Gardening Tip: Test Your Seeds

Use a zip loc bag to test old seeds.  Seeds actually have an expiration date and usually the deadline is within the same year that you purchased them.  Some seeds can be saved and are worth it in order to sow the following year.

Testing Old Seeds

• Fold 10 seeds in a moist paper towel.
• Place the towel in a resealable zip loc bag.
• Mark the zip loc bag with the date and type of seed using a dry erase marker.
• Watch to see how many of the seeds germinate based on the expected germination time.
• Multiply that number by 10 to calculate the percent of germinations.
• More than 70 percent is passing and the seeds are in good condition to use. If the germination rate is between 40 and 60 percent, sow thickly. If the germination rate is below 40 percent, it’s best to buy fresh seeds.

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse!