– Garth Ruff, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Henry County
Now’s a great time to do a germination test on seeds stored from last year. Photo: Tim McDermott
Around the home, things are fairly cold, and spring is a few weeks away yet but there are some things we can do to prepare for the upcoming garden season. If you saved seeds from the last growing season and wonder if they will germinate when planted this spring, you can discover the average rate of germination before the planting season begins. It’s easy to check vegetable and flower seed viability, and it can save you time later when the gardening season begins.
The following home germination test is a simple way to find out whether a variety of seed will germinate and grow:
- Dampen a paper towel and place 10 seeds an even distance apart.
- Roll up the towel and place in a plastic bag.
- Leave the damp, rolled towel in a warm area or a window for two to five days, lighting doesn’t matter.
- After the two-to-five days, check to see how many of the seeds have germinated.
The percentage of seed that germinated in the towel will be similar to the amount that germinates in the garden.
Some seed types last longer than others. Typically seed from sweet corn, parsnips, and spinach generally will only remain viable for a year. On the other hand, beans, carrots, cole crops, collards, squashes, tomatoes and turnips are good for at least three years, when properly stored.
Seed is best stored through the winter at 50 degrees with 50 percent humidity. Store unused seed packets in a sealed jar with a desiccant or powdered milk at the bottom to absorb moisture. Then store the sealed jar in a cool room, cellar, or refrigerator over the winter.