how to nick hard seeds before planting
Seed Starting Tips-Nicking Seeds. Nicking seeds is the process of opening the seed coat, or seed jacket, prior to planting them. This process makes it easier for water to penetrate the seed coat, and reach the seed germ inside. Water penetration is one essential ingredient to begin the seed sprouting process. Nicking seeds is common with large seeds, and seeds with a thick or hard seed coat. How to Nick Seeds. It's simple, but tedious task. Take a knife and cut or nick each seed. Just a small opening is all that is needed. Be careful not to cut deeply into the seed germ inside, as your can damage it. Be careful! Nicking seeds can easily lead to cut fingers and hands.