skip to main content

Ask The Yard Doctor Canadian Winter Sowing Seed Saving

testing germination

4 years ago

Last summer, when we were house hunting, we stored our belongings for a month. As a result my seed stock was exposed to some pretty hot temperatures. I'd like to test their germination so I know what I need to order. Do you think pretty much all seed will germinate in paper towel? Has anyone else ever tested a rather large variety of seeds all at once? Any tips?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

plays inthedirt
3 years ago
I just tested radish seeds packed for about 7 years ago & was amazed by the germ rate! (We did a move a couple years back & you know how it takes a while to figure out where garden things should go, so it slows you down for a while) Tips-get a roll of towels ( if you can find one!) and cheap little sandwich zippy bags. Oh, and a marker to write on the bags. Seeds that need a cold period should spend some time in the fridge before testing-I'd check the specific type to find how long to chill them. I think I should check if the seeds are still good before wasting my garden space on......nope, or storing stuff that....nope either!
Related Discussions
germination test
Q
Comments (4)
In searching a bit I see that coneflowers do indeed need stratification. do others test germination? No, I just do my best at letting the seeds or seed pods mature, brown and split if they are the splitting kind of seed pods. I then harvest them and let them dry additionally before packing them for storage in a cool, dry, dark place. If seeds are properly harvested, they 'should' be fine. It is kind of a crap-shoot though when trading as some members maybe aren't as knowledgeable as others are about the proper maturing and drying of seeds. The Seed Saving Forum is a great place to learn about harvesting seeds at the appropriate time. Remy is our resident expert there fielding a lot of the questions with good info. hth...sorry, don't know how to really test them when needing stratification. If they were harvested properly, they should be fine. If you Winter Sow them, you would then later know for sure if they are viable or not. hth Sue
...See More
Have Tomato Seeds want Wisconsin 55
Q
Comments (0)
I grew several Heirloom tomatos last year and have saved seeds for this year. Not sure if they cross polinated, but tested germination rates and they are 80 to 100% germination. I have a limited number, but would be happy to trade for Wisconsin 55, stamps or unique seeds/plants. The varieties I have are: Black from Tula Azores (only a few seeds) Cherokee Purple (only a few seeds) Big Black (probably Cherokee Purple- Great tomato) Black Plum (another fav of mine) Black Cherry (super good producer of wonderful large cherry sized fruit)
...See More
OT Parlor Palm seeds
Q
Comments (4)
OMG Shawn! that's crazy! You keep safe too! there are alot of people without power here, thank goodness we still have it. I was just watching the news, and a 71 year old woman was killed when a tree fell on her car on rt22, a tractor trailer got blown over on a bridge..at least it didnt fall off! Get this..a whole front of a house blew off somewhere in jersey! It looks like a doll house opened up. SO many other things as well..tropical force winds all day without the rain..Hope nothing of yours get broken or damaged! Stay safe! Cant wait till this is over tonight!
...See More
where and when should I plant my stinging nettles seeds?
Q
Comments (4)
daisy - Thanks. I have a spot I think they'll like, where I can keep an eye on them. If I looked hard enough, I could probably find some growing nearby. I tried that last year, and thought I had some. But when I went to collect it, it didn't sting. So wrong weed. I don't want them to take over, so I'll be cutting them back regularly. I want to make sure I have a way to remove them in the future though, before I plant. Someone posted a while back that they would eventually give up if I kept mowing them.
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES What Your Weeds May Be Trying to Tell You

By Curtis Adams

An invasion of weeds can reveal something about your soil. Here’s what is going on and what to do about it

WINTER GARDENING Extend Your Growing Season With a Cold Frame in the Garden

By Paintbox Garden

If the sun's shining, it might be time to sow seeds under glass to transplant or harvest

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Favorites for Your Summer Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Get your summer garden off to a good start with these popular fruits and vegetables

GARDENING GUIDES Lowly Mulch Makes Magic in the Garden

By Curtis Adams

Find out why you should be mulching your garden beds and what material is right for your site

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

GARDENING GUIDES Why Your Garden Might Be Full of Weeds

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Tired of battling unwanted plants? These surprising reasons for weediness point the way to cures

WINTER GARDENING Your Essential Seed-Starting Glossary

By Curtis Adams

Before starting plants from seed indoors, learn these common horticulture terms

EDIBLE GARDENS 10 Great Crops for a Winter Greenhouse

By Marianne Lipanovich

Treat yourself to fresh produce during the winter months by growing these edible favorites in your greenhouse

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Apricots

By Marianne Lipanovich

Velvety fruit, pretty blossoms and interesting bark make apricot trees a delight — and they’re great for smaller gardens

Sponsored

More Discussions

Are my newly viburnums dead or dying?

3

Can I recover the structure of this tree?

0

Cement or pavers- which is better?

9