How to Germinate Corn in Paper

Fold a paper towel lengthwise in half. Join the ends of the towel and press the fold to define it. Join the smaller sides of the paper towel to fold it width-wise in half. Insert staples every 2 inches along the sides of the folded towel to create a pouch.

Poke the base of the paper towel pouch four to five times with the pointed tip of a knife or scissors, forming tiny holes for air.

Insert 10 corn seeds into the pouch and press its opening closed. Slide the pouch in a zipper bag carefully to keep the kernels from sliding out. Do not seal the bag closed.

Add 3 to 5 tablespoons of water into the zipper bag so the paper pouch is evenly damp. If parts of the paper towel remain dry, add another few tablespoons of water until it is completed soaked, but not soggy.

Cut a strip of masking tape to 4 inches and attach one end along an edge of the zipper bag’s opening. Extend the other end of the tape to a wall or window molding exposed to indirect, bright light. Ideally, the window should receive four to six hours of indirect sunlight every day.

Inspect the seeds every day for germination. If required, add 1 tablespoon of water into the bag so the lower end of the paper pouch soaks it. The corn seeds typically crack open and sprout within five to seven days.