Freighter View Farms

Every garden begins with a seed, and here at Freighter View Farms, we cherish the process of nurturing these tiny packets of potential. Before the spring sun warms the soil, it’s crucial to know that our saved seeds are full of life. Seed viability testing is a simple yet satisfying way to ensure that the seeds you’ve saved are ready for planting when the season comes. Today, we’ll dive into a tried-and-true method for sprouting seeds, ensuring that we’re well-prepared for the growing season ahead.

Why Test Seed Viability?

Seed saving is a labor of love, and each season, we save our favorite varieties, like the lemon drop summer squash. But seeds, like all living things, change over time. Some lose their vitality, while others may be ready to sprout and grow. By testing seed viability, we guarantee that our spring planting will bring us lush, healthy plants.

Testing seeds is an easy process, and it’s one that brings with it a sense of satisfaction, a sneak peek of the garden to come.

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Seed Viability

1. Gather Your Seeds and Supplies: Begin with the seeds you want to test. For this example, I used three Lemon Drop Summer Squash seeds. You’ll also need a paper towel, a small plastic ziplock bag, and access to a dark place like a kitchen cupboard.
2. Wet the Paper Towel: Run a paper towel under water until it’s thoroughly damp. You don’t want it soaked, just enough to provide a moist environment for the seeds.
3. Place the Seeds on the Paper Towel: Lay your seeds on the paper towel, spaced apart slightly so that each one has room to breathe. Then, fold the paper towel over to cover the seeds, wrapping them snugly.
4. Place in a Ziplock Bag: Put the paper towel with the seeds into a small plastic ziplock bag. This will help to maintain moisture levels, creating a cozy mini-greenhouse for the seeds.
5. Store in a Dark Place: Place the bag in a dark spot. I usually use a kitchen cupboard for this purpose, somewhere where the temperature is steady and out of direct light.
6. Check Every Few Days: Every few days, check the bag to see if there’s any progress. Look for small signs of life, tiny white roots emerging from the seeds. For my lemon drop summer squash seeds, I checked in regularly, and after about seven days, all three seeds had sprouted.

Examining the Sprouts

The sprouted seeds showed strong viability. The delicate roots pushed their way out from the base of the seed, winding their way out of the shell. Each tiny tendril is a promise, a vision of what will soon unfurl into healthy squash vines under the summer sun.

If, after seven days, at least 70-80% of the seeds have sprouted, then you can be confident that the batch has good viability. In my case, all three seeds sprouted, giving me peace of mind that my lemon drop squash will thrive this coming spring.

Spring Planting and the Joy of Gardening

Testing seed viability is like a sneak peek of the garden’s promise, a glimpse into the vibrant greens and yellows that will soon come to life. As each seed breaks open and sends out its first root, it’s a reminder of the resilience and potential held within each small seed, a reminder that the spring garden starts long before the ground is warm.

This small task is not just about ensuring a good harvest; it’s about savoring every step of the gardening journey, from the quiet of winter evenings spent preparing, to the sun-dappled days of spring when everything comes alive again.

Happy planting from Freighter View Farms, may your gardens be lush, your seeds be strong, and your spring planting be full of joy.