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Re: Old seeds

Dot,

Before you waste too much time on seeds that won't produce, take a couple
weeks to do the following experiment. I'm doing this again this year to see
which seeds are worth using.

>From each seed packet select 10 seeds and place them in moist towels. Place
the towels in a dark or light, warm or cool area depending on the
germination requirements for the plant. Refrigerator tops and water heater
tops work well. Use a mister to keep the towels damp. Check every few days
to see if the seeds have germinated. Everything should sprout by three
weeks into the experiment.

This will let you know what the germination times are as well as which
seeds are viable. I wouldn't waste my time on any seeds that had lower than
70% viability unless it is a variety that is hard to get or I've never seen.

Obviously if it's a plant that you think might be rare or a possible
heirloom, I'd select fewer seeds or wait until you hear back from the seed
exchange.

BTW, if you start keeping a notebook now that includes tips you pick up
(including the germination times from this experiment) about various
vegetables, you'll be ten steps ahead of most gardeners. Keep it in a
looseleaf notebook and start off with one page for each plant.


>question.....Is there anywhere I can get the information on the expected
>length of germination of a variety of seeds.  I would imagine each variety
>would be different too, but if I could just get an idea this at least might
>help me to determine if there is any hope.  Or should I just wait a week or
>two and dig some up?  Any advice on this?


Natalie McNair-Huff
Happily Gardening in Tacoma, WA Sunset zone 5; USDA Zone 7/8
Publisher/Editor Mac Net Journal http://www.blol.com/web_mnj/
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