CompuServe Messages

Mike, I've located the Mar '89 article as well as a tip from a reader in the Jan '89 issue. Presprouting will give you a head start in the spring, however, if you are planting a large garden the total planting time may be too great to be practical. Presprouting is also a good way to determine if seed is viable. Rather than waiting several weeks after planting seed directly in the garden to find out whether or not it is any good, you can find out in a couple of days by presprouting. In general, soak seed in twice as much water as is needed to cover the seed completely. Let them soak at least a couple of hours or overnight. Pour off water and store seed in a warm, dark location. Rinse seed at least three times daily until seeds have sprouted. The reader's tip concerned instructions for soaking seed overnight in warm water. Place seed in an empty tea bag and dangle the tea bag in a thermos of warm water. Alison