The Smart Dollar Tree Shower Cap Hack You Use For Easy Germination

The term 'germinate' can invoke intimidation in any gardener, no matter their experience level. Germination is a fragile time in the plant life cycle in which the embryo releases from the seed to grow into a seedling. To achieve this, the seed must absorb enough water through a process called imbibition to be able to open. Monitoring moisture levels along with temperature, sun exposure, and oxygen content are all essential to ensure young plants get off to a healthy start, not to mention keeping pests at bay during this vital stage. 

But you don't have to have a perfectly controlled greenhouse to yield a successful germination. There are a lot of tricks of the trade to increase germination rates to promote a flourishing home garden. In fact, an easy and ingenious seed propagation hack utilizes an unconventional yet simple tool from Dollar Tree to give your seeds just what they need to thrive right in your backyard — a shower cap. Grab a pack of eight disposable plastic shower caps and you're ready to transform your germination pot into an instant greenhouse. These caps can fit around most pots to cover your seedlings, and they stay put effortlessly thanks to their elastic band. Just stretch it around the top of the pot and voila! Gardening hacks don't get much easier than this.

Just like a greenhouse, a simple shower cap can provide a conducive environment for seedlings to germinate. Take just about any size flower pot, sow the seeds in soil, give them a good watering, and stretch a shower cap over the top of the pot. The cap will trap moisture, encouraging imbibition, while also allowing plenty of sunlight to stream in and nourish the seeds. The plastic cover will also provide good heat insulation so the seeds stay at an optimal temperature. Airflow and oxygen exposure shouldn't be an issue using a shower cap, especially since you will be frequently uncovering the pots to water the seedlings. Still, you can poke a few holes in the cap to add extra ventilation for good measure. If you keep your seedlings outdoors, a shower cap will also offer protection against strong winds, heavy rain, and pests. 

If overexposure to sun is a concern, you could pick up a pack of terry-lined shower caps from Dollar Tree and stretch one around your germinating pot to add instant, temporary shade in your garden on a budget. Just remove the cap when the plants are safe to be exposed. Terry-lined caps can also help insulate seedlings at night and serve as a deterrent against nighttime pests. When it's time to move your proud plant lings to a new home, make sure you avoid these mistakes when transplanting seedlings.