What can I test about seed germination?

Newbie Seed Germination Question?

• Hi there, I have just bought a bell pepper growing kit as I am a complete beginner to growing fruit and veg and just wanted to learn the process with everything already included. On the box it recommends putting the seed tray inside a clear plastic bag until germination to keep the moisture in, what it doesn't tell me is if this bag should be loosely wrapped around the tray or if it should be air tight. Could anyone advise me the best germination method?

• Answer:

  'Loosely wrapped' is OK. What you're trying to do is reduce evaporation and keep a moist seed bed. 'Air tight' runs the risk of trapping too much moisture and having a humidity that's too high after the seeds germinate. Once the 1st seeds germinate...remove the bag completely ...otherwise you run the risk having the plants 'damp off.' Damping off comes from excessive humidity and causes young plants to wilt...fall over...and die. One common mistake made by new growers is over-watering. Water well when the soil is getting dry...then let it be until the soil begins getting dry again. When plant are over-watered...they literally drown.