• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Sealed Lid Seed Sprouting

Increase seed starting success and fun with the sealed lid method my friend and horticulturist Bob Polomski learned from his father. 

Gather a few translucent containers, like a margarine, whipped or sour cream container headed for recycling.  Cut small pieces of paper towels into squares the size of postage stamps.  Place them on the lid.  This will be the bottom of your sprouter.

Wet each square of paper towel with a few drops of water.  Place one seed on each moistened square.  Set the container on top of the lid to form a mini greenhouse.  Place in a warm location and wait for the seeds to sprout.

Once the seed root appears, use a tweezers to plant the seedling into a small container filled with a well-drained potting mix. Gently tamp in place and moisten.

You’ll save time, money, and growing space by only planting and growing the number of seedlings you need.

A bit more information:  Put other recycled items to work when starting plants from seeds.  Fast food salad containers are great for starting seeds in potting mix.  Just fill the container with a seed starting mix or moist well-drained soil. Plant seeds as directed, moisten, and cover with the lid to create a miniature greenhouse.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW