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There are a few different and effective ways to disinfect seeds. The three most commonly recommended and effective treatments for sanitizing seeds are hydrogen peroxide, calcium hypochlorite or vinegar. The best method for you to use will often depend on the planned end use of your seeds.
It is important to note that no method results in complete exclusion of pathogens but all will reduce them significantly. This is because seed coats are rough at the microscopic level and the little nooks and crannies can hide bacteria or fungal spores.
It is your responsibility to ensure that whichever method you select uses food grade ingredients. This is why many small scale home growers choose to use vinegar. All of these methods use chemicals which have the potential to be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Always wear gloves and eye protection and whatever additional personal protective equipment recommended in the product labeling when handling potentially harmful chemicals.
Seeds used for growing sprouts are the most likely to cause foodborne illness and, therefore, the most important to disinfect. Seeds intended to be planted in soil or directly in the garden, if purchased from a reputable seed supplier, are minimal risk and not necessarily essential to disinfect. Seeds used for microgreens or started in indoor growing spaces fall in the middle. Not all microgreen seeds need to be disinfected, except those known as the &#;dirty&#; varieties.
Here at Bootstrap Farmer we get a lot of questions about sanitizing growing spaces and seeds as well as questions about mold growth in growing spaces. Below we have answered the questions we see most often. If some of these terms are new to you there is a glossary at the end of this article.
Why do seeds need to be disinfected?
Seeds can have a wide variety of pathogens present, from bacteria like E. coli and salmonella to fungal spores that cause mold to form on the soil or seedling. The warm and humid environment that most seeds germinate in is also the perfect environment for the growth of these pathogens.
Seeds purchased from suppliers that cater specifically to the sprouting market should be certified pathogen free. If in doubt, you can ask your supplier for the certification.Having good sanitizing procedures is an integral part of indoor growing to prevent these pathogens' unintentional propagation and growth.
Do all seeds need to be disinfected?
No, not all seeds need to be disinfected. Seeds that will be planted in soil or directly in the garden are usually fine to use as is right from the packet. This is because the soil contains beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that compete with pathogenic organisms and allow the seed to develop naturally. In addition, since these plants will be grown to a mature size before consuming they have plenty of time to develop a healthy microbiome that is beneficial instead of pathogenic.
Do I need to sanitize seeds before planting them in my garden?
In most cases it is not necessary to sanitize seeds for planting. If you are significantly concerned about seed borne pathogens including fungal spores or bacterial contaminants, you can use any of the seed treatments listed in this article for help.
What kinds of seeds should be sanitized before planting or sprouting?
Seeds that are known to be contaminated, seeds used for growing sprouts, and many seeds used for microgreens should be sanitized before planting. If you will be growing sprouts at home we strongly recommend using one of the methods below or referring to this publication from the University of California at Davis, Growing Seed Sprouts at Home as it is the most commonly cited study on the sanitation of seeds for sprouting.
Do microgreen seeds need to be disinfected?
Not all microgreen seeds need to be disinfected. Any variety that will be pre soaked before planting is much more susceptible to problems with plant pathogens and should be sanitized.
We recommend you sanitize varieties that are more prone to carrying mold and pathogens AND those that benefit from a presoak to help propel germination even if you are not soaking. Just be sure to do a thorough rinse before and after the soak.
For added protection you can sterilize seeds before and after the suggested soaking times or just after.
Microgreen seeds that often are pre-soaked:
Cilantro
Sunflower seeds
Peas
Beets
Swiss Chard
Nasturtium
Beans
Popcorn
How do you disinfect seeds before planting?
The three best methods for disinfecting seeds are explained in depth below. Each grower should experiment and choose the method that works best for their space and ability. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are popular with growers looking for less chemical dependent methods.
Calcium hypochlorite is the best &#;bleach&#; to use for seeds. Regular household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solutions can be used for sterilizing equipment but should not be used on seeds for sprouting or microgreens.
For more information on cleaning your seed starting equipment, check out How to Wash and Care for Seedling Trays.
How to use hydrogen peroxide to sterilize seeds?
Food grade hydrogen peroxide that is purchased in concentrated form must be diluted before use. We recommend diluting to a 3% concentration. Since most concentrates are 33% h2o2 this is simple to do by using a ratio of just over 10 parts water to 1 part concentrate.
The beginning of the sterilization process is the same regardless of intended use. Seeds for microgreens can be disinfected before or after suggested soak time.
To disinfect seeds with hydrogen peroxide:
Rinse the seeds thoroughly in a strainer.
Place seeds in a clean non-reactive container.
Cover with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to around an inch above the seeds.
Soak for 3-5 minutes, stir seeds once a minute to ensure even treatment.
Drain seeds and rinse thoroughly in running water. (h2o2 cannot be reused)
Soak or plant seeds as desired.
For more on Microgreens & Soaking Seeds check out this article. For regular planting or sprouting follow instructions as you normally would.
How long can you soak seeds in hydrogen peroxide?
Seeds should be soaked for no more than 5 minutes. After soaking seeds should be rinsed well in cool running water to remove any residual solution. Soaking times extended beyond 5 minutes can cause issues.
Does hydrogen peroxide damage seeds?
When used properly hydrogen peroxide will not damage your seeds. Hydrogen peroxide should be used at a 3% or lower solution. If you are using a stable hydrogen peroxide solution like ZeroTol 2.0 ensure you are following all label instructions for diluting before use.
Soaking seeds beyond 5 minutes can cause air pockets to form between the seed and the seed coat. This can cause uneven germination as water will be trapped on the seed coat and away from the seed itself. Solutions of hydrogen peroxide over 3% can also cause issues by damaging the seed or its coat.
How do you disinfect seeds with vinegar?
Store bought vinegar, which has an average acidity around 5% can easily be used to disinfect seeds. This method works well for home growers but can be cost prohibitive on a large scale since the vinegar can be costly.
To disinfect seeds with vinegar:
Rinse the seeds in cold running water.
Place seeds in a clean, non-reactive container.
Cover with vinegar to 1 inch above the level of the seeds.
Soak seeds for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
Rinse seeds until all vinegar smell is gone.
How to disinfect seeds with Calcium Hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite in a 2% solution (20,000ppm) is the recommended way to sanitize large amounts of seeds. Ensure that the calcium hypochlorite you purchase is food grade. Household bleach is not food grade and is usually sodium hypochlorite.
This method is best suited for larger operations because it does require storage and mixing of chemicals on a larger scale, as well as agitation of the solution. This document from North Carolina State University gives good instructions on properly mixing solutions, while it is geared towards post harvest handling of fruits and vegetables, the principles work for seed sanitizing as well, Choosing and Using a Chlorine-Based Disinfectant.
Once you have your properly mixed solution the process of sanitizing is remarkably similar to that used with vinegar. These instructions are based on research from the University of Arkansas.
To disinfect seeds with chlorine-based disinfectants:
Place seeds in a mesh bag.
Rinse the seeds in cold running water.
Use a clean, non-reactive container to fill with food grade calcium hypochlorite solution.
Soak seeds for 15 minutes while agitating the bag in the solution.
Rinse seeds until all chlorine smell is gone.
Why do I have mold in my grow room for the first time?
Every year as the weather warms up, we get questions from new growers who are experiencing mold and pest issues for the first time. When outdoor temps raise the average temperature in an indoor growing space above 70-75&#;, it can stimulate mold growth even if you have changed nothing else in your growing process. The best solution to this is installing proper temperature and humidity control as well as preventative sanitizing of seeds and trays.
Pests like fungus gnats are also stimulated by warmer weather. Again prevention is the best solution. These insidious little bugs can hitch a ride on clothing, soil, or nursery plants. They are also culprits of spreading fungal infections. Sticky traps are good for catching flying adults, and good grow room hygiene helps prevent the spread of eggs and larvae.
We get this question more than almost any other once the warmer weather of summer sets in. Those of us at Bootstrap Farmer who grow microgreens like to use a simple process for sanitizing our plantings even when they are not the notoriously &#;dirty seeds&#; mentioned above. Whether you are using pre soaked and disinfected seeds or dry seeds the method below is great for preventing mold growth before it can gain a foothold in your space. Good air flow and grow room hygiene are still important and need to be maintained in order to keep growing issues at bay.
For a clean start to growing any type of microgreen grow:
Fill trays with moist growing media
Thoroughly mist the surface with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
Evenly distribute your premeasured seeds
Mist the seeds with your 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
Wait 2-5 minutes
Thoroughly wet the seeds and growing media with clean water and stack
This helps to encourage an aerobic microbiome for your seeds to grow in. Since almost all pathogenic issues thrive in anaerobic environments it gives your seeds and soil a great start to grow from.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Sanitizing Seed Trays With Vinegar.
Glossary
Pathogen - any organism or agent that can cause disease.
Microbiome - the complex interaction of the billions of microbial organisms found within a particular environment. A healthy microbiome creates an environment where plants thrive and can fight off pathogens and lead to better plant health.
Fungal spore - these are tiny particles that make it possible for fungi to reproduce. Essentially the &#;seed&#; in the fungi world.
H202 Solution - A diluted solution of food-grade peroxide and filtered water often used for sanitizing seeds and equipment in grow rooms.
Non-reactive container - a jar, bowl, or bucket, usually made of glass or food grade plastic.
Resources
Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercial sprouters: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/fs-toc.html#prod
Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for consumers: https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-concludes-major-sampling-study-sprouts
https://www.lsu.edu/agriculture/plant/extension/hcpl-publications/7_Pub.-VegetableSeedSanitation.pdf
This publication from the University of California at Davis, Growing Seed Sprouts at Home is the most commonly cited study on the sanitation of seeds for sprouting.
Growing trays are like a handy tool&#; you can use multiple times, reflecting the eco-friendly way of farming and saving money. Yet, for a good and healthy harvest, you need to take care of them properly.
This article breaks down how to clean and disinfect your growing trays, ensuring they last as long as possible. We're here to address common questions and provide simple tips for keeping your trays in optimal condition, thereby ensuring a healthy and bountiful harvest.&#;
In this article, we'll address the following inquiries:
Why is it necessary to clean your trays?
Can I reuse a cleaned growing tray?
How to clean growing trays?
What does tray disinfection entail?
Is disinfection necessary?
How to effectively disinfect trays?
Summary
Why is it necessary to clean your trays?
Cleaning your trays is a necessary task in the world of sprout or microgreens growing &#; you just can't skip it.&#; Wondering why? Let's break it down.
Picture the leftover soil, water, and old seeds on the tray from the last batch of plants. Seems harmless, right? Not really. These leftovers can harm your new microgreens. If you don't clean them, mold, bacteria, or fungi might grow, causing problems for your fresh crop. Basically, cleaning your trays is like giving your microgreens a fresh start for the best growth, without the risks of unwanted intruders.
Can I reuse a cleaned growing tray?
Certainly! That's why it's crucial to look after your trays and clean them thoroughly. If the trays aren't cracked or badly damaged, you can use them multiple times.
At MP Seeds, we prioritize robust and top-notch equipment for growing microgreens. That's why we suggest the "10x20" Extra Strength Growing Tray &#; a durable choice that will last for a long time.
If you're unsure about which trays or pots to pick when restocking your supplies, check out our article, where we explain the different types of trays and their features.
&#;&#;Top Trays for Microgreens : Your Guide to Growing Trays and Pots, FAQs, and Choosing the Best!&#;
"10x20" Extra Strength Growing Tray&#;&#;
How to clean growing trays?
Now that you know you can reuse a clean tray, let's get into the details of cleaning grow trays.&#; But fear not, it's no complicated task. In fact, it's a simple process that just requires a bit of care. Treating tray cleaning as a regular to-do on your urban farm is as vital as watering seeds or any other activity linked to growing edible flowers, microgreens or sprouts.
Think of it as a routine, a little chore that ensures your trays are in tip-top shape for nurturing your greens. To make it even simpler, we've boiled down the whole process into four straightforward steps. So, let's break down these steps and see how you can effortlessly make tray cleaning a seamless part of your microgreens cultivation routine.
Step 1. Scrub
Start by giving those trays a good wipe-down to bid farewell to any lingering dirt. Grab a sponge, a paper towel, or a brush &#; your choice!&#; Now, get into the nitty-gritty of it. Scrub the tray's surface thoroughly, leaving no trace of soil, seeds, or roots from the previous crop behind.
Step 2. Clean
Strive to eliminate as much dirt as possible. If you find the tray challenging to clean thoroughly, consider a good soak to loosen the stubborn dirt.&#; At this stage, you can introduce the cleaning superheroes &#; soap or dishwashing liquid. These simple yet effective agents will help you banish the dirt, ensuring your tray gets the treatment it deserves for the upcoming planting session.
Step 3. Disinfect
Once you've cleared away the leftover seeds, soil clumps, and any lingering dirt, it's time to give your trays a germ-busting session. The trick? Let them take a dip in water mixed with disinfectant for roughly 20 minutes.&#; This ensures not only a dirt-free zone but also kicks out any fungi or bacteria that might be lingering, posing a potential threat to your upcoming crop. It's like giving your trays a shield against unwanted guests, securing a clean slate for your fresh greens.&#;
Step 4. Dry
Once you've finished disinfecting the growing trays, the final touch is to ensure they are thoroughly dried. If feasible, let them air-dry outdoors.&#;
The now cleaned and prepared growing trays are all set for the next cultivation cycle.
"10x20" Shallow Growing Tray&#;&#;
What does tray disinfection entail?
Is it a vital step? While washing with soap and a good scrubbing can tackle visible soil or old seeds, it doesn't guarantee a spotless tray. What might linger unseen are bacteria, germs, or fungi from previous crops &#; a potential threat to your current one.&#; That's where step 3 comes in &#; disinfection.
Is disinfection necessary?
Absolutely. Successful microgreens and sprout cultivation demands a farmer armed with disinfected tools and a pristine workspace, including trays or pots.&#; Sanitizing growing trays stands as a cornerstone for ensuring not just any harvest but a healthy and bountiful one. Every farmer dreams of such yields. Considering and adopting this simple step can significantly impact the quality of your harvest.
How to effectively disinfect trays?
Disinfecting grow trays can be done using specialized products designed for this type of activity or household items found in your kitchen. There are several ways to disinfect your trays. Let's explore them:
Boiling water&#;
The simplest, though not entirely ideal, method involves immersing the trays in boiling water. However, practicality may be an issue, as maintaining a water temperature of 100 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 5 minutes can be challenging, especially with varying tray sizes or quantities.
Water and Vinegar&#;
Another simple approach is to use a solution of white vinegar and water. Simply mix them, pour the mixture into a sprayer, and thoroughly spray your trays. It's a natural and effective mixture that kills germs and disinfects.
Bleach&#;
While some recommend disinfecting with chlorine-containing bleach, it's important to be cautious. Remember that such products may contain various chemicals that may not be suitable for use in contact with plants meant for consumption. When deciding on a disinfection method, prioritize the safety of both your crops and the environment.
Hydrogen peroxide&#;
Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, is a popular and eco-friendly choice for keeping microgreens trays clean. It's a safe alternative to chlorine bleach, breaking down into oxygen and water. This versatile product not only sterilizes trays but also combats bacteria, treats fungal growth, and prevents mold and mildew. A 3% solution, easily found in pharmacies or online, is effective for tray use. Handle it with care: store it away from heat, wear gloves, and avoid contact with eyes.
Summary
In summary, maintaining the cleanliness of your grow trays to offering your plants a fresh start each time. This straightforward process ensures a secure and nourishing environment for the growth of microgreens. Keep in mind that a well-maintained tray translates to a better harvest.
At MP Seeds, we recognize the significance of reliable equipment in successful cultivation. If you're in need of more than just growing trays, explore our Supplies for Growing Microgreens section for a comprehensive range of items essential for cultivating microgreens.
To conclude, as you get your trays ready for the next planting cycle, remember that a little care can yield significant results.
Happy growing!&#;
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