<p>Uniform crop establishment begins with healthy seed. Seed that is old, damp, or poorly stored may look normal but germinate weakly. A simple <strong>home germination test</strong> before sowing can reveal a problem early and reduce the risk of field gaps or resowing.</p>
<h2>What you need</h2>
<p>Use a representative seed sample, clean cotton cloth or thick paper towel, clean water, a tray or ventilated container, and a label. Take seed from different parts of the bag rather than selecting only the best-looking seeds from the top.</p>
<h2>Step-by-step method</h2>
<ol>
<li>Count 100 seeds for easy calculation. If seed is limited, use 50 or 25 and adjust the calculation.</li>
<li>Moisten the cloth or paper evenly. It should be damp, not flooded.</li>
<li>Place seeds apart from one another, then fold or roll the material.</li>
<li>Keep it in a clean, ventilated container at a temperature suitable for that crop.</li>
<li>Check moisture daily without drowning or disturbing the seeds.</li>
<li>At the crop's normal evaluation time, count healthy, normally developed seedlings.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Calculate the result</h2>
<p>Germination percentage = healthy seedlings ÷ total seeds tested × 100. If 86 healthy seedlings emerge from 100 seeds, germination is 86%. Record rotten, abnormal, and very weak seedlings separately.</p>
<h2>What should you do with a low result?</h2>
<p>Repeat the test to rule out unsuitable moisture or temperature. Check the packet's germination standard, storage history, and expiry information. Increasing the seed rate is not always a safe solution because weak seed may also produce uneven plants or carry a higher disease risk. When in doubt, use properly labelled seed from a reliable source and seek crop-specific advice.</p>
<p><strong>Takeaway:</strong> A small test cannot predict every field condition, but it is an inexpensive check that helps farmers sow with greater confidence.</p>