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Location

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Date Posted

Usa

I have some seeds coming that I can use for experimenting with.
First question what is the best file to use on the seeds?

3/14/2003 3:24:18 PM

ipswich, ma usa

I use a regular old nail file. Has always worked for me.

John (5150)

3/14/2003 3:47:41 PM

Montoursville, PA

I will use 100 grit sandpaper on a popsicle stick or the wife's emory board if there happens to be on handy when needed.

3/14/2003 6:46:43 PM

Usa

Fine grade????

3/14/2003 8:01:18 PM

Montoursville, PA

I would say dust them off lightly with any of the above suggestions. This is not to remove much mass. You are just weakening the edge a tiny bit to help the seed pop open.

I've only done two. Dusting them off a little are my words for what I think I was told to do. Anyway they both germinated within four days at about 75 degrees. That temperature is a tad lower than average suggestions I am reading here.

3/14/2003 10:55:22 PM

[email protected]

Diane,

You might want to pick up a package of regular garden center type pumpkin seeds (Prizewinner, Howden, etc). File only the edges until you see the "seam". Stop filing when the line becomes visible. Don't file the pointed end at all. Do some at differing degrees from mild to heavy. Destroy a couple on purpose.

The idea is to weaken the moisture resistance of the seed coat so it can assimilate water more easily.

Start them all after carefully sorting them. It's fun to see what happens & gain some confidence at the same time. Plus it beats the heck out of watching snow melt. LOL

Steve

3/14/2003 11:08:50 PM

Usa

That is exactly what I am looking for is confidence. I don't want to destroy GOOD seeds. So I want to practice on other seeds. A kind person is mailing me some seeds to practice on.
Then I want to check and see what happens when i soak in peroxide and without peroxide and plant them.
So I can see the proper way for dusting/filing them off.
After I learn the proper way that works (and gain confidence) I will do my good seeds.
I will get the 100 grade sandpaper and I have 1000 popsicle sticks already.
Thanks I appreciate all the help.

3/14/2003 11:21:47 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Check out the advanced seed starting method in the "How To" section. Joe did a great job in his discriptions and pictures.

This one takes some practice, and careful attention to detail. I really like it and found it to be very useful.
Practice makes perfect on this one. (Think about what the raw pumpkin seeds look like at the health food store - this is what you are shooting for.)

Good Luck

3/15/2003 12:45:52 AM

Usa

I'll check it out.
Thank you

3/15/2003 2:45:55 AM