What do you do to get the seed/cover off of the germinated plant? I’ve lost a handful of plants on accident trying to get these off.
That is why I don’t do that at all. My success rate is almost flawless. Except I’ve killed a couple bean stalks while either rotating the bucket or my glasses will fall off my face and smash the poor little girl.
I had the same issue with autos. Never had this happen before. Some say mist, wait a bit mist again, do that several times and try to remove shell delicately. I have had better luck with a dome over top of them myself
What kind of dome? I’m open to all ideas.
I let nature do its thing.
Do you have have any issues with that?
Cut the top off of a clear water bottle and use the bottom half as a dome
What exactly does a dome do for it?
Keeps the humidity up inside the dome. The seedlings need the humidity and it could help to soften the seed shell, like misting it would do
If I flipped a clear solo cup upside down would I need to cut hole in it to let it breath? Also, does the dome make it easier to pull the shell off or does it help the shell fall off?
I haven’t dealt with a shell myself so someone else will have to chime in on the best process. In theory though I would think it would help the plant rid the shell as it will soften up a bit.
And yeah, I’ve seen many use the clear solo cups. Don’t put holes in it, you want it to retain the moisture. Also, spray the inside of the clear cup a couple of times a day. That’s all the water your seedling needs.
I am assuming you are talking about the shell of the seed? The husk? I had this problem recently. I tried tweezers with no luck. Then I grabbed a pair of small needles and placed them very gently inside the split husk and pried apart. Worked perfect, popped the little husk right off.
I use fine pointed tweezers, push them together, insert inside opening, and allow the spring action to spread shell open.
I also use a toothpick to hold down the tap root in the soil.
Yep dome it, and you’ll be good.
Welcome to ILGM.
I’ve used toothpicks and tweezers to get them off. I adapt my method per case.