Growing Seeds Without Soil

The conventional method of gardening and crop cultivation involved tilling of land, sowing seeds, weeding, fertilizing, etc. Advent of technology revolutionized the traditional methods of gardening and plant propagation. Earlier, it was thought that soil is necessary for the germination of seeds and growth of plants. But, with researches proving the fact that it was not the soil, but the nutrients and minerals in it, which is responsible for the healthy growth of plants, a wide range of mediums and equipment were invented, for growing seeds without soil and for growing house plants without soil. One such example is hydroponic gardening, which uses water as a growing medium for plants, with or without using other growing mediums (perlite, gravel, mineral wool, etc.), except soil. Coming back to growing seeds without soil, there are various methods, which can help you in this task. Let us take a look at the different methods of sprouting seeds without soil.

How to Grow Seeds Indoors Without Soil?

People often come up with doubts like, how do you plant a seed without soil? The following paragraphs deal with the various methods, which can be used for growing seeds without soil. You can choose a method, which is best suited for you and try it out.

Growing Seeds in Paper Towels

It is one of the easiest methods for growing seeds indoors, without using soil. You have to collect materials, like, paper towels, zip pouch bags, a plate, seeds, etc. Take two damp paper towels and spread one of it on the plate. Sprinkle and spread the seeds (so as to form a single layer) on it and cover it with another damp paper towel. Now, slide the plate into a zip pouch bag (unlocked position) and leave it in the light for two to three days. You must not touch it until sprouts are formed. Now, you can transplant the sprouts in pots or even use it for consumption. You may dip the seeds in a diluted bleach solution for at least 15 seconds and then place it on the paper towel without rinsing with water. This step can prevent mold formation in the germination bags. This method is also known as growing seeds in a plastic bag, as the latter is used for growing seeds without soil.

Growing Seeds in Water

Water is another medium, which can be used for growing seeds without soil. Take a wide-mouthed jar and add the seeds into it. Add enough water to soak them up and keep it overnight. Next morning, use a cheesecloth to cover the mouth of the jar and fasten the cloth with a rubber band. Strain the water by keeping the jar upside down. Add some more water and shake the jar and drain it once again. Now, you can keep the jar on a plastic tub to drain out excess water. The jar can be rested on the side of the dish, to ensure proper water drainage. Repeat the process for the next two days or until sprouts begin to appear.

There are various other mediums, like, sponge, rock wool, specialized gels (as used in tissue culture), etc., where you can grow seeds without soil. You can try these methods for growing seeds from fruits too. Growing plants without soil is not an impossible task. The above mentioned methods for growing seeds without soil are very easy and less messy and you can also become successful in growing different types of house plants without soil.