How would you know if seeds are suitable for sowing?
Even if seeds are stored well, there is no guarantee that the batch you plant will produce a good crop. I think it is better to test a few seeds before wasting time planting all of them.
So if you are questioning, “How do you know if grass seed is still good?” look no further. Let me explain the easiest process in this short article.
How To Tell If Your Grass Seeds Are Still Good
Typically, any seed packet you buy will have the planting year mentioned on the label. But sometimes, the seeds could be a gift from a friend, and there is no way to know if they are viable or not.
And as the years go by, the seeds have lower chances of growing into plants. But, it also depends on how they were stored. Anyway, you can test them and determine whether they are still good or need to be thrown out.
Water Test
For this test, you need to pour water into a container and put the seeds in it. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and observe the seeds. In case they sink, they are good enough to sow, but if they float, you will have to throw them away.
However, I prefer the germination method to test the viability of seeds over this one.
Germination Test
The best way to check the seeds is through a simple germination test. It’s like taking a sample before bothering to plant all the seeds in the soil.
To begin with, take a paper towel and spray some water on it. Take around 10 to 15 grass seeds and place them on the towel; fold the towel so that seeds are covered with moist paper. Now, put this batch in a plastic bag and note the date of starting the test.
The seeds need some heat to germinate, so place the plastic bag in a warm environment most of the time. You will need to open it once a day to check for germination. The time taken by the seeds to grow depends on their variety - some take a few days while others can take weeks.
If you don’t see any signs of germination for three to four days, the seeds are likely not viable anymore.
Final Words
Actually, if the sprouts are very sparse, you can still sow these seeds in larger bunches. And, if the sprouts are visible at average density, you can plant them as per regular instructions.
Also, if you want to be accurate, you can test precisely ten seeds. This way, you will find the exact percentage of germination. So that was it for my today’s guide; I hope you found it helpful.