When it comes to preparing seeds for your garden, you'll reap what you sow

"To an unimaginable eye, a seed looks inert. Yet they are packed with genetic information and biological processes poised to unfold. All it takes is the right configuration of signals and stimuli from the environment to let them know it's time to dare to grow."

"The most obvious prerequisite for (most) germination is water. While watering freshly sown seeds seems simple, it is this that causes the coat to swell and break open, and the enzymes within to activate. Too much water and the seed rots before this can happen; too little and it remains dormant."

"Some seeds, such as okra and peas, have an especially hard seed coat, which can be circumvented through scarification. By damaging the coat by nicking it (carefully) with a sharp knife or rubbing it with sandpaper, a grower can ensure water can find its way underneath."

"Most have an optimal range, outside of which they will not sprout. If you have sown your aubergines and chillies already, it's likely you placed them in a propagator or on a heat mat, as they need an environment that's comfortably around 21C."

Seed germination depends on precise environmental conditions rather than random natural processes. Water is essential to activate enzymes and break seed coats, but excess causes rot while insufficient water keeps seeds dormant. Temperature significantly impacts germination success, with most seeds having optimal ranges outside which they fail to sprout. Some seeds with hard coats require scarification—nicking or sanding the coat—or soaking in warm water to allow water penetration. Different plants have different temperature requirements; for example, aubergines and chillies need approximately 21°C, while lettuce germination becomes erratic above 30°C. Understanding individual seed requirements maximizes germination rates and reduces waste.

Read at www.theguardian.com