A perfect stand sets the stage for high ear count at harvest. Knowing the quality of your seed lets you avoid or manage potential stand problems. “Most tags list the warm germination rating, but few ...

Some seed corn can germinate and thrive in cold, wet spring soils. Some can’t. The challenge is to know, before you plant, which seed has a high enough germination rate to handle harsh weather ...

The paper towel seed germination test is a quick and easy way to evaluate whether your seeds are viable, aka, “will they ...

The U.S. Defense Department issued a memo on Feb. 17, warning service members to avoid eating poppy seeds because doing so may result in a positive urine test for the opiate codeine. Addiction and ...

Poppy seeds come from a species of poppy plant called Papaver somniferum. “Somniferum” is Latin for “sleep-bringing,” which hints that it might contain opiates – powerful compounds that depress the ...

Q. I had lots of vegetable seeds leftover after planting my garden last year. I saved the seeds and now I’m wondering if I can still use them this year, or would I be wasting my time? A. All seed ...

Depending on where you store them and what types of seeds they contain, your old, dog-eared seed packets may or may not be worth using this season. Seeds are alive; they do not live forever.

Most gardeners keep a stash of seedsthat they carry over from year to year. It can be a very cost effective way of planting vegetables and flowers, but there’s a catch: seeds have shelf life. Over ...