Have you ever sowed a lot of large seeds like squash only to have a few come up? Then you think ‘what a waste of compost’!

Well, as I’m running out of space in my ‘seed nursery’ in the living room, I decided I could only use the seeds which I knew would germinate – but how do you find that out?

Regular readers to this blog will know I like to experiment in the garden and so after trying a new seed sowing technique for carrots, I wondered if it would work for other seeds too.

If you fancy trying this simple method all you need is kitchen paper which you spray till wet. Then lay your seeds on the top and fold up the kitchen paper. Pop it into a plastic bag, close up and label. Leave in a warm dark place and keep an eye on them.

I kept a really close eye on them and I found holding them up to the light lets you see if any roots have formed. When you see the roots, that’s when you get potting! I did find some had really gone for it and I’ve probably potted them up a little later than desirable but I’m hopeful it will work.

Some of the seeds I used were a little older so it was a good way to find out which ones were viable and which ones should be composted. I have a few older beans to sow and will use this method with those to save me time, space and compost.

Would be interested to know if others have used this method or if you plan to. Happy seed sowing!