The Double Cup Method to Start Seeds

I show you how to germinate seeds using the double cup method. This method is great for a wide variety of seeds.

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Recorded using a GoPro Hero 6

#DIY
#Double
#Cup
#Method
#Peppers
#Germination

[Squeezmo]

I did this for over 2 decades. I used the clear cups on the inside so I could watch root density without hurting the roots with light.

[jackwilson]

I have also done this method and it does work great. I use a clear cup for the inside one so that i can take it out and view the progress of the roots.

[cathleendell]

Thank you for your vid! I've been saving all the plastic cup used at any event we attend. I'm not to proud to pull them outta the trash. When people ask me what i'm doin I tell them. They all think I'm crazy but they sure enjoy the 'fruits of my labor" later in the year!

[Laborkei]

The Square Bottom Solo Cups are way better than the round ones. I don't poke holes at the bottom, I use Scissors and cut the corners of the cup. The Roots will eventually find their way through the sliced holes and act like a straw to get water.

[rosewood]

When I started to grow veggies I forgot to buy zucchini plants. I did this with paper cups (there were no red plastic cups back then lol) I also used plastic over the top. The seeds germinated in just a few days. I never buy zuke plants anymore I always do it myself. You are right this is a great method.

[janiceroberts]

I stack a few cups together and drill several holes per stack. I also grab old water bottles and cut them in half and put it in the cup to work as a greenhouse, initially I leave the lid on until germination and then remove the lid.

[TheChunjun]

Going to do this for seeds this year. Instead of leaving the gas on for a hot nail, I'll try it with the flame of a nicely fragranced candle. Win/win.

[melodychenoweth]

I can't wait to use this method of starting tomatoes seeds next year with my preschool class. Thanks so very much.

[leebarnes]

Only change up I would employ would be to let the inside cup drain until it quits dripping entirely even if thats an hour and then weigh it on a gram scale, write down that number on the cup so you know how much water isn't in there next time you want to check if it needs watering or not using the scale. The difference can be applied once the seedlings are robust enough for direct watering from above and you won't overwater with enough experience using wet weight method. I have put the inner cup on the scale and apply water with a small watering can until it almost weighs what is written on the cup. Sure speeds up the watering process while making it easy and not a chore you can mess up on.

[k.chriscaldwell]

Superb. Thanks.

My two-cents: Use marbles, instead of pebbles, for a standard height. Poke a drain hole a desired distance above the top of the marbles for drainage.

Thanks, again.

[wwhb]

2:57 before I put soil into the cup, I place a net, which I cut out of the bags potatoes or onions are sold in, into the cup. When a seed has grown to a plant and it is time to plant it in the garden, the net will prevent the root bale from falling apart. It might be necessary to cutd a few holes into the net at the bottom so the bigger roots find a way down after putting the plant into the planting hole.

[mrknowitall]

I use a single plastic cup and put a hole in the bottom. I put the potting soil in the cup and pack it down. I place the seed(s) in the cup and put another 1/4 inch of potting soil over the seeds and pack it down. Then I put the cups in a disposable tinfoil roasting pan and water the cups until water runs out the bottom. Then I put an inch or two of water in the pan. I always keep at least a inch of water in the pan. This does the exact same thing as using 2 cups. But it is easier to transport the cups.

[JawellNofine]

Great idea and I have been doing this for years now. The only problem is that when you shake off or throw the drained water away, so are you throwing the nutrients and minerals away. Keep that drained water full of nutrients and use it to re-hydrate the soil. I also just put a little water in the bottom cup so that the soil can absorb only enough without making the soil soggy.

[moreiscomingeasy]

I'm visiting my mother's house. I brought seeds of about plant species with me. We will germinate them using this method . It is suitable for those who do not have much space to sow. thank you

[UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks]

This is an awesome method that I had never thought of, and will take up a little less room than using all of those peanut butter jar lids as coasters instead. I have extremely hot grow lights I made out of LED headlights (it keeps it 70 degrees inside my grow space), and I lose a lot of water to heat evaporation. This will do well in the angled area where I can't fit a tray under the cups.

[diannenaworensky]

I have used cups for my props for years. Anything small goes good in them. The one thing that I have learned is to use a cheap soldering iron to make the holes. I also use the iron for making holes in all my plastic pots. That way I don't have to bother the "Ole Man"

[lancesay]

the best way to germinate almost any seeds with the best outcome is by soaking seeds in the water, first. for example, lavender seeds are one of the toughest seeds to germinate. i soaked these seeds for two weeks in a used water bottle until they swelled like sesame seeds. then i used the double cup method, instead of potting soil i used sand as the medium and within two weeks they germinated.

[edwardhallett]

BIBI Peat pots. Been using the same cups for 3 years. It works well, Really well. You heard the man. USE IT!

[randbasic]

Get a cheap soldering iron. I work over hundreds of cups for native plant seeds. I’m raising them in trays so I only use one cup. Great video!

[paxsplace]

Instead of buying holes in the bottom and putting toxic fumes in the air. I just take scissors and cut 2 or 3 strips out where the bottom of the cup meets the side.