138 Gardening 



FIG. 82. A germination test of corn and beans. The seed planted in the left 

 half of the box is good ; that planted in the right half is poor. 



muskmelon, watermelon, okra, radish, pumpkin, squash, 

 spinach, and turnip. 



Up to 10 years cucumber and endive. 



Seeds of parsnip, parsley, and celery are always rather 

 poor in viability, and only 60 to 75 per cent of the seed 

 will germinate. 



As a rule not every seed in a given lot will germinate, 

 but at least 70 per cent should do so if the seed is in good 

 condition. Beans, peas, corn, radishes, and tomatoes 

 often germinate 95 per cent or more. If less than 70 

 per cent germinates, some of the plants that do appear 

 are likely to be weak. 



Test for germination. One cannot tell for certain 

 from the appearance of seeds whether they will germinate 

 or not. It is therefore a good plan to test the viability of 

 seeds, especially if they are known to be more than one 



