How to Germinate in a Humidity Dome

Soak your seeds in warm water for six hours to soften the outer hulls and awaken the seedling inside of each one. Be careful not to use water that is too hot or cold to prevent shock to the seeds. Test the water on your wrist to be sure of the temperature.

Add enough potting soil to every compartment in your plug flat to make each one half full. Keep the soil in each section loose so the seeds are not fighting through tight soil. Sprinkle a few drops of water into each compartment with your finger tips to make the soil damp.

Line the bottom of a colander with paper towels. Pour the water and seeds into the colander slowly. Let the water drain exposing the seeds. Place three seeds into the center of each compartment of your plug flat.

Fill each section of the plug flat to the top with potting soil. Keep the soil loose so the seeds are not stressed as they sprout and grow.

Place your plug flat on a flat surface in an area that receives four to six hours of morning sun each day. Cover the plug flat with the humidity dome. Watch the soil for the sprouts to emerge from the soil. Remove the dome and gently moisten the soil twice each day. Replace the dome after each watering.

Remove the humidity dome from the plug flat before any of the plants grow tall enough to touch the plastic surface. Transplant the seedlings to your garden when they sprout their second set of leaves.