights can help simulate or recreate the same atmosphere that sunlight provides for seed germination. Most LED grow lights have a longer lifespan, last long, and you can rest assured that your plants are getting quality light exposure.
Cooler Temperature:
Unlike HID bulbs, LED grow lights emit less heat and have less potential to damage your plant with extreme temperature/light.
Efficiency:
Indoor plant growers admit that LED grow lights are more efficient in their contribution to the growth process of indoor plants.
We’ve gone to two, talking about how important light is in the growth of plants. Now, let’s look at a list of plants that require light for their development, shall we?
Conclusion
Seed germination is a fun process for the gardener, and having the right knowledge makes things easy. For seeds to thrive, they require optimum levels of light, temperature, moisture, etc., at the most fundamental level.
Not all seeds require light to grow, while others that do should be given the right amount of light, especially as seedlings.
It is possible to cultivate your plants indoors; LED grow lights would be of great benefit here. However, never forget that excess exposure to light and heat can dry up the plant and lead to death.
Ready to begin your seed germination process? The best time to kick-off is now.
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