Tell me why its necessary to file and soak seeds?

 
Im new (really new to gardening) and it seems like i want to do it all
at once! And i want to do it right! i research the internet finding the
correct way to plant certain plants. On the seed packages you get at a
retailer, it says just plant seeds in the ground. but on some websites
it says to file a nick in the seed then soak it overnight. Is this
necessary or suggested? what are the advantages of doing this? Id rather
ask the experts or experienced gardners!!!

Thanks in advance




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qazwsxed

 qazwsxed wrote:

It depends entirely on the type of seed.  Most seeds will germinate without
any such treatment.  Some require special treatment such as; abrasion,
smoke, heat, soaking etc.  The advantage for those seeds that require it is
to greatly increase the germination rate.

If you say what kind of seeds you are dealing with somebody might give more
specific advice.

David

 

i want to do it right! i research the internet finding
the correct way to plant certain plants. On the seed packages you get
at a retailer, it says just plant seeds in the ground. but on some
websites it says to file a nick in the seed then soak it overnight.


It appears to me that "qazwsxed" was looking for why some plants need
nicking and soaking, which echinosum answered quite clearly.


"Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul."
- The Koran

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<http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/3/7/michael_moore>
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qazwsxed;915713 Wrote:

The correct treatment of seeds depends upon species.  Some germinate
easily for the gardener, others don't and need specific conditions to
assist them.  Some seeds have exceedingly tough outer parts, and the
conditions that occur in the wild to enable these seeds to germinate are
not replicated for the gardener without some artificial assistance.
Some seeds the soaking, filing and nicking helps a bit, there are others
that have no chance without it.  There are even some seeds that people
soak in acid to try and soften the coating.  Remember, some seeds are
designed to be eaten by an animal and come out the other end before
germinating...




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echinosum

 g'day,

i know it as scarifying seeds, not generally required for vegetable
seeds and annual/perrennial garden seed.

but can be very necessary with seeds from native plants, to especially
if they have a hard coveing of the seed, if the seeds are large enugh
about the size of 3 pin heads i use a blade knife and shave some of
the oute covering off on the side of eh seed untill you see the
lighter inner colour, this allows for moisture to get into the seed
and cause a better gemination rate quicker. other methods are pour hot
wate on the seeds and leave for 24 hoursoeh native plant germinators
have said they leave the seeds in the wate until they swell.

anoterh method is to soak seed in smokey wate (do a google), i've had
good success with the shave or rub one side on some emery paper
method, plant seeds in regular seed raising mix learn how the seedling
develops we ahve a an endangered tree over hee that i regularly pass
seeds around for i have had excellent gemination rate between 95 &
100%, but they need to be planted individually in pots with enough
depth of medium so they can set their root system first the top looks
like it is dormant at this satge ( and it is at this stage thatlosses
occur as they don't take kindly to ransplanting until the top is well
develped ie.,. small tree), so you can ahve 2 teeny leaves sitting
there apparently doing nothing. but it is also a seed that needs to be
used as fresh as after about 12 weeks in store they start to lose
viability.

if you do teh ground work you will know waht will work best for
particular plants

On Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:45:17 +0000, qazwsxed

snipped
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Matthew 25:13 KJV
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither
the day nor the hour wherein the Son
of man cometh"

Mark 13:33 "Take ye heed, watch and pray:
for ye know not when the time is".

and also: Isaiah 38:1&17-18 KJV

1: Thus saith the Lord, set thine house in order: for thou shalt die and not
live.
17: for thou hast cast all my sins behind my back.
18: For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go
down in the pit cannot hope for truth.

len

With peace and brightest of blessings,

"Seek truth and understanding will follow"

http://www.lensgarden.com.au/