If you’re an avid gardener, you likely have a collection of half-used seed packets tucked away from previous seasons. Instead of buying brand-new seeds or risking a garden bed full of “no-shows,” you can save money and time by performing a quick germination test [00:29].
This process helps you determine exactly how many of those old seeds are still “alive” and ready to grow. Here is how you can do it at home with just a few household items.
The Setup: What You’ll Need
To get started, you don’t need fancy lab equipment—just a few basics:
- Your old seed packets
- Paper towels
- Water
- A Ziploc-style plastic bag
Step 1: Count Out Your Seeds
For the easiest math, count out exactly 10 seeds from your packet [00:43]. Using ten seeds makes it incredibly simple to calculate your success rate later on—for example, if five sprout, you have a 50% germination rate.
Step 2: Create a Mini Greenhouse
- Moisten the Towel: Take a double layer of paper towel and dampen it. It should be moist but not dripping wet [01:14].
- Arrange the Seeds: Place your 10 seeds on one half of the towel. They don’t need to be in a perfect line, just spread out enough so they don’t tangle [01:22].
- Seal and Protect: Fold the other half of the towel over the seeds and slide the whole thing into a plastic bag. Zip the bag about three-quarters of the way shut to allow for a little air circulation [01:38].
Step 3: Monitoring for Growth
Place your bag in a warm spot, such as a kitchen counter. The warmth helps trigger the seeds to “wake up” [01:52].
- Check Daily: You’ll want to look at your seeds every single day. You are looking for the first sign of life: a tiny root emerging from the seed coat [02:01].
- Keep it Moist: Make sure the paper towel stays damp throughout the process [02:13].
- Be Patient: While some seeds like radishes might sprout in just a couple of days, others like carrots or parsley can take a week or longer [02:19].
Step 4: Calculate Your Success Rate
Once you see the first roots appear, wait an extra day or two to see if any “late bloomers” join in [02:54].
Once the sprouting stops, count your successes. If seven seeds sprouted out of your original ten, you have a 70% germination rate [02:32]. If the rate is high, go ahead and plant! If it’s very low (like 20%), it might be time to invest in a fresh packet of seeds.