Seed Germination Tests
If you are saving seed to grow next year, it is important to know that they
will sprout in the spring when you want them to. Whether it is seed you saved,
or those received from a gardening friend, make sure to do a germination
test sometime before spring. If they are not going to sprout, it's better
to know now.
Seed Germination tests are easy. And, they are a fun activity to do in the
middle of winter. If done in January or February, it offers a gardening activity
to help make the winter go by just a little bit quicker.
We've got two methods for you to try. Both are simple and easy. Are you ready?
Good, read on....
Sprouting in a baggie
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Moisten a paper towel.
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Drain off excess water.
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Place a few seeds on the wet towel. Make sure to record how many seeds you
are testing.
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Fold towel in half over seeds.
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Press, but don't squeeze the paper towel so it is firmly in contact with
the seeds.
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Place the paper towel and seeds in a baggie and seal it.
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Place the baggie in a warm place.
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After several days, check to see if the seeds have sprouted.
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Count the seeds that sprouted and calculate the percentage that sprouted
out of the total tested.
The Old Fashioned Way
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Plant some seeds in a pot. Make sure to record how many seeds you are
testing.
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Add water to moisten the soil.
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Place pots in a warm location in your house or on germination mats.
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After they sprout, count the seeds that sprouted and calculate the percentage
that sprouted of the total.
Note: You will find the baggie method is the easiest by far, and my
personal choice for seed tests. But, the old fashioned way is definitely
the most rewarding. And, if tested in pots, you may try to grow the plants
indoors for a while, or all winter!
Seed Germination Rates
Germination rates are simply the percentage of seeds that sprout. If you
test ten seeds and nine sprout, the germination rate is 90%.
How many Seeds to Test
Ideally, you should test 10 to 20 seeds of each kind that your save. If
you have a lot of seeds, test more. If your supply is limited, test as few
as five.
Tip: If you only have a few prized seeds, it may be best not to test
them at all.
Germination Mats
Whether testing seeds, or starting seed indoors for the spring, a germination
mat significantly improves germination rates and increases the speed of
germination. They really help to give your seeds a healthy, quick start.
They are all but essential if you are planing on growing hard to sprout plant
varieties, or seeds with long germination times.
Buy a Seed Starter Now!
For better, faster seed germination.
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