Re: [pbs] Oxygen and seed germination (but this is not about just germination, per se) Before retiring, gardening was my vocation and avocation (the avocation continues). It has been my experience and very unscientific observation that plants of all types respond positively to rain. When I place plants out in the rain, they very quickly and unambiguously appear darker green, more turgid, and overall healthier looking, and "happier" ( not exactly an objective scientific assessment). It also frequently generates a surge in growth. These results occur even if I've been giving the plant what I consider optimal care, and appear otherwise healthy. This applies to plants that have been protected by any measure from rain, particularly if the plant has been in an enclosed space, e.g indoors. I haven't observed the same obvious results using collected and stored rainwater. I've attributed this, in my own idiosyncratic way, to both increased available oxygen in the rainwater, and the time frame of slow, even percolation. Agreed--- all totally unscientific, but it has been my observation and assessment, barring any other unknown or unobserved influences. I've had more limited experience with germination/rainwater. However, there have been times I've become so frustrated with a recalcitrant seed batch not germinating, that I put the whole thing out in gentle rain (temperature permitting) and ....Presto! ......... germination within a few days. Coincidence? Perhaps. And, of course, not every time. For what it's worth, Mike cool, Mediterranean climate, US > __________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net > http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/… > _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…