Is Seed Saving Viability Testing Necessary for Survival Gardening?

Why Test Seed Viability?

Testing seed viability involves assessing the percentage of seeds in a given sample that are capable of germinating. This can be achieved through simple methods such as the ‘float test’ or ’electrical conductivity test’. The float test involves submerging seeds in a container of water, separating viable (sinking) from non-viable (floating) seeds. A minimum of 100 seeds should be tested for accurate results.

How to Test Seed Viability

For a more accurate assessment, the electrical conductivity test can be employed. This involves measuring the electrical conductivity of a solution containing seeds, which is directly related to the number of viable seeds present. This method requires a conductivity meter and a minimum of 50 seeds. A simple ’tetrazolium test’ can also be used, which involves staining seeds with tetrazolium dye to identify viable (stained) and non-viable (unstained) seeds.

Benefits of Seed Viability Testing

By testing seed viability, gardeners can identify and eliminate low-viability seeds from their stock, reducing the risk of crop failure and increasing the chances of successful harvests. This can be particularly important in survival gardening situations where seeds may be scarce or unreliable. By prioritizing high-quality seeds, gardeners can increase their food security and confidence in their ability to produce a reliable crop. A minimum of 10-20% of seeds should be set aside for testing to ensure a sufficient sample size.