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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

  • Moisten a paper towel.

  • Drain off excess water.

  • Place a few seeds on the wet towel. Make sure to record how many seeds you are testing.

  • Fold towel in half over seeds.

  • Press, but don't squeeze the paper towel so it is firmly in contact with the seeds.

  • Place the paper towel and seeds in a baggie and seal it.

  • Place the baggie in a warm place.

  • After several days, check to see if the seeds have sprouted.

  • Count the seeds that sprouted and calculate the percentage that sprouted out of the total tested.

The Old Fashioned Way

  • Plant some seeds in a pot. Make sure to record how many seeds  you are testing.

  • Add water to moisten the soil.

  • Place pots in a warm location in your house or on germination mats.

  • 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.

Buy Seeds Now

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