Let's look at how viable our stored seeds are. This is the process of testing germination rates. You can go out and buy new seed every year and probably have a good rate of germination, but if you look on the package, that rate will never be 100%, in fact 90-95% is good. What about our stored seeds? Here is an old farmer method of testing germination that will help you determine the viability of your saved seeds. Take several sheet of paper towel or like my Grandpa did, the S

Last time we talked about how seeds are unique from other forms of life and how the begin their germination process. This time let's look at how the seed stores the vital food needed to nurture the embryo that will grow into the plant we desire to have. Some seeds have thin seed coats, like beans and after only a couple of hours soaking in water the coats can easily be removed. Within the naked seeds are two chambers or storage structures called the seed leaves or cotyledons,

With the regular bombardment of seed catalogs announcing the arrival of spring, comes the question, "What about my seeds from the past that I have been saving?" You might think that they may have expired, they won't sprout, or they may not even be viable. Other questions such as how do I prepare seeds for planting arise. Well, let's look at seed germination and see if we can clear up some questions. Seeds are truly amazing little miracles waiting to happen, unlike animals tha