How to Germinate Beans on Moist Kitchen Paper

Last Updated: April 8, 2021

When sowing bean seeds directly into the soil, not all seeds turn into plants (due to dry soil or bad weather). Germinating bean seeds on moist kitchen paper towels is a simple and more successful starter method.

Steps

2 plastic rectangular boxes of the same size (about 2.5 inch (63 mm) high), kitchen paper, satay sticks (also known as skewers). Boxes on the photo are about 7 x 4.5 x 2.5 inch (6.4 cm).
Use a pin to prick small holes at 4 corners, about 12 mm (0.5 inch) from top and from side. Drill holes at those positions. Put in satay sticks. Shorten satay sticks using scissors.

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If needed, trim with scissors to fit in the box. (Alternately, cut 6 sheets of kitchen paper that fit in the box and lay them on each other.)
Water height: 1/8 – ¼ inch (3 – 6 mm) above paper. Hold the box slanting to remove water. Stop water removal when water flow starts dripping.
Distance between seeds, see photo. Write info on a sheet of writing paper. Fasten the sheet with a staple to the satay stick.
This box serves as a lid and minimizes water evaporation.
Hold the box somewhat slanted. Water level is okay when a little water appears in the corner within 2 to 10 seconds. When water level is too low, pour some tap water on the moist paper.
Pick out some big bean plants.
Make small holes in the soil. Put bean plants in the holes. Water the plants.
dry, sunny, rainy, cold, warm, hot. Always water and rake after planting.

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Question

Why are the beans placed in a warm room?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Warmth and moisture stimulate germination.

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Question

Why do the dried beans need to be placed between layers of moist paper towel?

Community Answer

This is necessary for softening the seed coat and to moisturise them properly. It will also provide moisture for germination.

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Why dried beans placed between layers of moist paper towel?

Community Answer

This lets the bean soak some water up, and the water makes the nutrients flow through the plant, helping the plant sprout.

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Tips

More beans needed, place more boxes with paper and seeds on the top of the other box. Maximal 5 or 6 boxes I think. Always put an empty box at the top.

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You can use one box and lay the original lid “loose” on it (so no pressing on it). There is a narrow air opening between lid and tray. The kitchen paper will not dry out so fast. Bean seeds get enough fresh air. When using this “loose lid” on the box, germinating works even better.

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When you put the whole on a warm surface (30-35 C, 86-95F), e.g. on the hood of the central heating unit, germination is much faster.

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Warnings

When a little too much water has been added, there is no need for action. After a few days water level will be okay. The seeds will not rot due to the layers of absorbing paper.

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Not all beans germinate at the same time. There are fast and slow ones.

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Beans may smell during germination or show coloured spots. That's normal.

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Remove rotten bean seeds.

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Always clean the boxes and satay sticks before use with warm water and soap. This is to overcome rotting of bean seeds.

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For bean plants with long stems: plant these beans deeper in the soil

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Far too much water added, use a spoon or a cup or something like that to remove excess water. Or remove satay sticks, put an empty box on the bean seeds, press, and drain water by holding the boxes upside down.

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Things You'll Need

Two rectangular plastic boxes of identical size. Height about 2.5 inch (63 mm).
Kitchen paper
Satay sticks
Pin
Drill + drill bit 0.1 inch (2.5 mm)

How to Germinate Beans on Moist Kitchen Paper

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