Germinators favor the seed germination process by maintaining adequate humidity conditions. You can make one at home by reusing plastic or cardboard egg cartons that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Sprouted seeds are rich sources of nutrients that you can incorporate into your meals. If you are interested in knowing more, you can read “The sprouts: properties and how to make them”.
Germinator with cardboard egg boxes
1. Cut the box to separate its two parts and place one on top of the other. This will serve to give your germinator more resistance. Keep in mind that the cardboard will get wet with each watering and may eventually break.
2. Make a small hole in the bottom of each of the compartments where the eggs are placed. Thus, the water will be able to drain easily.
3. Fill each compartment with soil, leaving half a centimeter before reaching the edge.
4. Place a seed and cover it with soil. Do not compact it, the water will take care of this.
5. If you want you can cover the box with a plastic bag to generate an effect similar to that of a greenhouse. However, depending on the weather, this can backfire. The best way to find out is to observe how the plants develop.
6. Leave the cardboard in a warm and sunny, but well-ventilated place. Spray it with water when you see that the soil is dry. You can use a spray bottle to make this task easier. If you covered the box with a plastic bag and see that it perspires a lot, it is because you are overwatering.
7. The germination time will depend on each seed, although it should not exceed 10 days. When the shoots are 2 to 5 cm tall and the first leaves have already appeared above the ground, it will be time to transplant them. Very carefully, take the plants between your fingers and place them in a hole in the ground.
You can also cut each compartment and place it directly with the cardboard on the ground. Keep in mind that it may take a little longer for the plant to grow if you do this.
Germinator with plastic egg boxes
1. This type of packaging serves to create an effect similar to that of a greenhouse. Moisten a cotton ball with water and place it in one of the compartments.
2. On top of the wet cotton, place the seed and close the box. Put it near a window so it gets natural light. Add a little water from time to time to keep it moist.
3. About five days later the sprouts will be big enough to push into the ground.