I finally decided to take a day off from the shop today. If your a Woodworker, you understand that this is a rare occasion. So today, after chatting with @gardengirlcanada I decided that I should test the seeds I had left over from last year to see which ones I need to order for this Spring.
There are 2 ways that I rely on to test my seeds. The first method is to place the seeds in a wet to moist paper towel and put that paper towel in a Ziplock baggy on toss it on top of the fridge where it is warm, check the power towel a couple of times over the next few days to see if they have germinated. I find that your package of seeds will normally only germinate 8 out of 10 of your seeds.
The second faster way to see if a seed is still viable is to take the seed you want to test and place it in a glass of water, let it soak for about 15 minutes if the seed sinks, then your seeds are still good, if they begin to float then there is a good chance that they are not good for growing with. While this method is not the best method, it is reliable.
Think I am going to order some new seeds that I have not grown before, like squash, I like squash.
Image Source:
http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.ca/2010/07/preparing-to-prepare-to-prepare.html