A good rule is to try to use seeds for the given year’s season, but what if sometimes we don’t get all that season’s seeds planted. From time to time everyone has ‘left0ver’ seeds. What should be done with those?
There is a way to use last year’s or even the previous year’s seeds (let’s just say you found some from a few years ago) but you will likely have a lower percentage rate of germination. Lower is not bad, just plan to plant accordingly. If you have some older seeds, simply try a few of them in germinating pots for the allotted period of germination. Often in stead of placing one seed per pot, if you put in 3-6 you will get a higher percentage of that seed growing to a usable little sprout for transplant.
Today we are testing a crop of seeds that should have been planted in the 2010 growing season. In anywhere from 5-20 days (given each seeds differing germination time) we anticipate having a fairly good percentage of new seedlings for our fall garden. In a week or two we’ll update you as to our percentage rate of these ‘older’ heirloom seeds and the outcome of our test.
Enjoy the journey!
The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House as the family business which provides tips, training and retreats as well as vital supplies for preparing yourself and your home for an uncertain future and gaining many important back to basics skills.
Best Blessings!
Joseph & Donna Miller, Owners of Millers Grain House
Popular Questions
How do you test heirloom seeds for germination?
Place 10 heirloom seeds between moist paper towels, seal them in a labeled plastic bag, and keep them in a warm location suited to the crop. Check the seeds daily and record how many sprout within the expected germination period. Calculate the germination rate by dividing the number of sprouted seeds by the total tested and multiplying by 100.
When is the best time for testing heirloom seeds?
Test heirloom seeds several weeks before planting so you have time to replace weak seed or start more than planned. Older seeds benefit from testing before every growing season, especially if they were stored in warm or humid conditions. Test each variety separately because age and storage history can affect germination.
What germination rate is acceptable when testing heirloom seeds?
A germination rate of 80 percent or higher is generally suitable for most garden planting. If the rate is lower, sow extra seeds to compensate or consider finding fresher seed. Very low germination may indicate poor storage, excessive age, moisture damage, or unsuitable testing conditions.
How should you test heirloom seeds before planting them in the garden?
Count out a small sample, label it with the variety and test date, and use a consistently moist medium rather than soaking the seeds in standing water. Keep the sample warm and check it at the crop's usual germination interval. After testing, record the percentage and adjust spacing or seed quantity when planting.