Many gardeners are beginning to start their seeds as spring approaches. Each gardener has their own way of doing things, so let's find out which team you are on!
I always feel like I shouldn't but I almost always end up picking off the empty seed shells, especially on tomatoes! I just can't stand seeing those leaves squeezed together and the plant struggle.
I pick the seed shell off on daylily seedlings. Not worth losing a plant over, IMHO. Often here in the heat of FL, the humidity isn't high enough for the seed shell to be released easily. So picking it off is a must for me!
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us. Garden Rooms and Becky's Budget Garden
I used to pick it off. Now I leave it be about 90% of the time. The 10% occurs when it's been around a week & still the shell has not come off on it's own -- that's when I will intervene.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Name: Shannon Burkeville,Va (Zone 7a) The House on the Hill Gardens
I can't stand to leave it alone I always pick it off. I use a toothpick and a water spritz bottle
first spritz to make sure it's moist the pick off with the toothpick
The horse is God's gift to mankind. ~Arabian Proverb
My father referred to it as midwifing his plants. I pick off but now will remember to spritz first. I have denuded poor little seedlings when the entire seed and sprout broke off.
Name: Carol Texas Central Texas (Zone 8b) "Not all who wander are lost."
I'm mostly a "newbie" when it comes to starting things from seeds .... so I just "stare at it" and wonder, should I do something with that. Haha -- so far they have all taken care of themselves without my intervention.
Www.carolmedfordart.com
My passion is painting but gardening is running a close second.
Name: Elaine Sarasota, Fl The one constant in life is change
I'm definitely a 'pick it off' advocate. I love Arlene's idea to soak the seed coat first, though. Hopefully that will reduce the decapitation risk, which, let's face it, all of us who 'pick' must have done more than once.
Elaine
"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
After a couple of days, when all its sister seedlings have sprung free, I just have to do something about any that are still "trapped." I think it might have been Dr. Carolyn who suggested moistening a thumb and forefinger with saliva, holding the seed coat for a moment, then slipping it off -- works great with tomato seedlings. Unlike my spray bottle, spit is something I always have handy, LOL
I always pick it off. I use a toothpick and a water spritz bottle 
