The perfect way to spend a cold winter’s day is commencing this year’s veggie, herb, and flower gardens. The gardening season begins in earnest in February with seed-starting, and seed-starting begins with an inventory of necessary supplies. To prepare for this endeavor, you will need:
- Seed-starting mix
- Containers (flats, peat pots, cell packs, etc.)
- Labels and markers
- Heat mats
- Grow lights
- Spray mister and watering can
- And, of course, seeds
If this is not your first seed-starting rodeo, you will already have a number of these supplies on hand and will just need to supplement your inventory where necessary.
But the seeds, what about the seeds? Can last year’s excess be used for this year’s plants? Let’s find out!
Leftover Seed
Don’t throw away leftover seeds. Most vegetable, herb, and flower seeds are viable for much longer than we may anticipate, especially when stored properly.
Instead, test the seeds to assess their viability. Here’s how:
- Dampen a paper towel.
- Place ten seeds, all from the same pack, on the paper towel.
- Gently fold the damp paper towel and slip it into a sealable plastic bag.
- Label the bag with the date and the seed name.
- Place the bag in a warm area in the home out of direct sun.
- Check the seed pack or look up the germination timeframe.
- Check seeds twice weekly until about a week after the expected germination time.
- Calculate germination percentage based on how many seeds sprout.
- We recommend purchasing new seeds if germination is under 50%.
- Pre-sprouted seeds may be planted in pots or cell packs.
Even under perfect storage conditions, seed viability declines each year. Test older seeds annually. Seeds that only germinate when fresh are not worth testing.
Seed Storage
Proper storage plays an important role in seed viability. We recommend:
- Store seeds in a cool, dark environment such as a refrigerator or basement.
- Keep storage temperature consistent.
- Maintain relative humidity under 40% using sealed containers.
- Ensure containers are varmint-proof.
Clearly label seed containers with plant name, variety, purchase date, and any helpful notes.
Seed Viability Charts
Clear Creek Seeds (https://www.clearcreekseeds.com/seed-viability-chart/) offers an excellent seed viability chart, included here for reference.
