Is it better to germinate seeds in soil or paper towel?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Being knowledgeable about seed germination techniques increases your chances of success in gardening. In soil planting, sensitive roots receive some protection. At the same time, paper towels serve as a means of experimenting with non-germinating seeds. Each technique serves a specific purpose of germinating seeds. Which one you use will be determined by the seed itself and how you intend to propagate it.
Soil Germination Benefits
- Root protection: Minimizes transplant damage to delicate structures
- Natural environment: Mimics real growing conditions from day one
- Moisture control: Maintains consistent dampness without oversaturation
- Temperature stability: Soil buffers against rapid temperature changes
Paper Towel Applications
- Viability testing: Quickly checks older seeds before planting
- Stubborn seeds: Softens hard coats like peppers or parsley
- Speed advantage: Shows germination in 2-5 days versus weeks
- Space efficiency: Requires minimal area for testing multiple varieties
Soil germination enables total protection of nascent roots. Seeds root immediately in their permanent platform. There is no risk of disturbing roots during the critical early growth stage. The technique works on nearly all common garden seeds without special treatment.
Paper towels assist in hard-to-germinate seeds that have hard seed coats. For example, soak pepper seeds in water overnight. Then, place the seeds on damp paper towels or damp coffee filters. Place this in a warm environment with average temperatures of 80-85°F (27-29°C). Transfer seeds immediately once you see germination. Use tweezers to gently grip and transfer the tiny root.
Don't make common germination mistakes. Soil should be moist, not wet. Place plastic dome covers on trays. Remove covers once you see green. Daily checks on paper towel seeds for moisture. They should never dry out. Utilize air circulation to help control and prevent mold growth.
When transferring the towel sprouts to the soil, do it gently. Transplant them as soon as you see the roots. Use a pencil or a small stick to make a small hole. Place the sprout in the hole - roots down. Lightly cover with soil. For the first three days, please keep them in high humidity. This dramatically decreases transplant shock.
Read the full article: When to Start Seeds Indoors: Ultimate Guide
