How to Pre Germinate Grass Seed Print off contains our four steps for brought to you by a top groundsman in a time and tested formula, for use when you need a quick turn around in the germination of grass seed. Pre germination of seed, is also a useful exercise to perform at lower temperatures to give the grass seed a head start.
The best time to consider pre chitting seed is when temperatures are lower so between late autumn and early spring as at other times there is usually enough warmth in the ground to get the seed germinating on its own.
Top Tips
- Work out how much seed is required
- Soak the seed in tubs or buckets for 24hrs. Then the water needs to be completely drained. You can do this via tights or pouring the seed through a sieve. Once drained put in a warm location such as a boiler cupboard or heated shed/office.,
- After three days with constant checking look out for the seed to chit (above image). If the seed is not ready, leave another day or until you seed the small white shoot pop out.
- Sowing is always better if made with a lot of seed/soil contact via a disc or dimple seeder or sorrel roll. Any machine that shallowly impacts the soil will do. Perennial ryegrass for example likes to be sown into the soil, no deeper than 15mm in depth.
To read the original article on how to pre germinate grass seed, take a look at this link- https://turfcareblog.com/how-to-pre-germinate-grass-seed-in-4-steps/
Print off
The below PDF has a some more in-depth tricks and tips, so for the full benefits print it off, laminate it and put it up on the shed wall.
1 comment
I’ve adapted the process to suit me. I get a small sheet of muslin off Amazon and tie the required seed in that and leave in a bucket with a lid to prevent vermin. Then hand it to drain and empty the seed into a dry bucket and keep in a warm place turning turning and/or stirring twice daily. Perhaps the hardest bit is knowing when it’s just perfect for putting to use.