I have always had varying success with seed germination. About an hour ago I went crazy sowing some seeds of indigenous plants, but I did something I've never done before. I added a pinch of worm castings beneath each seed. I can't wait to see if I notice any obvious effect on their germination. I sowed some 'Olea europaea subsp. africana' and 'Strelitzia nicolai' both of which have very hard seed coats. I didn't get round to nicking them or soaking them in hot water for 24 hours. I think it will be really interesting to see whether the friendly microbes and plant hormones provided by the worm castings can entice the seeds to germinate. The only thing I'm worried about is the cold weather. I'm wondering whether to cover the seed trays with the lid of my propagator to give them the extra protection and humidity. Also they are sitting on a fairly icy concrete base, would it be a good idea to lay a piece of wood underneath them on which they could sit buffered from the cold?

Thanks for any help.

PK